Getting older is a part of life we all have to endure. While getting older comes with many positives, like more experience and intelligence, it also comes with unwanted changes like wrinkles and hair loss.
80% of men and 50% of women experience hair loss. Hair loss used to be taboo but is now becoming more talked about with the increase in hair restoration techniques. One of the most natural ways to restore your hair is with follicular micrografts.
At Hair Doc, located in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, we use follicular micrografts as a natural way to replenish thinning areas of your hairline without long downtime.
Your hair naturally grows in follicular units — groups of 1-4 hairs. Hair grafting uses these small sizes of hair clusters to mimic your hairline, which ensures the most natural results.
Micrografting is a technique that removes a biopsy from robust hair growth. Peter Panagotacos, MD, prepares hundreds of micrografts, generally containing 1-2 strands of hair, while a minigraft contains 2-4 hairs. He uses larger grafts at the back of the scalp and generally fades to smaller grafts near the front of the scalp.
He administers a local anesthetic to your scalp, and using a microblade, Dr. Panagotacos makes a series of small circular incisions — less than 1 mm in size. Next, he uses an implanter pen to place the grafts into your scalp in areas you’ve experienced thinning, often at the front and top of your head.
He strategically places the hair in its natural direction so it grows back virtually undetectable — even your hairdresser won’t be able to tell the difference. Over the next few months, healthy, thick strands grow in for a more youthful head of hair.
Many patients are impressed with the results of one micrograft procedure, but multiple can be undergone if desired.
If you're familiar with hair restoration methods, you might realize a micrograft sounds similar to a follicular unit extraction (FUE). While both techniques involve follicular units, they differ in several ways.
Micrografting is a procedure where Dr. Panagotacos removes a strip of scalp and hair to prepare the donor follicles. The incision is sealed with sutures or staples and involves 2-3 weeks of downtime.
Follicular unit extraction involves Dr. Panagotacos using an electric punch to remove circular units from different parts of the scalp without removing any skin. Patients need 3-5 days of downtime, and the scarring can more easily be hidden within your hairline.
Micrografting is still a used surgery, but because it poses the risk of a scar and has a longer recovery time, it’s become less popular than the FUE.
Hair restoration isn’t just for men. Many women are looking for a way to get thicker, fuller hair again. Women tend to experience hair loss as a widening part, which can be frustrating and noticeable no matter what hairstyle you try.
Micrografts are very successful in replenishing hair loss around the part and reconstructing a thicker hairline for a desirable way to frame your face. Dr. Panagotacos has over 40 years of experience in the medical field and is praised for his successful hair graft procedures — up to 100%.
While the micrografting results are miraculous, they’re not immediate. It often takes 6 months to one year to experience peak results. However, once the hair grows back the results are considered permanent making it a cost-effective treatment.
Hair loss can be hard to deal with, but luckily, a micrograft can restore your hairline. Call 415-907-7354 to schedule your appointment or book online.
