Neograft - FUE Hair Transplant

NeoGraft®, uses minimally invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and hair implantation technology.  Each hair follicle is extracted and implanted strand by strand. A specialised hand-piece is used to harvest individual hair follicles from areas that consist of terminal hair. The hair is harvested from the back of the head because this hair is resistant to hairloss. The Neograft operator then implants those grafts where you’re losing hair and where they will regrow as healthy, fully functioning hair. This FUE hair restoration procedure does not leave a linear scar, is more comfortable, and requires much less recovery time. NeoGraft® works for all hair types, males and females alike, and gives natural-looking results that patients love.

NeoGraft has become of the most popular and trusted names in hair transplantation globally. It uses an innovative pneumatic technology to assist the surgeon in both the extraction and the implantation of the hair follicles.  This technology assists in improving both the accuracy and speed of the treatment.  The result of this efficiency is an improved  outcome for the client, with a greater survival rate for grafts, a faster treatment time and a faster recovery.

Neograft is suitable for both men and women. It is a minimally invasive hair replacement method that yields natural looking results and no visible scarring.  Hair transplant should only be considered only after other hair loss options have been explored.

FUT (or follicular unit transplantation) is the traditional method of hair transplantation. A strip of hair is harvested from the back of the head which is then cut into small grafts that can be planted in the recipient area.  Unfortunately this method results in a linear scar where the skin is sutured together.

FUE (or follicular unit extraction) on the other hand, harvests hair from the back of the scalp in units of one to four hairs.  This technique leaves very tiny, barely visible scars in the back of the head which will not be seen once the hair regrows.

All candidates for Neograft hair transplant will first have a consultation with Dr Targett to assess their suitability for Neograft hair transplant.  Generally candidates should meet the following criteria;

1. Realistic expectations; It is important for clients to realise that they only have a limited number of donor grafts that can be taken from the back of the scalp.  If a person has extensive baldness in the front and on the top of the head, it will not be possible to restore the density of the hair back to what it was in your early 20's.  You should also plan on a hairline design that will be age appropriate.  A hairline that is too low will never look natural on an older person.
2. No serious medical conditions; Neograft hair transplant is a day procedure and is considered to be minimally invasive. It is important that you do not have any medical conditions that may interfere with the hair transplant healing process. Patients with high blood pressure or on anticoagulant medication would not be deemed suitable.
3. You should have only moderate hair loss; Patients with only moderate hair loss will achieve the best and most natural looking results.  As you age it is likely that you will continue to lose hair from the frontal and crown region. It is important to reserve some donor hair for future hair restoration. ( The hair that is transplanted is considered to be permanent)
4. You should be on Hair Loss medication to slow down Hair loss; You should aim to maintain your existing hair for as long as possible.  Ideally patients should be taking Finasteride and Minoxidil to stabilise their hair loss.  If you do not stabilise your hair loss you will continue to lose hair from regions surrounding the hair transplant which will result in a patchy and un-natural appearance.
5. You must be willing to comply with the post procedure care instructions; Hair transplant does not come cheaply. After your hair transplant the grafted hair follicles will be very fragile, so it important to take care not to disrupt them. You must follow all post procedure care instructions.
6. You must have adequate donar hair; The density of donor hair on the back of your scalp must be sufficient.  If you do not have enough density in the donor region, this region will end up looking thin and "moth eaten", if too much hair is harvested.

Neograft hair transplant is a day procedure.  Depending on the number of hair grafts required, the procedure may take up to eight hours to perform.  The Neograft machine does increase the speed and efficiency of the technician, which does help to reduce the length of the procedure and the survival rate of the grafts.

Hair transplant can basically be broken down into two steps;

1. Extraction of the donor follicles; The first step of a Neograft hair transplant involves harvesting the donor follicles from the back of the scalp.  Each hair follicle will consist of either, 1,2,3 or 4 hair strands.  Compared to other FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) techniques, Neograft has the advantage that surgeons can extract the hair much more efficiently and accurately.
2. Placing the hair follicles in the recipient site; The art of hair transplant lies in this step. Each graft is sorted according to the number of hairs in each graft.  The grafts must be placed in a manner that will yield a natural looking result.  Attention must be focussed on the depth of implantation as well as the direction of graft implantation.  For natural looking results, single hairs are placed in the front row of your hair line and multiple hair grafts will be placed to achieve the illusion of hair density.

Please see our blog for more information on the Neograft FUE Hair transplant process 

The main reason hair is taken from the back of the head is because hair in this region is immune to androgenic alopecia.  This means that you will not lose hair on the back of your head due to male pattern baldness. For some reason this hair is genetically programmed to be permanent which means that when it is transplanted to the front or top of the scalp it will continue to remain permanently.

Your scalp may be sore immediately after treatment, swelling, and some discomfort. You will not be able to touch your hair with either your hands or a comb. You will need to follow your personal aftercare instructions post-treatment, including:

• Take all prescribed medications, such as pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for one to two weeks.
• Light exercise can be conducted after two days.
• Avoid alcohol consumption for one week.
• Take sufficient time off work – roughly one to five days, depending on your healing.
• Avoid shampooing, brushing and hair care for ten days post-treatment.
• Wait two weeks before getting a haircut.
• Wait four weeks before dying your hair.

These aftercare instructions will ensure minimal swelling and discomfort, helping to prevent infection and give your transplanted hair follicles the best chance to grow into healthy, luscious hair. Your post-treatment aftercare is also designed to avoid the possibility of risks or complications occurring.

After 2 to 3 weeks patients will notice that the newly transplanted hair falls out.  This may be a frightening experience, but rest assured this is quite normal as the hair follicle is entering a resting phase.  This resting phase will continue for some time.  After three to four months new hair will begin to emerge and continue to increase in time. Consider having a Factor 4 hair loss treatment to stimulate your new follicles to cycle into the active growth phase.  Full results of the Neograft hair transplant will only be seen 12-18 months after the procedure.

Whether cosmetic or medical, any procedure has associated risks and complications that can potentially occur. We always strive to ensure patients are fully aware of these risks before choosing their treatment. Potential risks and complications associated with a hair transplant include:

• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Overharvesting
• Pain or discomfort
• Ingrown hairs
• Scalp numbness
• Inflamed hair follicles

Other complications such as the appearance of tiny scars where hair follicles have been removed can occur but are generally not noticeable unless patients shave their heads or wear their hair very short. Some individuals may experience shock hair loss, also referred to as post-operative effluvium, days or weeks after treatment. This is usually a temporary loss of the implanted hair, which will grow back in three to four months.

Hair transplant may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are not a suitable candidate for hair transplant.  Other people may not wish make such a large investment in hair transplant or take medication to help maintain their existing hair for longer.

The good news is, there is another option, which is like a tattoo of a buzz cut.  This option is most suited to those that wish to have a buzz cut style of haircut. When done by a qualified professional it can look very realistic and blends in well with your existing hair.