The Aging Process
Male pattern baldness (also known as 'androgenic alopecia') is by far the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting 50% of men by age 50. Male pattern baldness typically affects the frontal hairline, temporal recessions and crown. Pattern hair loss affects 1 in 5 women. In women, hair loss is usually related to hormones and typically demonstrates a more diffuse pattern.

Hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved.

Candidates for Hair Transplant Surgery
You may be a candidate for hair restoration surgery if you are concerned about the appearance of hairline recession or the development of balding or thinning of the hair.
Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the cosmetic result. There are a number of techniques used in hair replacement surgery. Sometimes, two or more techniques are used to achieve the best results.

Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair replacement surgery using microfollicular grafting involves a team approach and is usually undertaken in the office setting. Donor hair is typically taken from the the back of the head. Donor hair is either harvested surgically as a 'strip' or is harvested as individual follicles (follicular unit harvest FUH). If taken surgically, the strip is then divided into several hundred grafts. These grafts are then inserted into tiny incisions in the scalp, and must be placed in such a way that hair all grows in the same, natural direction. Hair follicles are transplanted  to recipient sites in the same manner that hairs grow naturally. In other words, the natural grouping of hairs into follicular units is preserved. Individual follicular units are transplanted separately to restore the hairline or density to areas of concern. This technique produces a high rate of success and natural, undetectable results.

The procedure usually involves local anesthesia with oral sedation. The duration of the procedures ranges from a couple to several hours and depends upon the number of grafts transplanted.

Results
After approximately six weeks, the transplanted hair shafts will fall out, although the transplanted follicle itself survives. Approximately three months later, new hair begins to grows in. Results are entirely apparent by 9-12 months. To achieve sufficient density, several sessions may be required. Transplantation is a progressive process requiring hundreds of micro-grafts, each of which will generally contain from one to three hairs grafted from a donor site located on back of the head.

Before & After photos depict the appearance of hair recipient site approximately 2 weeks following the hair restoration procedure. Transplanted follicles with foreshortened hair shafts are visible at the recipient sites. Click image to view in higher resolution.

Appearance of donor site
When the strip method is employed, the resulting scar is typically inconspicuous with normal men's hair length and styling.
Dr. Pearson designs the donor site to minimize tension and personally closes each incision for the most aesthetically pleasing result.
Most men feel confident that the donor site scar is not noticeable by onlookers by about a week.

After photo depicts the appearance of hair donor site a few months following two 'strip' harvest procedures. With normal styling, the resulting scar is inconspicuous to onlookers. Click image to view in higher resolution.

Benefits of Hair Replacement Surgery

• Transplanted hair is permanent
• Restores a natural, more youthful, and vigorous look, with potentially positive psychological effects, such as a boost in confidence.
• Less expensive than other hair-loss treatments, when factored over time.

Female Hair Restoration

Hair restoration in women often focuses on feminizing the frontal hairline or adding density in areas of concern.

In contrast with the more square-shaped frontal hairline typically seen in men, the female hairline is rounded. When this is a concern, hair restoration to the temporal region, can effectively impart a more favorable hairline shape.

In some cases, "thinning" or loss of density may draw unfavorable attention. Areas of concern depend on the patient hairstyling choice. Often, when a 'part' is used for hair styling, "thinning" in the region of the 'part' is a primary concern. Targeted hair restoration may be performed to strategic areas in order to create the appearance of fullness and density to those areas.

During consultation, Dr. Pearson will discuss your concerns and propose a hair restoration plan that best suits your goals and aesthetic priorities.

Before & After photos demonstrate the appearance of hair restoration results in a women who sought to feminize her frontal hairline by imparting a more rounded shape. Click image to view in higher resolution.

Complementary Procedures
Medical treatment options for hair loss are available. Call for a consultation with Dr. Pearson to learn more about which options may be recommend in your case.

Recovery after Hair Transplants
Following hair replacement, you can expect a few days of swelling and soreness which is well controlled with oral pain medications. Swelling generally subsides by 5 days. Any sutures at the donor site are typically removed by day 7. You can resume most normal activities after a few days, except for intense exercise, which may be resumed at about 3 weeks. Most people are able to return to work within days, but may choose to return in a week. The donor site scar is concealed by the hair. Recipient sites are usually not noticeable after about a week.

Anatomy of the Hair Follicle
The hair follicle is the main component of a structure known as the pilosebaceous unit, which also includes the hair shaft, sebaceous gland, arrector pili muscle, and sensory end organ. The pilosebaceous unit has motor and sensory functions and is responsible for the production of hair and sebum.
As noted above, individual follicular units are transplanted separately to restore the hairline or density to areas of concern. This technique produces a high rate of success and natural, undetectable results.

