Hair loss is a problem for many women. To help women regain their hair and enhance their appearance and self-esteem, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a board-certified and world-renowned hair replacement specialist in Miami, FL and NYC, NY, performs a hair replacement procedure.
The Women’s Center for Hair Loss is a state-of-the-art hair transplant treatment facility dedicated to the hair restoration needs of women. Dr. Epstein regularly performs hair replacement procedures on women and has extensive experience addressing their unique concerns. Surgical hairline advancement and follicular unit hair transplantation and are the most popular procedures for women. They treat an overly high hairline, female pattern baldness, distorted hair growth, and scars from cosmetic surgery, and can even be used to restore eyebrows.
Hairline Advancement Before and After Photos in Miami
A Surgical Hairline Advancement Procedure with Dr. Epstein
A surgical hairline advancement procedure is an ideal solution for women who have a high hairline and a flexible scalp. Local anesthesia and oral or intravenous sedation are administered before the procedure. This ensures the patient feels no pain or discomfort during surgery. The following steps will be used during the procedure:
- The surgical area is carefully marked. A line is drawn precisely where the new hairline will be.
- A single incision is made along the existing hairline. The incision is carefully placed within the hairline so a noticeable scar does not form after the procedure.
- The scalp is brought forward and secured in place in its more forward direction- usually 2 to 3 cm. The excess skin of the forehead is then carefully trimmed away and the incision closed in a trichophytic fashion to allow for hair growth through the scar. Antibiotic ointment and a light pressure dressing are placed over the incision.
Total procedure time is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. After the effects of sedation wear off and pain is controlled, the patient may be driven home by a family member or friend and be presentable as soon as two days later. There is typically little pain with this procedure in the recovery period. Sutures along the hairline are removed at one week.
A Hair Grafting Procedure with Dr. Epstein
A follicular unit hair grafting procedure is the ideal procedure for women with thinning or bald spots on top and sides of the head. Local anesthesia and a mild sedative are administered before the procedure. Then, Dr. Epstein moves forward with surgery, taking the following steps:
- The donor hairs are obtained by one of two techniques. Either a strip of hair is taken from a donor site on the back of the head then individual hair units (or grafts) each containing one to four hairs are obtained taken from the strip. Alternatively, with the FUE (follicular unit extraction) technique, each hair graft is removed one at a time from the scalp using a tiny punch, thus avoiding any linear donor site incision.
- Thinning or bald areas are prepared for hair unit transplants by making tiny recipient site incisions.
- Hair units are transplanted into the areas requiring restoration.
The number of units transplanted determines the total procedure time, which typically ranges from four to seven hours. A family member or friend can drive the patient home shortly after the procedure unless no sedation was used in which case the patient may drive herself home.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Recovering from Hair Replacement for Women
Patients are given detailed recovery instructions. Pain and/or swelling are easy to control with medication if they occur, which in most cases they do not. Patients return to normal activities a few days after their procedure, and at 6 days can resume full exercise. If used, stitches are usually removed 7 to 9 days after the procedure.
Benefits of Hair Replacement for Women
Surgical hairline advancement. The hairline is now located in a lower position, further forward on the forehead. Patients may see their hairline lowered by as much as 1.5-2 inches. A tiny, typically minimally to not at all visible scar is hidden within the hairline. Patient satisfaction levels for hairline advancement are some of the highest amongst all hair loss procedures.
Follicular unit hair transplantation- FUG or FUE. Initially, the transplanted hair will fall out about two weeks after the procedure. At about 3 months, the transplanted hair will begin to grow again. Over the course of 8-12 months, transplanted hair grows and thinning or bald spots are filled in, and hair direction is excellent. The final result is a natural appearance with a greater amount of hair.
Ideal Candidates for Hair Replacement
Women who have an overly high hairline, thinning or bald spots from female pattern baldness, distorted hair growth, and scars from cosmetic surgery are great candidates for hair replacement. Non-smoking patients with no serious medical conditions or illnesses experience the best results. A positive outlook and realistic expectations are always important for a fast recovery and patient satisfaction. Scheduling and attending an initial hair replacement consultation is the only way to determine candidacy.
A Hair Replacement Consultation with Dr. Epstein
Your initial consultation with Dr. Epstein will be about you and your individual needs. First, a complete medical history will be obtained. Next, a physical examination of your scalp and hair will be performed. You and Dr. Epstein will discuss all your treatment options. He will explain in great detail how he can provide you with the best possible results. If you are a candidate for a surgical hairline advancement or a hair transplant, your procedure will be scheduled for a convenient time and date. All pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions will be given to you so you will be ready for your procedure and excited about seeing your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair replacement painful?
Local anesthesia is administered via tiny injections. Oral or even intravenous sedation is typically used for patient comfort. Patients feel no pain or discomfort during surgery and rarely feel pain or discomfort during recovery. If pain occurs, it is easily controlled by taking a pain medicine. Additionally, Dr. Epstein gives patients detailed post-procedure recovery instructions to ensure a smooth, easy, and pain-free recovery from start to finish.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
Your medical review and physical exam will provide Dr. Epstein with all the information he needs to make a treatment recommendation. A hairline advancement procedure is usually recommended for patients who have an overly high hairline and a flexible scalp. A hair transplant is usually recommended for patients who have female pattern baldness and/or other hair loss issues. Sometimes medical therapy for the hair loss is also recommended or may be the first line therapy.
When can I look presentable? Will people be able to tell I had a procedure performed?
You will look presentable 2 to 5 days after surgery. Dr. Epstein will give you specific hairstyling instructions so people cannot tell you had a procedure. Your incision will be hidden and should not be noticeable.
Is a hair transplant the same thing as hair plugs?
Absolutely not. A hair transplant is a modern procedure that provides natural results. Hair plugs are an outdated treatment option. Results for this procedure looked unnatural and patient satisfaction was low.
Will my procedure be customized?
Your procedure will be customized. During your initial consultation, Dr. Epstein will go to great lengths determining exactly what needs to be done to provide you with maximum results. He will create a procedure plan just for you.
Is it important to have my procedure performed by a specialist?
Having your procedure performed by a hair replacement specialist helps to ensure optimal results and satisfaction. Dr. Epstein is an experienced, world-renowned hair replacement specialist. He has performed over 13,000 procedures. His research has led to numerous advancements in hair restoration.
Can I see before and after photos?
Dr. Epstein will show you before and after photos during your initial consultation. The photos will give you a great idea of potential results. Dr. Epstein will discuss how your results will be similar and different to the patients in the photos he shows you.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
Dr. Epstein asks that you bring a list of medications and herbal supplements you are currently taking to your initial consultation. You may bring photos of your hair for Dr. Epstein to review if you would like.
How do I schedule my initial consultation?
When you are ready for your hair replacement for women initial consultation, you may contact Dr. Epstein’s office in Miami, FL at 305-306-8367, or NYC at 212-759-3484.