Hair Transplant
SmartGraft™ Hair Transplant at a Glance
- Average Cost:
- $8 per graft with SmartGraft™ (we typically charge $5 per graft to make it as easy as possible for patients to have this procedure.)
- Discomfort Level:
- Mild
- Anesthesia Options:
- Local Anesthesia with oral Valium to relax patients
- Recovery Period:
- 7 to 10 Days
- Results Length:
- Typically Permanent, although the full results can take about a year. A significant amount of growth will be seen after 6 months typically.
- Potential Benefits:
- Achieving fuller, thicker hair in areas of hair loss, improving hair styling options, increasing self-confidence and self-image, eliminating unsightly bald spots, creating a more youthful appearance
A hair transplant is an effective way to regain a fuller head of hair. Men and women alike suffer from hair thinning and loss, creating bald spots and unhealthy-looking hair. Using SmartGraft™ – an automated hair follicular unit extraction (FUE) system – and injection of natural growth factors, an experienced surgeon can restore hair growth to balding areas or receding hairlines quickly and safely. Utilizing these cutting-edge techniques, Dr. Jonathan Pontell and Dr. Catherine Weng can help patients achieve a superior aesthetic outcome. Our doctors provide expert hair restoration treatments at The Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, conveniently located to serve the areas of Philadelphia, Delaware, and South Jersey. For more information, call (610) 688-7100or contact us online.
Topics On This Page:
- About Hair Loss
- Why Choose Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng for Hair Loss Treatment?
- Benefits of Hair Transplants
- Injections of Natural Growth Factors for Hair Loss
- Who is a Candidate for a Hair Transplant?
- Personal Consultation
- Hair Transplant Procedure
- Hair Transplant Before-and-After Photos
- Hair Transplant Recovery
- Hair Transplant Results
- How Much Do Hair Transplants Cost?
- Additional Hair Transplants FAQs
About Hair Loss
The average person loses 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. There are many thousands of hair follicles, so minimal hair loss is not usually an alarming issue. However, for some men and women, the natural hair cycle is disrupted, causing patchiness and thinning. For men, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) can affect the hairline and the top of the scalp around the crown. Genetics and family history play a huge role in whether or not men will experience hair loss. (1) And although not as common, women can also experience hair loss. Various conditions can cause a woman to lose her hair, including thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
To help address these issues, Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng offer hair loss treatment using our FUE hair transplant system, SmartGraft™, a virtually painless procedure that permanently solves hair loss problems. As one of the most effective treatments for hair loss in Philadelphia, SmartGraft™ creates a completely natural look with minimal visable scarring and a short downtime for a fully restored head of hair.
Smartgraft™ Hair Transplant Overview
SmartGraft™ is an innovative hair restoration method used to create thicker, fuller hair in thinning areas. Using FUE, Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng harvests groups of healthy hair follicles (follicular units) from the back of the scalp that are genetically programmed to never fall out, carefully preserves them intact, and implants them in areas of thinning hair or balding.
Why Choose Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng for Hair Loss Treatment?
Dr. Jonathan Pontell and Dr. Catherine Weng have provided a cosmetic haven for those seeking natural-appearing enhancements of the face. The Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center is a boutique center that provides a personalized experience for our patients.
When it comes to SmartGraft™ hair transplantation, few physicians in the area have the level of expertise and consistency of results offered at our practice. Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng treat patients like family, so you should never feel alone on your journey. From the moment you walk in the door, you will be received by a luxurious, spa-like office that is 100% attentive to your needs and comfort.
Every detail of your experience is met with professional expertise that only highlights the caliber of the cosmetic care delivered. With 28 years in the profession, Dr. Pontell has assembled a highly experienced team of technicians for hair restoration in the Philadelphia Main Line, leaving no room for compromise in your facial enhancement.
Benefits of Hair Transplants
Compared to other hair loss treatments, SmartGraft™ can provide dramatic results that look and feel natural. Other benefits include quicker recovery than alternative approaches and strategic placement to appropriately frame the patient’s unique facial structure for a personalized outcome.
Fuller, More Youthful Hair
Men and women who have experienced hair loss can achieve complete hair restoration when our doctor performs the SmartGraft™ treatment. Although not an immediate outcome, over the course of a year following the initial procedure, the treatment will gradually restore the hair and provide a fuller, more youthful head of hair.
Long-lasting Results
Many hair loss treatments require constant upkeep to maintain continued hair growth. Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng perform SmartGraft™ hair loss treatment to help people regrow their natural hair. Patients can rest assured knowing their hair loss worries will no longer be an issue because the results of this treatment should last for life.
Increased Confidence
Hair loss can cause a person to look older than they are. Many people with baldness or thin hair feel uncomfortable with their appearance and may avoid social situations or appearing in photographs. With SmartGraft™, the days of large, noticeable surgery scars are gone. Since there are no linear incision sites or stitches, patients can return to normal activities more quickly. After hair loss treatment, they will feel confident about their appearance and can proudly show off their newly restored full head of hair.
Injections of Natural Growth Factors for Hair Loss
Advanced hair restoration techniques offer many patients the opportunity to address hair loss with an injectable solution. This option utilizes natural growth factors inside the blood that contain healing and cell regeneration properties. These growth factors can stimulate small, unhealthy hair follicles to produce new, healthy hair.
