How Does Men's Hair Restoration Work?

Preparation

Before a hair restoration procedure can be done, local anesthesia must be given to prepare the area for the procedure. In most cases, a mixture of anesthetics, such a Bupivicaine (Marcaine) or Lidocaine (Xylocaine) will be injected into the scalp to make sure no pain is felt during the procedure. According to the Bernstein Medical Center or Hair Restoration, these injection are provided on the ring block (perimeter of the scalp), causing the entire operation area to become numb.

Donor Tissue

Hair restoration is performed using donor scalp tissue. This tissue is harvested in small strips from other areas of the skin with high volumes of healthy hair growth. Once the donor tissue is harvested, it is placed in a solution of lactated Ringer's solution, which helps keep the donor strips alive and healthy until they can be transplanted into their new area. According to the Mayo Clinic, donor tissue is typically removed from the back of the head near the neck where hair growth is typically fuller.

Recipient Sites

Once the transplant area is numb, the surgeon will prepare recipient sites. This is commonly done with a hypodermic needle. According to the Cole Clinic, these recipient sites are placed in random locations and patterns to provide a more natural looking hair growth once the donor hairs root and start growing.

Grafts

Once the surgeon has completed making the recipient sites on the balding areas, the donor grafts will be put into place. In areas where the surgeon wants to provide a more natural look, such as toward the front of the head, the surgeon will use singular hairs for each site. In areas that need more fullness, such as the top of the head, the surgeon will use two or three hair donor grafts for each site.

Recovery

Once the restoration procedure has been completed, only the donor area will need a tennis bandage for healing. The actual transplant site can be left open to the air. After approximately 24 hours, the graft sites will form scabs. These scabs should not be picked, as they will fall off on their own in less than two weeks. Before you leave the office, your surgeon will give you a full list of instructions on how to take care of your new hair until it has fully taken hold on your head.