It is not until hair is gone that people understand the loss it represents; most people take a head of thick hair for granted. In most cases, a hair transplant procedure can help to bring back the appearance of a head full of hair.

There are a lot of myths about the causes of hair loss, like bad circulation in the scalp, nutritional deficiencies, and excessive use of hats, among others—but none of the theories have been proved. Likewise, it is false that men older than 40 years of age who have not yet lost their hair never will.

Actually, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, hair loss is due to aging, hormonal changes, and inheritance (family history). In some cases, injuries to the scalp can cause hair loss, too—for example, burns and traumas. Some claim that hair loss is worse when it starts early.

The patient should understand that hair transplantation is just that—transplantation of hair that they already had, to a place where it is more visible. This procedure does not create new hair.

What is a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is a surgery that involves removing a narrow strip (or small pieces of the patient’s own scalp) from a donor site and using it to fill an area with thin hair (or that it is bald), which is the recipient site.

In the United States, this procedure has been performed since 1950, so if a surgeon recommends this option as the best one for the patient, they can feel calm and sure in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon because this procedure is widely known and has been practiced by them for many years.

Nowadays, a hair transplant can be performed with hair from the patient’s own scalp. The hair can also be transplanted between identical twins because they have the same genetic constitution. However, there are a lot of scientists trying to find out a way to make hair transplants possible between different people without rejection.

Who is an ideal candidate for a hair transplant?

An ideal patient for a hair transplant should be a person with bald areas, but with healthy hair growth in other areas—for example, the sides of the head-sides and back. This is because these areas will be used as donor sites. The patient should be aware that hair characteristics (color, texture, and form such as straight, wavy, or curly) can alter the final results.

These days, there are a lot of techniques used to perform a hair transplant; in some cases, the plastic surgeon decides to combine a variety of these techniques in the same patient to obtain a more natural result (according to the patient’s desires).

A hair transplant surgery can enhance the appearance and the patient’s self-confidence, but before they decide to have surgery, they should be aware that the results won’t necessarily match their ideal. Also, the patient should remember that the procedure has limits; the plastic surgeon can explain the possible outcomes. If the patient has very little hair, they may be not considered a good candidate for the procedure.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

The cost of hair transplantation can vary depending on the amount of hair to be transplanted, but it generally ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. The procedure is rarely covered by insurance, but when baldness is caused by trauma or burns, the hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance.

What should the patient do before a hair transplant?

Hair transplant surgery should be planned according to the patient’s individual needs. The patient should consult a certified plastic surgeon to be sure which technique is the best for them. Likewise, it is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon with wide experience in hair transplantation and replacement, and other techniques.

During the first consultation, the physician starts by evaluating the amount of hair, areas with healthy hair, and bald areas. In the medical record, a patient’s hereditarian baldness should be included, and also, any prior treatment that they have undergone to correct it.
At this point, the surgeon can ask the patient about their lifestyle and discuss the desired outcome of the procedure and any current disease that may represent a risk factor during the surgery or during the recovery time (especially chronic conditions like hypertension, diseases that affect blood clotting, or a history of scarring). Likewise, the patient should communicate if they smoke, and inform the doctor of all drugs or current medications being taken.

One of the most important things before surgery is for the surgeon to explain to the patient how they will look once the surgery is performed, including the different stages of treatment.

What is the general procedure for a hair transplant?

In most hair transplant procedures, the patient is under local anesthesia, but in some cases the patient may need general anesthesia. Usually, the procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, but it can also be performed in clinics or hospitals. In general terms, a hair transplant consists of removing small amounts of scalp tissue (containing hair) from the donor site to transplant them to a bald area. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the transplant will take approximately four to eight hours.

The plastic surgeon first cleans the scalp and then injects an anesthetic to numb the donor and recipient areas; after that, the graft of the scalp will be selected and removed from the donor area with a scalpel. These are different in size, but on average a round-shaped punch graft contains 10 to 15 hairs. Other sizes, like the mini-graft, contain about 2 to 4 hairs, and the micro-graft (the smallest) contains 1 to 2 hairs. Meanwhile, slit grafts contain about 4 to 10 hairs, and strip grafts (long but thin) contain 30 to 40 hairs.

