Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the fields of hair transplantation and plastic surgery are constantly evolving. Newborn hair transplantation, a specialized and rather unique area, has managed to secure a notable second - place ranking in the list for nostril plasty in the city. This article will delve deep into the world of hair transplantation in New York City, exploring the top centers, procedures, candidate requirements, and more.
Top Hair Transplant Centers in New York City
New York City is home to several renowned hair transplant centers, each with its own areas of focus and expertise. Let's take a closer look at some of them:
Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration
Founded in 2005 by world - renowned hair restoration innovator and surgeon Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, Bernstein Medical is a state - of - the - art hair restoration facility. It is also an international hair loss referral center. The center focuses on various services such as hair restoration (27%), hair transplant (34%), hair loss prevention (16%), and other services (23%). Their expertise lies in using the most advanced technologies for the treatment of hair loss in men and women. Dr. Bernstein is a pioneer in modern hair transplant surgery, introducing concepts like follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). His contributions have earned him numerous awards and recognition, including being on the “top doctors” list in New York magazine for twenty consecutive years.
Eskmd Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kwak at Eskmd Facial Plastic Surgery has spent his entire career focusing on the human face and neck. The center's service focus includes hair restoration (37%), hair transplant (15%), hair loss prevention (38%), and other services (10%). Besides nasal procedures (both cosmetic and functional), it is also known as a premier destination for facelifts, brow and neck lifts, non - surgical skin treatments, and hair restoration. The combination of facial expertise and hair restoration services makes it a unique option for patients.
Feller & Bloxham Medical Hair Transplant
Dr. Feller's practice is limited exclusively to hair restoration surgery. The service focus is 37% hair restoration, 24% hair transplant, 14% hair loss prevention, and 25% other services. He employs a team of experienced technicians, referred to as “super - technicians,” for every procedure. These technicians are trained and work exclusively at Feller and Bloxham Hair Transplantation, ensuring a high - quality and specialized approach to each patient's hair transplant needs.
Hair Transplant Center of NYC
Located in Manhattan, the Hair Transplant Center of NYC offers free hair transplant and hair restoration consultations. The center's service focus includes 36% hair restoration, 34% hair transplant, 25% hair loss prevention, and 5% other services. Using state - of - the - art contemporary hair transplant technology, the board - certified hair transplant specialist provides the most advanced hair transplant and replacement hair restoration procedures for hair loss in both men and women. Medical Director Douglas Senderoff, MD, brings his expertise to offer top - notch services.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Greenwald focuses his practice on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. In terms of hair - related services, the center has a 7% focus on hair restoration, 64% on hair transplant, 7% on hair loss prevention, and 21% on other services. He is a certified plastic surgeon and is often sought after by patients to revise previous surgeries that did not achieve the intended goals. His experience in cosmetic surgery may contribute to a more comprehensive approach to hair transplantation.
Dr. Robin Unger MD
Dr. Robin Unger is an excellent option for female patients in need of hair transplantation. The service focus includes 30% hair restoration, 13% hair transplant, 29% hair loss prevention, and 28% other services. She understands the special concerns of women when it comes to hair thinning and loss, especially during menopause when estrogen levels decline. Hair loss can significantly affect a woman's self - esteem, and Dr. Unger is committed to providing personalized care to address these issues.