The patient’s blood is taken the same way as a lab test, and the blood is centrifuged to separate and concentrate the properties that have the highest concentration of growth factors. The solution is then injected into the hair loss areas as a series of three sets spaced about five weeks apart. This innovative treatment typically works best for patients with thinning hair as opposed to those who are entirely bald.
Who is a Candidate for a Hair Transplant?
Both women and men can benefit from our hair restoration treatment. Anyone who has experienced hair loss and wants to restore hair growth is an ideal patient for SmartGraft™. Patients must be realistic in their expectations and in good physical and mental health to undergo this procedure.
Personal Consultation
At your consultation, Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng will review your medical history and perform a scalp evaluation before outlining a recommended surgery plan. They will determine the number of hair transplants needed to provide an effective and natural-looking result and explain the procedure and recovery process in detail so you feel informed. To schedule your consultation, call (610) 688-7100 or fill out this form.
Hair Transplant Procedure
Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng use SmartGraft™ for the hair restoration procedure. The patient receives a mild sedative to help them relax. A technician will cut the hair short in an area at the back of the patient’s head. Depending on the patient’s length of hair, the hair can be shaved in small sections to hide the donor area following the procedure.
We prepare the donor site and administer local anesthetic. The SmartGraft™ device gently removes individual or small groups of follicles from the donor area. The donor hair follicles are carefully collected, sorted, counted, and stored in a sterile and controlled environment before implantation.
Our FUE hair transplant system, SmartGraft™, allows the grafted area to be adequately prepared for regrowth. Once the hair grafts from the donor site are collected, the implantation sites are created. Our doctor and their team implant the hair grafts through tiny openings no larger than a pinprick.
The procedure takes anywhere from three to eight hours to complete depending on the number of grafts needed to achieve the desired result. SmartGraft™ has a quicker surgery time than most, which allows hair grafts to have a higher chance of surviving.
Recovery
Our doctor sees patients about a week after a hair transplant, three or so months later, and then one year after the procedure. Our goal is for our patients to experience arguably the best hair restoration that Philadelphia offers. Our patients can return home after the completion of the procedure and wear a loose-fitting hat if they desire. Most patients can return to work about one week after surgery and resume fitness and sports regimens within two weeks.
Results
Gradually, the patient’s hair will start growing at the implantation site. The hair will take root in the first few weeks and then shed. New hair begins to develop within three months. Six months after the hair restoration procedure, there will be a significant improvement in hair growth. Patients will experience total hair growth within 12 months. (2)
How Much Do Hair Transplants Cost
Every FUE procedure performed at our Philadelphia practice is based on a personalized treatment plan unique to the individual patient. Learn more about the cost, and about how a hair transplant with SmartGraft™ can help you by calling (610) 688-7100, or you can visit our contact page to book a consultation.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplant
Will A Hair Transplant Leave A Scar?
The scarring is hardly noticeable while the graft area is healing. Once it is finished, there will be minimal scarring. However, when full hair growth is achieved, there will be no visible signs of having had the procedure left behind will as it will be concealed by the newly grown hair, revealing a natural-looking growth pattern.
Is The Hair Transplant Treatment Painful?
There is minimal pain during the SmartGraft™ procedure. A local anesthetic numbs the area so the patient can relax and listen to music while undergoing hair transplantation. Because there is no long surgical scar, SmartGraft™ is less painful overall.
Will I Have To Stay Overnight In A Hospital For A Hair Transplant?
Patients can return home after undergoing the procedure. Since medication to relax patients is used during treatment, it is recommended to have a designated person to drive the patient to and from surgery.
Can I Undergo Additional Procedures Along With My Hair Loss Treatment?
Some patients seeking hair loss treatment desire a younger, more refreshed appearance. Often, they are interested in facial procedures to enhance their new head of hair. Patients may undergo facial rejuvenation procedures such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, facelifts, eyelid lifts, and laser skin resurfacing.
What If A Revision Hair Loss Treatment Is Necessary?
Some patients who undergo a hair loss treatment will not achieve their desired results. Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng can perform a revision hair loss treatment with SmartGraft™ to provide patients with natural-looking and lasting results.
How Much Does Hair Restoration Cost?
The cost of hair restoration varies from person to person. The cost changes based on how many hair follicles must be harvested and transplanted to a thinning or balding area. The cost is between $5 and $7 per transplanted follicle, with most requiring between 1000 and 2500 grafts, although some patients want even more. The price range typically lands between $5,000 and $12,500, depending on the number of transplants performed.
What Can I Expect After A Hair Transplant?
After your hair restoration procedure, you can return to the comfort of your own home. Recovery is short and involves very little downtime. You can even wash your hair after a few days. There are no staples or stitches, and the incisions are tiny, so healing happens quickly.. The recovery is generally easy, with minimal post-op pain.
How Long Do The Results Last?
SmartGraft™ is an excellent choice for those looking for a very natural look. In as little as three months, you should see new hair growth. As the transplanted follicles become viable, you will see more hair appearing in the treated area, with optimal results achieved in about one year.
References
- Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Nih.gov. Published February 29, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Sharma R, Ranjan A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. Journal of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery. 2019;18(4):509-517. doi:https://doi.org/