The patient should know that in most cases, various sessions are needed to obtain the best results; likewise, between these different sessions, the patient should have several months of rest for healing. This is influenced by the patient’s hair characteristics, as some types of hair cover better than others.

There is not a definite number of grafts or hairs to be transplanted during each session. This will vary according to the technique and individual needs. However, experts say that on average, 50 grafts can be used, but when mini-grafts or micro-grafts are used, more than 700 can be used in each session.

The small sizes of grafts—like mini, micro, slit, and strip—are mostly used on patients that desire modest and more natural changes in their appearance. On the other hand, techniques like flaps and tissue expansion are used to achieve more noticeable changes.

The grafts are processed to later be placed in the new location on the scalp. For this, the plastic surgeon creates small holes and slits with a scalpel or needle. To relocate the grafts, the surgeon uses a special instrument to replace the graft in the bald area. At this point, the doctor can alternate the grafted tissue with saline solution injections, in order to maintain the vitality of the scalp.

Finally, the small donor areas are closed with sutures and covered by the hair around them. When the plastic surgeon places the graft in the recipient site, they will be very careful to be sure that new hair will grow in the right direction. Likewise, they should be sure that the donor area was not affected and that the hair will continue growing properly. The last step is cleaning the scalp and covering it with gauze.

What is the postoperative care for a hair transplant?

After hair transplant surgery, the scalp will be very tender. The patient may need to take pain medications for several days, and will wear a surgical dressing over the scalp for at least 1 or 2 days. The surgeon will also prescribe an antibiotic drug to be taken for several days following surgery. Most people are able to return to work 2 to 5 days after surgery.
The patient should know that within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, they will lose the transplanted hair—but this is normal, and after a few months, it begins to grow again. In most cases, 60% of the new hair appears between 6 and 9 months. It may take up to 2 years before the patient can see the final results of a full transplant series.

What are the risks of a hair transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is normally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced physician; still, each individual has different physical reactions and healing processes, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Like any plastic surgery, a hair transplantation has risks. Among them are bleeding, infection, scarring, and aesthetic problems like an unnatural look of the transplanted hair. In other cases, when the new hair growth starts, some people experience inflammation or infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis), but this can be relieved with antibiotics and compresses. Another potential risk—and fortunately, a less common one—is the sudden loss of transplanted hair or shock loss; the skin plug dies and the surgery must be repeated. However, this hair loss is rarely permanent.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

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    Procedures

    Procedures

    PARS Plastic Surgery is located in Houston, Tx, and offers a wide range of different procedures. Whatever your personal goals or priorities might be, we have what it takes to provide you with professional, quality care.

    From a complete “mommy makeover” to non-surgical procedures, we are committed to helping you achieve results that completely change the way you approach life.

    Face

    Face

    We offer a number of different facial procedures. Facelifts can radically improve the look of your visage by boosting youthfulness and eliminating wrinkles. Botox is a convenient option that is quick and easy - with no surgery required. Lip augmentation is another popular service for adults of all ages.

    In addition, PARS Plastic Surgery can handle complex procedures such as rhinoplasties and eyelid surgeries.

    Body

    Body

    Improving your body-image has never been easier with a range of advanced cosmetic procedures. We offer tummy tuck procedures that can transform your confidence and your appearance. Our tummy tuck surgery is safe, reliable, and completely transformative. Liposuction is another excellent option for those who are pursuing better health with a lower weight.

    A butt augmentation procedure can also boost confidence levels, and we also offer a body lift procedure to keep everything looking tight and attractive.

    Breast

    Breast

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that your breasts are an important priority for your self-esteem and your overall feeling of well-being. Our breast augmentation procedures are safe, easy, and extremely realistic. We can also provide a breast lift to give you a new lease on life.

    Additionally, we understand that a breast reduction surgery may be necessary to alleviate back pain and help you achieve your ideal body-image.

    Inverted nipples can easily be corrected at our clinic, and we also offer breast lift services so you can feel a new sense of confidence.

