Hair Transplant

A hair transplant procedure with Dr. Raggio is typically well-tolerated due to the carefully crafted mixture of medications you’ll receive before, during, and after your Hair Transplant surgery. The administration of oral medications, local injection anesthesia, and postoperative regimen are all designed to target any unwanted side effects including pain, anxiety, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and bruising, and to promote overall quicker healing with less chance of complications. Rest assured we employ a variety of measures to ensure our patients remain comfortable and experience minimal to no pain during the hair extraction and hair transplantation processes.

After the hair transplant procedure, it is expected for patients to experience mild soreness or discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and adhering to post-op care instructions as alluded to above. Overall, advancements in anesthesia techniques and Dr. Raggio’s focus on patient comfort help contribute to making our hair transplant procedures well-tolerated with minimal pain, little downtime, decreased complications, and overall highly satisfactory results.

The number of appointments required for a hair transplant can vary depending on individual factors such as the extent of hair loss, the number of grafts needed, and the complexity of the case. The journey typically begins with a thorough consultation. Before the surgery, a preoperative appointment may also be scheduled to finalize details and provide instructions for the day of the procedure.

The main hair transplant surgery is conducted on a single day, with the duration determined by the complexity of the case, though most patients can expect to spend 6-8 hours at our Raggio MD office in Birmingham where the procedure is to be performed. Following the surgery, several follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and ensure proper healing. Expect to come to see us 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your surgery; however, the frequency and number of follow-up appointments will ultimately be determined by Dr. Raggio based on your response to the procedure. Attending all scheduled appointments is crucial for optimizing the results of the transplant.

In the initial weeks following the procedure, it’s common and expected for the transplanted hair to shed. Again, this is normal. This shedding occurs as the hair follicles enter a resting phase before regrowth begins. Occasionally, surrounding existing hairs may also shed secondary to the “stress” induced during the transplantation process, though rest assured this is also temporary and you can expect a full hair recovery in that regard.

Around three to four months post-surgery, you may start to notice the first signs of new hair growth. However, the full results become more evident over the course of several months as the transplanted hair continues to grow and mature. Remember, the hair cycle involves a prolonged cycle, sometimes taking 12-18 months for final growth to be evident. By the end of the first year, however, most patients notice appreciable and significant improvements in hair thickness and density.

It’s important to note that individual responses to the transplant may vary, and some patients may see results earlier or later than the average timelines noted above. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Blake Raggio will allow you to monitor your unique progress, address your concerns, and ensure that you are on track to achieve the best possible result.

Dr. Raggio will also discuss other modalities to consider implementing before, during, and after your hair transplant procedure so as to maximize results.

Yes, absolutely! In fact, Dr. Raggio often recommends hair transplant procedures be combined with other aesthetic treatments to optimize the hair transplant results. Here are some popular treatments, listed in their order of efficacy and “invasiveness,” that Dr. Raggio may recommend to you that will complement your hair transplant surgery:

• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can be used in conjunction with a hair transplant to promote hair growth and improve the overall health of existing hair. This combination may enhance the success of the transplant and contribute to long-term hair vitality.
• Vitamins and Supplements: Multiple vitamins and supplements exist to support healthy hair growth. Some common formulations or supplements include Biotin, Collagen, Nutrafol, and Viviscal, amongst others. 
• Topical Medications: several topical medications (in the form of sprays, serums, lotions, foams, or shampoos), have been used to restore hair and optimize hair transplant success. Some popular topical medications include Finasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, Corticosteroids, and antifungals, amongst others.
• Oral Medications: several oral medications exist that can be used in conjunction with a hair transplant to not only optimize the appearance of existing hairs but also to promote the success of the transplanted hairs themselves. Such hair restoration medications are numerous, including their routes, dosages, and applications, however, the more “tried and tested” medications include Finasteride (Propecia), Minoxidil (Rogaine), dutasteride (Avodart), and Spironolactone (Aldactone), to name a few. We strongly encourage you to consult a healthcare professional due to potential side effects associated with these medications.
• PRF (Stem cell) Therapy: Combining a hair transplant with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy can enhance the healing process and promote optimal hair follicle growth. PRF, derived from your blood, is rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and help improve overall graft survival. This may include PRF Scalp injections before, during, and after your hair transplant. Sometimes, PRF can be used during the hair transplant process wherein the grafts are “bathed” in this stem-cell-rich environment to optimize graft survival.
• Microneedling: Combining PRF with microneedling stimulates the scalp’s natural healing response, enhances blood circulation, and promotes the absorption of growth factors. This synergistic approach can improve overall hair health, thickness, and texture.
• Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): SMP is a non-invasive cosmetic tattooing technique that can complement a hair transplant by creating the illusion of fuller hair density and camouflaging any remaining thinning areas. This combination provides a more comprehensive and natural-looking result.

While many plastic surgery practices offer treatments in all parts of the body, we take a different approach. At Raggio MD, we offer highly specialized treatments focused exclusively on one area: the face. We believe that this singular, undistracted focus is what creates true mastery of the field. Dr. Raggio’s passion and extensive experience in Facial Plastic Surgery guarantee that we provide unparalleled results. At Raggio MD we focus all of our energy and expertise on facial procedures, ensuring that we do perform them at their highest level. Because Face is all we do, we can honestly say that we do it best.

We give the patient a 100% honest evaluation of their concerns and goals. Having the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments allows us to develop a plan without the potential for treatment bias. During consultation visits, Dr. Raggio will present his recommendation(s) and arm patients with the necessary knowledge to make an educated decision about their treatment. The theme that permeates every appointment: “The patient comes first.”

Raggio MD produces the best, top-level Hair Transplant results without compromise. Dr. Raggio prides himself on being a perfectionist and tailors an individualized treatment plan for each patient. He believes that no two surgical cases are identical and that outstanding results demand precision, attention to detail, and an appreciation for beauty.