ProcedurePre-operative assessment and planningAt an initial consultation, the surgeon analyzes the patient's scalp, discusses their preferences and expectations, and advises them on the best approach (e.g. single vs. multiple sessions) and what results might reasonably be expected. Pre-operative folliscopy will help to know the actual existing density of hair,so that postoperative results of newly transplanted hair grafts can be accurately assessed.Some patients may benefit with preoperative topical minoxidil application and vitamins.

Surgical Harvesting MethodsTransplant operations are performed on an outpatient basis, with mildsedation(optional) and injected localanesthesia, which typically last about six hours. The scalp is shampooed and then treated with an antibacterial agent prior to the donor scalp being harvested.There are two main ways in which donor grafts are extracted today: strip excision harvesting, and follicular unit extraction.Strip harvestingStrip harvesting is the most common technique for removing hair and follicles from a donor site. The surgeon harvests a strip of skin from the posterior scalp, in an area of good hair growth. A single-, double-, or triple-bladed scalpel is used to remove strips of hair-bearing tissue from the donor site. Each incision is planned so that intact hair follicles are removed. The excised strip is about 11.5 x 1530cm in size. While closing the resulting wound, assistants begin to dissect individual follicular unit grafts, which are small, naturally formed groupings of hair follicles, from the strip. Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT)The Microscopic Follicular Unithair transplant methodis the industry gold standard, widely considered to be the most effective method of hair transplantation. Other hair transplant procedures are often prepared using the naked eye or low-level magnification loupes, which may increase the likelihood of damage to hair follicles. Instead, this process uses the most up-to-date technology, including high-resolution stereo microscopes. The result is a more natural look that simply isn't possible with older methods.Follicular unit extraction (FUE)WithFollicular Unit Extractionor FUE harvesting, individual follicular units containing 1 to 4 hairs are removed under local anesthesia; this micro removal typically uses tiny punches of between 0.6mm and 1.0mm in diameter. The surgeon then uses very small micro blades or fine needles to puncture the sites for receiving the grafts, placing them in a predetermined density and pattern, and angling the wounds in a consistent fashion to promote a realistic hair pattern. The technicians generally do the final part of the procedure, inserting the individual grafts in place.ARTASTheARTAS Systemis a 21st-century technological innovation that was introduced into the hair treatment field in 2011 to treat male pattern baldness, orandrogenetic alopecia. The system is sophisticated, utilizing computer assistance to harvest hair follicles during the actual process of hair replacement. ARTAS incorporates a number of elements in its operation, including an image-guided robotic arm and special imaging technologies that co-ordinate together for the purpose of implementing the "follicular unit extraction (FUE)" technique upon the recipient of the system. NeoGraftThis game changing technologyusesthe Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)method utilizing the NeoGraft Automated Hair Transplantation system, a much more desirable option because of the vast benefits this less invasive technique offers. The FUE method removes individual hair follicles from the scalp in their naturally occurring groupings of about 1-4 hairs and are then the hair follicles are placed in the areas of the scalp where balding has occurred. The end result is a natural looking hairline with no linear scar and a quick recovery time.