The Plastic Surgery Guide for Aesthetic Hair Transplant Hospitals in New York City!

Introduction

Hair loss can be a distressing issue for many individuals, impacting their self - image and confidence. In New York City, a bustling hub of advanced medical and aesthetic services, there are numerous options for hair transplant procedures. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of hair transplant hospitals in New York City, covering everything from the causes of hair loss to different types of hair transplant techniques, reputable surgeons, and post - transplant care.

Understanding Hair Loss

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors. Ageing is a common culprit, as hair follicles gradually shrink and produce thinner, shorter hair over time. Medical disorders also play a significant role. For instance, thyroid disease can disrupt the body's hormonal balance, affecting hair growth. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, D, and iron, can lead to hair thinning. Anaemia, which is often a result of iron deficiency, can also cause hair loss. Chemotherapy, a common cancer treatment, can cause significant hair loss as it targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Medications for depression, hormone imbalance, and hypertension may also have hair loss as a side effect.

Genetics is another major cause of hair loss, especially in men. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects millions of men in the United States. It is related to androgens like testosterone, which can cause hair follicles to shrink over time. In women, genetic hair loss typically results in thinning all over the head, rather than a receding hairline.

Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle consists of four stages. The anagen phase is the growth phase, during which cells divide quickly, and about 90 percent of hair follicles are in this phase. Hair typically grows about a quarter to half an inch per month during this stage. The catagen phase is the transitional phase, lasting about two weeks. In this phase, the hair follicles shrink, and the hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply. The telogen phase is the resting phase, which lasts for several months. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of follicles are in this phase, and a new hair begins to grow within the follicle. The exogen phase is the shedding phase, where the hair falls out. A normal person loses about 50 to 100 hairs each day, and the hair then returns to the anagen phase.

What is Hair Restoration?

Hair restoration, often referred to as hair transplant, is a surgical treatment that provides a long - term solution for hair loss. This process involves taking healthy hair from areas of the scalp with thicker hair density or other body parts and transplanting it to areas where there is thinning or no hair at all. For example, hair is commonly extracted from the back or sides of the scalp, where hair is usually more resistant to balding, and placed in the frontal or crown areas that are experiencing hair loss.

Types of Hair Transplant Techniques

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Also known as the strip method, FUT involves removing a linear strip of the scalp from the back of the head, where the hair is permanent and more abundant. The follicular unit grafts are then carefully microscopically dissected from the strip and implanted, one by one, in the thinning or balding area. The advantage of FUT is that it can generally harvest a larger number of grafts in a single session, and it may be faster than some other methods. However, it leaves a thin linear scar on the back of the head, which may be visible if the hair is cut very short.

Some patients who are concerned about scarring may opt for other techniques, but for those with long hair or who do not mind the scar being hidden by their natural hair, FUT can be a good choice. Surgeons will often ensure that the incision is made and closed in a way that minimises the appearance of the scar, but it is still a consideration for patients.

Follicular Unit Excision or Extraction (FUE)

FUE is a modern approach to hair transplantation. 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 for a completely natural result. This method has become increasingly popular because it avoids the linear scar associated with FUT. Instead, it leaves tiny circular scars that are barely perceptible even if the scalp is shaved.

There are different ways to perform FUE. Motorized methods are common, and various machines are available, such as those made by Ellis, Devroye (WAW), Neograft, Smartgraft, and Trivellini (Mamba). Each machine has its own features; for example, the Trivellini Mamba system is digitally advanced and has three settings (rotation, oscillation, vibration), which can be custom - set per the doctor's preference to adjust to the patient's hair and skin quality. The robotic method, using systems like the Artas robot, has some automated features for extracting hairs, creating recipient sites, and placing the hairs. However, it has some limitations, including high cost, the requirement for darker hair, and restrictions on the harvest location. Manual FUE involves using a sharp or blunt - tipped manual punch to extract the follicles.

