Seattle and Bellevue
Surgical Hair Restoration Explained

Surgical Hair Restoration, also known as hair transplantation surgery, is a minor out-patient procedure. The procedure itself takes from 3 to 8 hours, and is performed using local anesthesia, often with oral or IV medications for sedation. While Dr. Stern’s patients are awake during the procedure, they feel extremely relaxed because of the sedative.

There is typically little if any discomfort during the procedure.

Follicular Unit Transplantation

The most commonly performed method of hair restoration surgery is called F-U-T or Follicular Unit Transplantation. F-U-T is also known as the “strip” harvesting method. This method is preferred as it provides the greatest number of follicular grafts per session. During an F-U-T procedure, hair follicular units (hair grows in units of 1-3 hairs) are removed, most often from the back of the head.

Follicular Units Up Close

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Typical Hair Restoration Donor Site

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The donor areas, where the hair follicular units have been harvested are closed with sutures, which are removed in 7 to 14 days.

Follicular Units are
Placed in Recipient Sites

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These follicular units are then placed in the recipient sites; which are extremely small, superficial needle holes.

At the end of of the procedure, we will have you stay in the office for a brief observation. Then, you are free to leave.