    Buttocks

    Buttocks

    We also specialize in a range of procedures centered around the buttocks. Our butt augmentation surgery can help you achieve excellent results. Whether you’re trying to turn heads or achieve a sense of self-assuredness for your own satisfaction, we can help you reach your personal body goals. Some of our most popular services include the Brazilian buttlift.

    Fat grafting is another popular service these days that we can provide you with. We’ll help you shape your body in ways that help you achieve joy when you look in the mirror. No job is too demanding for our professional clinic. A buttock lift is another excellent option that can help you feel more youthful and attractive. Extending down through the leg, we can also provide you with a thigh lift treatment that can give your legs a newfound sense of tightness and slimming.

    Men

    Men

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that modern men are interested in a range of cosmetic procedures. We can help you deal with issues related to Gynecomastia by eliminating the fatty breast tissue you might have. We are also one of the most knowledgeable clinics when it comes to hair implants. If you’re dealing with hair loss, we can provide you with implants that can transform your image and re-establish your self-confidence.

    We also offer a range of facial products that can keep you looking younger for longer. At PARS Plastic surgery, we always stay up to date with the latest anti-aging technologies, treatments, and products. We can offer expert advice on how you can maintain your youthful visage. Finally, we can offer our male clients a range of botox treatments to help maintain and augment their appearance.

    Is Dr. Rojan Amjadi, M.D. qualified?

    Dr. Amjadi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Amjadi then trained in plastic surgery at the Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas. In addition to these qualifications, Dr. Rojan is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, and many other organizations that represent plastic surgeons across the nation. Dr. Amjadi has been practicing since 1999. He is trained in the most modern, sophisticated surgical techniques in use today.

    Is the clinic properly sterilized?

    We adhere to very strict safety, sterilization, and infection control protocols at the PARS clinic. Our dedicated and diligent staff members will protect you at all times.

    Can anyone get cosmetic surgery?

    In order to maintain high safety standards, we ask that you complete a thorough medical exam before we begin your procedures. With this approach, we can make sure that you will be as safe as possible. We speak with you about your expectations and goals before assessing your medical history and determining the safest, most effective plan.

    What’s the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

    The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to reshape the body to improve self-esteem and create a more ideal self-image. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to address disfigurement, defects, and other abnormalities. These issues may arise after accidents, surgeries to remove tumors, and things of that nature. Another big difference between these two types of surgery is the fact that cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, while reconstructive surgery is usually covered.

    What can I expect when I recover from my cosmetic surgery?

    Your recovery experience depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of procedure you choose may impact your recovery. Some procedures are less extensive and invasive than others, and you will likely experience an easier recovery period as a result. In addition, different patients recover in different ways. Some may require more or less pain medication than others. Your surgeon can prescribe the correct pain medications to help you overcome any discomfort. The good news is that virtually all facial cosmetic procedures involve easy recovery periods.

    How does Botox work?

    Botox injections are designed to reduce or remove visible signs of aging. The most common targets are hyper-functional lines - commonly known as “wrinkles.” These lines result from the contraction of underlying facial musculature, and Botox is effective because it temporarily weakens these muscles and prevents them from contracting. Botox does this without affecting the sensory feeling in these muscles. Botox may take up to 7 days to take full effect, although some patients notice considerable results in as little as 24 hours.

    How do I choose the right size for my breast implants?

    Choosing the right size for your new breast implants is an important decision. The choice is obviously based heavily on your own personal desires and tastes. On the other hand, you also need to take into account a number of additional factors. You might need to consider things like whether you have breastfed heavily in the past, and how this has affected your breasts. Remember, you can also receive cosmetic surgery to make breasts smaller. You can even receive surgery to change the general shape of the breasts without necessarily changing their size.

    How long do I need to take off work?

    You may need to take some time off work after undergoing your cosmetic procedure. Your surgeon will speak with you and let you know how long you need to fully recuperate. In general, most patients should rest for at least a week after receiving cosmetic surgery (less invasive procedures like Botox shouldn’t require any time off work).

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