Neograft

Neograft is an advanced hair transplant method offered in some New York City clinics. It utilizes “no - hands” pneumatic pressure to suction individual follicles from the scalp. This technique reduces the need for scalpels, sutures, and handling of follicles. Compared to traditional methods like the strip method, Neograft has several advantages. It can be performed in as little as 3 hours, and patients remain awake and can read, work, or watch TV throughout the procedure. It has a high follicle survival rate, typically 93 - 95%, and reduces the risk during surgery and downtime following surgery. It also avoids the wide, linear scarring associated with the strip method and has fewer traditional side - effects of hair transplantation, such as a postoperative tight scalp sensation and a donor site linear scar.

Reputable Hair Transplant Surgeons and Hospitals in New York City

Dr. Andrew Jacono

Dr. Andrew Jacono is a double - board certified plastic surgeon. He discusses various hair transplant methods in his New York and Long Island surgical centers. He offers microfollicular unit grafting, where hair is transplanted into balding areas as individual follicular units, ensuring natural - looking results. During a single procedure, he can create between 2,500 and 3,000 grafts. His patients have shown excellent results, with many achieving natural - looking hairlines and increased hair density.

Dr. Wolfeld

Dr. Wolfeld is a nationally - recognized hair restoration specialist. He is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves as an assistant clinic professor of plastic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He is the first physician certified both by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He has received many awards and honors, including being named in the New York Times “Super Doctor” list. He offers a range of hair restoration techniques, including FUE, FUT, and the use of the Artas IX system, which is a physician - assisted robotic method for hair harvesting and implantation.

Dr. Gary Linkov

Dr. Gary Linkov is a dual Ivy League trained, double - board certified plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist from NYC. He uses the latest FUE and FUT techniques to reverse hair loss and regain real growing hair. He is well - known in the community as the hair restoration specialist to go to for a fuller head of hair. He has been featured on Dr. Oz’s show and, according to USA Today, is among the top 3 aesthetic facial and hair surgery specialists in the USA. His clinic in Manhattan offers advanced hair graft techniques tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Dr. Elie and Dr. Jody Levine

They offer the Neograft hair transplant method at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. Their approach with Neograft provides a minimally invasive option for hair restoration, with no incision, no sutures, and no scar. They ensure high follicle survival rates and natural - looking results, addressing the concerns of patients who are hesitant about traditional hair transplant methods due to scarring and invasiveness.

Dr. Pearlman (Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery)

The team at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers both FUT and FUE hair transplants. They take personalized care of each patient, understanding their cosmetic goals and providing honest recommendations. Their FUT hair transplants are known for transplanting a significant amount of hair in a single session, while their FUE hair transplants are minimally invasive, with minimal scarring and discomfort.

Dr. George Lefkovits (Park Plaza Hair Transplant NYC Center)

Dr. George Lefkovits, with over 40 years of experience and specialization in hair restoration, offers both FUT and FUE hair transplant techniques at the Park Plaza Hair Transplant NYC Center. He carefully evaluates each patient's condition, including their medical history and hair loss pattern, to determine the most suitable treatment approach. The center provides cost - effective hair transplant options, with prices starting at $5500, and offers financing options for patients.

Preparing for a Hair Transplant

Consultation

The first step in preparing for a hair transplant is a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, including any family history of baldness, and the current progression of your hair loss. They will also evaluate the quality and quantity of your donor hair. It is important to be honest about your expectations for the procedure, as this will help the surgeon develop a realistic treatment plan. For example, if you have very high expectations for hair density in a large bald area, the surgeon can discuss the limitations and the number of sessions that may be required to achieve your desired look.