To provide a better comparison, the following table summarizes the service focuses of these centers:
Center Name | Hair Restoration (%) | Hair Transplant (%) | Hair Loss Prevention (%) | Other (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bernstein Medical | 27 | 34 | 16 | 23 |
Eskmd Facial Plastic Surgery | 37 | 15 | 38 | 10 |
Feller & Bloxham Medical | 37 | 24 | 14 | 25 |
Hair Transplant Center of NYC | 36 | 34 | 25 | 5 |
Greenwald Plastic Surgery | 7 | 64 | 7 | 21 |
Dr. Robin Unger MD | 30 | 13 | 29 | 28 |
Hair Transplant Procedures
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a popular hair transplant procedure. It involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back of the head, where they are not genetically programmed for balding. The hairs are extracted individually and then transplanted to the thinning or balding area one by one. This method results in a completely natural - looking outcome. For example, at Dr. Andrew Jacono's clinics, he offers FUE as part of his hair transplant services. He can create between 2,500 and 3,000 grafts during a single procedure using FUE. One of the advantages of FUE is that it leaves very tiny, dot - like scars that are often not noticeable, allowing patients to wear their hair at a short length without any visible signs of the transplant. However, it is a delicate and time - consuming process.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Also known as the “strip” method, FUT involves harvesting a linear strip of the scalp from the back of the scalp, where the hair is more abundant and permanent. The follicular unit grafts are then carefully microscopically dissected from the strip and implanted one by one in the thinning or balding area. FUT can cover a larger area more quickly compared to FUE. But it generally leaves a thin linear scar at the back and sides of the scalp, which may require the patient to keep their hair at a slightly longer length to camouflage the scar. For instance, Dr. Jacono has used the strip method in some of his hair transplant cases to achieve a more natural and fuller hairline for his patients.
Artas IX System
The Artas IX system is the most advanced hair restoration system. It is a physician - assisted robotic method used to harvest the best - quality hair and ensure precision, reproducibility, and outstanding outcomes. The system can also create recipient sites and implant the follicular unit grafts. Dr. Wolfeld is one of the doctors who uses this advanced technology. The downtime with the FUE Artas IX hair restoration is minimal, usually only a few days, and patients can resume full activity ten days after the procedure. It also has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional methods and allows patients to wear their hair shorter in the future.
Microblend Grafting
Female or male pattern baldness often affects the front and top section of the scalp. Microblend grafting takes advantage of the fact that the sides and back of the scalp are programmed to continue growing hair for life. These areas become the donor area. The grafts can be either follicular groupings or micro - follicular grafts. Each individual graft usually has about 3 individual hair follicles, while follicular groupings can have 4 to 6 hairs. Older grafts tended to contain 10 to 20 follicles. Using 1 to 3 hair grafts helps create the most natural - looking hairline, especially in the transition zone from the thin hair on the forehead to the denser hair further back on the scalp.
Neograft Hair Restoration
Dr. Rapaport's office and Coolspa offer Neograft hair restoration. It is an innovative technology that provides more natural results without leaving any noticeable scar. It is the first and only FDA - cleared follicular unit harvesting and implantation system. The system uses the FUE technique, where complete individual hair follicles are precisely extracted and immediately implanted into the scalp. It also employs the “no - touch” technique, which increases the likelihood that the transplanted hairs will survive. Dr. Rapaport's team also offers a shaveless Neograft option for patients who cannot afford the downtime of waiting for the donor site to grow out. Although this technique is more demanding and the harvest period is longer, it provides a convenient solution for many patients.
Who is a Candidate for Hair Transplantation?
Determining the right candidate for hair transplantation is crucial for a successful outcome. Generally, the ideal candidate has the following characteristics:
- Age Range: The ideal candidate is typically between 25 to 66 years of age. However, there are no strict age limits, as individuals younger than 26 can experience premature hair loss. For example, young men who start experiencing male - pattern baldness in their early twenties may be candidates for transplantation if they meet other criteria.
- Pattern Baldness: The candidate should suffer from pattern baldness, which is usually a genetic condition. Pattern baldness affects certain areas of the scalp, leaving other parts with decent donor hair that can be extracted. For instance, male - pattern baldness often starts with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown, while female - pattern baldness typically results in overall thinning of the hair on the top of the head.
- Healthy Donor Hair: The candidate should have healthy hair on the back and sides of the head, which can serve as the donor area. It is better to start the transplantation process before the patient is completely bald so that the existing hair can help hide the early restoration stages. For example, a patient with significant hair loss but still having some healthy hair at the sides and back can undergo the procedure to restore a more natural - looking hairline.
- Other Situations: Individuals with well - defined female or male pattern baldness, those suffering from hair loss due to cosmetic surgery procedures, scalp injuries, and scarring, those who want to thicken or restore their beards, moustaches, or eyebrows, and those who have undergone previous hair restoration procedures can also be candidates for transplantation. For example, a patient who had a brow - lift procedure and experienced hairline recession may choose hair transplantation to restore a more natural - looking hairline.
