Sitdown With John & Jon

Welcome to our newest segment, Sitdown with John & Jon.  I’m John and over the next few weeks I will be sitting down with Jonathan Turowski, a Registered Nurse here at Neiman Dermatology, asking him the most popular questions about anything and everything dermatology.  This week I decided to start the series off with a discussion relating to a topic we get asked about all the time, hair transplantation.

JOHN: Hey Jonathan, first of all I just wanted to thank you for taking the time from your day to answer some questions about hair transplantation.

JONATHAN: No problem John, I’m excited to let people know about it and the terrific work Dr. Neiman does.

JOHN: So what is hair transplantation?

JONATHAN: It is a surgical procedure where individual hair follicles unaffected by heredity are taken from the back of the scalp, referred to as the donor site, and moved to bald or balding areas where they will continue to grow.

JOHN: Is it permanent?

JONATHAN: It is the ONLY permanent solution to hair loss.  Hair will continue to grow for a lifetime.

JOHN: So after the procedure is completed, will it be obvious that a patient had one done?

JONATHAN: After the grafts are placed, red scabs will appear as the grafts settle into the scalp.  The scabs are most noticeable for the first 10-14 days, but with saline soaks to the scalp at least three times a day and avoiding trauma to the scalp, the scabs will come off.  There will be a lighter pinkish hue that is left behind, which is only noticeable if you mention you had a procedure done.  A lot of people just choose to wear a hat during this time frame.

JOHN: Can a graft ever fall out?

JONATHAN: If there is trauma caused to the scalp, such as banging your head on something within a few days after the procedure or heavy lifting, then yes it can happen.  After the procedure, we will give you a sheet on how to properly preserve the graft, and if it does happen to fall out it is rather easy to reinsert into the scalp.

JOHN: Should patients consider taking time off of work?

JONATHAN: Most people take off a week from work, but it is not necessary, it depends on the job.  Some people need only a day or two to rest up.

JOHN: Since it is a surgical procedure, will there be any scarring noticeable at the “donor site?”

JONATHAN: The surrounding hair around the “donor site” covers the scar, even if someone were to “thumb” through your hair, they would have to have a trained eye and really know what to look for.

JOHN: When will someone first notice growth after their procedure?

JONATHAN: Well John, hair gradually grows about a ½” every month after a dormant 3 month period, so some individuals may first notice growth in as little as 5-6 months.  I would say for the most part to expect about one full year to truly evaluate the progress.

*If you have any questions you would like to ask Sitdown with John & Jon, e-mail us at neimandermatology@gmail.com.