Dr. Weiss | Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While women with an inherited tendency toward hair loss do not become totally bald, they can develop considerable thinning of the hair. Hair transplantation utilizing slit grafting has been used for several years to successfully treat hair loss in women. Dr.Weiss has special expertise in the treatment of female pattern alopecia with this type of procedure.

Absolutely. Hair transplantation results in permanent and natural hair which actually grows from the scalp. The hair can be cut, colored and styled as you please. The goal of the procedure is to improve or enhance the appearance in an undetectable manner, not to achieve perfection or a completely "full" head of hair. Many patients report that their results are so undetectable and natural that even their barber or hair stylist cannot tell they have undergone the procedure. Surgery is not an exact science, and because factors such as the healing process are not entirely under the control of the surgeon or the patient, it is impossible to guarantee results. We do, however, guarantee hair growth. We would certainly refund a patient's entire fee should no hair growth result from a transplant procedure in our office. Fortunately, after well over one thousand cases, this has not been necessary.

Hair transplantation is usually carried out using local anesthesia along with an oral sedative. Pain from the initial injections of anesthetic is generally mild and lasts less than 30 seconds. During the procedure, you will be relaxed and should experience no pain. Patients will usually watch a video or fall asleep during this time. After the procedure, the majority of patients require only Tylenol® for the remainder of the day. Finally, most patients report having less pain from hair transplantation than from routine dental procedures.

Can anything be done to correct the "pluggy" appearance from previous old fashioned transplant procedures?

Yes. By removing hair from prominent frontal "cornrows" or "plugs", and by adding micrografts in front of and between existing transplants, a dramatically improved appearance is possible. Dr. Weiss has significant experience in corrective surgery of this type.

Complications can occur following any type of surgery, but in our experience, the incidence of significant complications occurring after hair transplantation is exceedingly rare. The most common complications we encounter are minor in nature, such as swelling in the forehead, (which lasts a few days when it occurs), numbness on the top of the scalp, (which is usually resolved in a few months), and occasional ingrown hairs or cysts.

Hair transplants are cost effective in that they can provide a permanent solution in the treatment of hair loss. Unlike hairpieces or hair replacement systems, hair transplants require no ongoing maintenance. Patients are charged by the session depending on the size of the area to be treated and on the amount of work necessary to create the desired result. Fees typically start at $3,000 and can range as high as $10,000 per session. Dr. Weiss personally performs each procedure in a relaxed and professional environment. Unlike many clinics or franchises, patients are never rushed. Dr. Weiss spends a significant amount of time formulating an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Most patients can achieve a substantial improvement in their appearance in as few as two sessions. The total cost varies with the individual, of course, and depends on the number and size of sessions performed. This is determined by the size of the bald or thinning area, the patient's hair characteristics and the desired density. These factors will be discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr. Weiss.

Following surgery, a dressing is placed on the head and can be removed by the patient at home the following day. The scalp is water rinsed the day after surgery and can be shampooed on the second day. Most people return to work or resume their normal schedule of activities by the second or third day after surgery. Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for one week following hair transplantation. Between two and four weeks after surgery, the transplanted hair enters a resting phase and will usually fall out. Approximately three months later, the transplanted hair reappears and continues to grow on a permanent basis at the normal average rate of about 1/2 inch per month.

Hair transplantation is a surgical treatment that provides a permanent solution for many patients with baldness and thinning hair. This treatment is sometimes performed in conjunction with scalp reduction, a surgical procedure designed to remove bald skin from the scalp. Certain types of hair loss may be more appropriately treated with medical therapy or with a hair replacement. To determine which method is best for you, we advise a thorough consultation with Dr. Weiss.