Illustration depicts the hair follicle embedded within the scalp skin.

What is Hair Restoration Surgery?

The term Hair Restoration Surgery is also called "Hair Transplant" or "Hair Grafting" or "Microfollicular Grafting."

What types of Hair Restoration Procedures does Dr. Pearson perform?

Dr. Pearson offers both of the most common services: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT) procedures.

What is the difference between FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transfer)?

While FUT involves excision of hair-bearing strip from the donor area and dissecting into small follicular units, on the other hand in FUE, individual follicular grafts are harvested with the help of manual or motorized punches.

Where are Hair Restoration services performed?

Hair Restoration services are performed in our private, fully accredited facility in Torrance, CA.

What type of Anesthesia is used for a Hair Restoration?

Local Anesthesia (numbing medication) along with oral sedation is typically used for this service.

Where are surgical incisions placed?

If a strip is harvested from the back of the head, then an incision is planned for the area where the back of the skull meets the upper neck. The incision extends from the right side to the left side, just behind and above hte ears.

If I undergo FUT, with strip harvest, what type of surgical scar may I expect?

When surgical incision sites are carefully planned, meticulously performed, and appropriately cared for, Dr. Pearson's scarring is typically inconspicuous.

Am I a candidate for Hair Restoration ?

If you are concerned with the appearance of thinning and or receding hairline, you may be a candidate for this prcoedure. Several factors are considered as to an individual's candidacy for Hair Restoration.

Ideal candidates for facial plastic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Are generally healthy
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Have a positive outlook
• Have reasonable expectations about what can be accomplished with surgery
• Understand and accept the risks and limitations of surgery

Are there risks involved with Hair Restoration surgery?

Yes. During your consultation, Dr. Pearson will discuss with you the potential risks of surgery. Precautions are taken to minimize risks. Most patients do not experience complications. As a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Pearson's surgical practice is limited to the Face and Neck. We believe that our high level of sub-specialization and practice focus enables us to minimize risks associated with Facial Plastic Surgery.

Associated potential risks involved with facial plastic surgical procedures include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, hematoma, neurovascular injury, scarring, asymmetry, hair loss, unfavourable cosmetic result. Prior to any surgical procedure, Dr. Pearson will personally discuss with you any specific or additional risks that may apply in your particular case.

RESULTS

What type of results may I reasonably expect?

During your consultation, Dr. Pearson will demonstrate to you in the mirror what you can expect from Hair Restoration.

Will I look like I had cosmetic surgery?

This is a common concern among individuals considering a any procedure.. In short, onlookers typically cannot tell that our patients underwent cosmetic surgery. Dr. Pearson is sought after specifically for his ability to achieve natural results.

How Hair Restoration is performed makes a world of difference as to the results achieved. Careful incision site planning, meticulous surgical technique and avoidance of tell-tale signs of surgery are crucial.

PREPARATION

How can I prepare for my Hair Restoration Procedure?

During your pre-operative visit, detailed instructions for pre operative preparation are provided and discussed. Prescriptions and supplies are also provided at that time.

What type of pre-operative testing is requested?

Uusually, no specific pre operative testing is needed for this service.

How far out should I plan to schedule surgery?

In general, we schedule Hair Restoration Surgeries 6 or more weeks in advance. During certain times of the year, more advance notice is needed. If you know your preferred time and availability, we can schedule months in advance to reserve your appointment.

RECOVERY AND HEALING

What may I expect following my Hair Restoration? (First 24 hours)

During your pre-operative visit, detailed instructions for aftercare are provided and discussed.

When can I return to work / Resume social appearances?

Most patients feel ready to return to work once they feel that their appearance is socially acceptable by day 7.

When can I resume exercise?

More intense exercise is typically resumed by 2 weeks. Depending on your swelling and healing progress, Dr. Pearson will advise you when exercise may be resumed in your case.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

How much does a Hair Restoration cost?

This is an individualized question. Following your consultation with Dr. Pearson, a customized quote will be provided.

The cost of a Hair Restoration is substantial. However, people concerned with the impact on their appearance consider the cost to be very worthwhile. Dr. Pearson's patients report a very high rate of satisfaction with their results and the positive impact on their lives.

How do the finances work for cosmetic facial surgery?

If you choose to proceed with surgery, we will work with you to find an acceptable date for your procedure. A deposit is requested at that time to hold your date. Our office begins the pre-operative planning at that time, including pre operative testing, pre operative meeting with Dr. Pearson to discuss specifics and logistics of your procedure, etc. Final payment is due a few weeks prior to surgery.