Lifestyle Changes

Before the procedure, there are several lifestyle changes you should make. You should avoid medications and supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, vitamin E, gingko biloba, and ibuprofen, as these can increase bleeding during surgery. Refraining from smoking for at least one week before the procedure is also recommended, as nicotine can affect the healing process. Taking vitamin C and vitamin K before the procedure may help with healing and limit bruising. For body hair donor areas, if applicable, you will need to shave the area five days prior to the procedure to allow the hairs to grow out to the desired length for extraction. For scalp hair donor areas, you can leave the hair long so that the surgical team can trim or shave it as per the discussed plan for harvesting.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

On the day of the hair transplant, it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions. You should avoid coffee, alcohol, and caffeine, as these may increase bleeding and change how you respond to medications. Arrive at the office wearing comfortable, loose - fitting clothing, preferably a button - down shirt, as you cannot wear any top that needs to go over your head after the procedure. Make sure your hair is clean and do not apply any products to it. Take your routinely prescribed medications that morning as you normally do. You will also need to bring in the procedure - specific prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, anti - inflammatory drugs, anxiolytics, and sedatives. Local anesthesia will be used throughout the procedure to limit discomfort at the donor and recipient sites, and rarely, for certain body hair transplant procedures, IV anesthesia may be recommended. Plan to have a friend or family member arrive at the conclusion of your procedure to escort you home, as you will not be able to drive.

The Hair Transplant Procedure

The hair transplant procedure usually begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the scalp. The surgeon may also give you medicine to help you relax. The donor area of the scalp (usually the back or sides) is thoroughly cleaned.

In the case of FUT, a strip of hairy scalp is removed using a scalpel and set aside. The scalp is then closed using tiny stitches. The removed strip is then processed under a microscope, and the hairs are divided into follicular units. In FUE, individual follicular units are extracted using various tools, such as motorized punches, robotic systems, or manual punches.

The recipient areas (the bald or thinning areas) are also cleaned, and tiny cuts are made in these areas. The healthy hair follicles are then carefully placed in the cuts. During a single treatment session, hundreds or even thousands of hairs may be transplanted, depending on the extent of the hair loss and the patient's desired results. The procedure can take several hours, typically about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - Operative Care

After the hair transplant, you will need to follow the doctor's instructions carefully. For the first night, it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated on several pillows or in a recliner chair to prevent swelling. Place a towel under your head for possible light bleeding. You may gently clean your hair beginning the second day until five days with water in a carefully poured basin over the head. On the sixth day, you may begin to shower normally, letting the water hit your scalp as usual.

Medications

You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, and anti - inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Pain medication may also be prescribed, although most times “Tylenol” is sufficient. Some surgeons may also prescribe medications like “minoxidil” to decrease hair fallout and improve hair growth. It is important to take these medications as directed by your doctor.

Returning to Normal Activities

You can usually return to work within a few days, depending on the type of work you do. However, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activity for the first 7 to 10 days to allow the newly transplanted hair to settle. You may also experience some shedding of the transplanted hair within 2 - 3 weeks after surgery, which is normal and allows for new hair growth. New hair growth can usually be seen within 3 months, and the full result can be expected approximately 9 months after the procedure.

Scarring and Maintenance

With FUT, you will have a thin linear scar on the back of the head, which may take some time to heal and may require you to keep your hair at a certain length to hide it. With FUE, the tiny circular scars are usually barely noticeable. Regular follow - up appointments with your surgeon are important to monitor the progress of your hair growth and to address any concerns or complications that may arise. In some cases, a second or third hair transplant session may be recommended to further improve the results or to address continued hair loss over time.

Cost of Hair Transplants in New York City

The cost of hair transplantation in New York City varies depending on several factors. These include the extent of the scalp to be transplanted, the hair transplant technique used (FUT or FUE), the experience of the surgeon, and the geographic location of the clinic.

Some practices charge based on the price per graft, and the cost per graft generally ranges from $5 - $13 in most cases. The total cost of transplantation can start at $16,000. For example, at the Park Plaza Hair Transplant NYC Center, the price starts at $5500. Other clinics may have different pricing structures. It is