Hair Loss Procedures
There are a number of reasons women seek to undergo surgical hair restoration. In fact, over 10% of Dr. Epstein’s patients are women. Most commonly, they are seeking to have restored the density of hair that they have lost as a result of Female Pattern Hair Loss. This process is thought of by leading physician hair experts as primarily genetic in origin, but can be contributed to by a variety of other causes including hormonal changes or abnormalities, certain diseases, and various medical and dietary interventions. Therefore, the care provided by Dr. Epstein goes beyond the performing of surgical procedures, although this is his area of expertise. To assure his women patients of receiving the appropriate treatment(s) for their condition, full medical workups will be provided as deemed indicated. On the other hand, when the diagnosis has already been made or is quite clear, the work up can be bypassed and treatment initiated without delay.
Follicular Unit Grafting (FUG)
This is the most sophisticated technique of hair transplantation, utilizing microscopes for the dissection of each individual graft. In a single procedure, from a few hundred to as many as 2000 grafts can be transplanted. Because the hairs are kept in their natural state, just as they grow in the scalp, once transplanted they will provide the most aesthetic result. Like with all properly performed hair transplants, once transplanted the hairs will continue to grow for a lifetime.
While much more commonly indicated in some male patients, for women who have had a prior hair transplant with less than aesthetic results a variety of approaches can be utilized to restore naturalness. Microscopic dissection for the creation of follicular unit grafts can be supplemented by techniques individualized for the particular patient’s situation, including scar repairs and the removal or reduction in size of prior placed grafts. Dr. Epstein is considered one of the top experts in reparative hair transplantation, having published numerous articles and presented his techniques at many scientific meetings.
Hairline Advancement/Lowering
Whether an unaesthetic high hairline is inherited, the result of receding of the frontal hairline associated with hair loss, or the result of browlifting or other prior plastic surgery, it can be both advanced while looking fully natural. Usually through follicular unit hair grafting, up to several thousands of individual hair grafts can be placed in a natural hair growth pattern, bringing forward the hairline. Dr. Epstein has extensive experience in this procedure.
Repair of Scarring and other Sequelae of Prior Surgery
In addition to the above-described overly high hairline, patients can present with a variety of other problems with their hair as a result of prior plastic and other surgeries. While some of them were avoidable, sometimes procedures such as facelifts performed by even the most respected plastic and cosmetic surgeons result in the loss of sideburns, scars behind or above the ears or across the top of the scalp, or advanced thinning of the frontotemporal recessions along the sides of the hairline. These sequelae all can be treated by some of the most advanced follicular unit grafting procedures, all of which have been described by Dr. Epstein in a host of articles he has authored. Once performed, the best part for many patients is that they can once again wear their hair short or pulled back or up, free from the absence of sideburns or of visible scarring.
Restoring of Eyebrows and Eyelashes
The extremely delicate and challenging procedures are one particular area of expertise of Dr. Epstein, who performs several of these weekly, and has a special team of assistants to assist him. Whether due to overzealous plucking, laser hair removal or electrolysis, or compulsive pulling, or the inadvertent result of prior surgery or permanent makeup gone wrong, the eyebrows can be restored to look naturally full again. In a single procedure, depending upon the amount of hair loss of the eyebrows, from 25 to as many as 350 primarily single hair microscopic grafts are placed into each eyebrow into the tiniest of incisions placed at the exact angle and direction- assuring that the hairs will grow in the natural direction and pattern. With eyelash transplants, a much smaller number of single hair grafts are placed. Because the donor hairs for the eyebrows and eyelashes come from the scalp, they need to be trimmed on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
Unique Procedures
Pubic hair restoration – while most women seek to follow today’s trends towards a minimal amount of pubic hair, the occasional woman desires more hair in this area. This may involve the thickening of the density, or to extend the area of coverage, whether due to prior electrolysis or waxing, or inherited, or due to other causes. The office of Dr. Epstein performs pubic hair transplants in a sensitive, professional fashion.
Hair Transplantation in Transgender Patients
Hair transplantation can play a very important aesthetic and psychological role in the transgender process. We have been fortunate to play a large part in the overall satisfaction of our transgender patients, who are grateful for the natural and significant appearance change that hair transplantation can play.
If you have any questions about visiting Dr. Epstein’s clinics, or about natural hair restoration procedures, follicular unit grafts, or other hair transplant issues, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.