What to Expect During the Hair Transplant Procedure
Pre - procedure Preparation
Before the hair transplant procedure, patients need to take several steps to ensure a smooth process. The hair restoration design and plan are thoroughly discussed and reviewed with the doctor. All questions should be answered, and the extent of hair coverage and graft count should be clearly known beforehand. It is important not to cut the hair too short prior to the procedure, and any shaving of the scalp will be performed on the morning of the procedure. Patients should avoid any nicotine use for at least three weeks before the procedure, as nicotine can affect blood circulation and healing. They should wear loose clothing, preferably a button - down shirt, to the procedure, as they cannot wear any top that needs to go over the head after the operation. It is also necessary to eat breakfast before the procedure, but avoid coffee. Additionally, patients are unable to drive or take public transportation following the procedure, so they should arrange for a ride home.
During the Procedure
The hair transplant procedure usually takes several hours to complete, typically about six to eight hours, depending on the extent of the restoration. For the Artas IX extraction portion of the FUE procedure, the patient will be lying on their abdomen. Then, they will be seated comfortably on their back for the remainder of the procedure. Local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort during the process. During the procedure, patients can rest, watch television, take a nap, or chat with the staff.
Post - procedure Recovery
After the hair transplant procedure, patients need to carefully follow the post - treatment instructions to ensure a quick recovery and protect the newly transplanted follicular unit grafts. Most patients can return to work within a day or two, but vigorous physical activity should be limited for at least 5 days to a week. The hair should be washed the next morning after the procedure. Medication is usually prescribed to reduce swelling. There may be small scabs or crusting present for about a week to 10 days, along with some itching at the treatment site. Numbness at the recipient or donor sites may also occur but usually disappears within a couple of weeks to a month. It is essential to schedule follow - up visits at the 4 - to 6 - month interval to assess the results and monitor the patient's progress.
The recovery time and experience can vary depending on the procedure used. For example, with the FUT (strip method), the recipient (grafted) areas will be noticeable for approximately ten days, and the stitches or staples are removed at 10 and 20 days following the procedure. Full activity can usually be resumed 4 - 6 weeks after the procedure. In contrast, the downtime with the FUE Artas IX hair restoration is minimal, with most patients resuming full activity in ten days.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, hair transplantation comes with some potential risks and complications:
- Scarring: The FUT method generally leaves a thin linear scar at the back and sides of the scalp. The visibility of this scar can depend on factors such as wound tension during closure and individual healing characteristics. In contrast, the FUE method leaves very tiny, dot - like scars that are often less noticeable, especially when the hair is short.
- Infection and Bleeding: Although rare, infection and bleeding can occur. Patients are usually advised to avoid using certain drugs such as aspirin or some herbal supplements or remedies prior to the hair transplant surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. If there are any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, patients should contact their doctor immediately.
- Hair Shedding: Most of the transplanted hair is shed within one month after the procedure. However, this is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. New hair usually begins to grow after about 3 months and will continue to grow at a normal rate. By about 6 months after the hair transplant procedure, the hairs will start to take on a natural appearance.
- Unsatisfactory Results: In some cases, the results may not meet the patient's expectations. This can be due to factors such as the skill of the surgeon, the patient's individual hair characteristics, or unforeseen complications. It is important to have realistic expectations and to choose a reputable surgeon with extensive experience to minimize the risk of unsatisfactory results.
Hair Transplant Statistics
Hair transplant statistics can provide valuable insights into the popularity and trends of the procedure:
- Procedure Preference: According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (2022), 66.2% of hair transplant surgeries are FUE, 31.5% are FUT, and 2.35% use both techniques. This shows that FUE is currently the more popular choice among patients.
- Gender Distribution: 87.3% of hair transplant patients are men. Men are 5.3 times more likely to seek surgical hair restoration than women. However, the number of female patients is also increasing as more awareness is being raised about hair loss in women and the available treatment options.
- Success Rate: Hair transplants have a 97% and above success rate in the overall market. However, the success of a hair transplant depends on various factors, such as suitability assessments, prevention of further hair loss, the skill of the