How to Get Hair Transplant Results that Look Natural

June 6, 2019 by in Patient Resources

How to Get Hair Transplant Results that Look Natural

Do you want to know how some lucky folks get hair transplant results that look entirely natural? Here’s a hint: it’s not luck.

In 2019, society continues to place more and more emphasis on appearance. Today’s men and women want to hold onto their youthful locks as long as they can. One of the most significant barriers faced by people around the world is the loss or thinning of hair. Unfortunately for many people, genetics and other hereditary factors play a role in hair loss, which can begin even at a young age.

No one wants unnatural hair transplant results

Hair transplant results that look less than great are an additional worry for people considering surgical restoration. Losing your hair can be embarrassing and stressful enough. If you’re considering hair restoration procedures, you’re probably wondering how to ensure the best hair transplant result and avoid looking like you’ve had an operation.

2019 FUE hair transplants offer advanced outcomes

Luckily, advances in cosmetic hair renewal techniques have come a long way in recent years. Surgeons are now able to transplant individual hair follicles one at a time, as opposed to the outdated strip method. This innovative technology, known as follicular unit extraction (FUE), has the potential to give you the most effective transplant result. In the hands of an experienced hair restoration expert, you can expect hair re-growth that looks so natural, it should be impossible to tell that you had a procedure in the first place.

FUE is a complicated process. To get top results, you’ll want to seek a surgeon with an artistic eye and an in-depth knowledge of hair re-growth. We’re going to explain more about FUE hair transplants and how to find an expert surgeon for your hair transplant in Toronto.

1. A brief history of Toronto hair transplants

In the world of cosmetic surgery, hair transplantation is relatively new. Transplant technology for hair hit the scene about 60 years ago, whereas rhinoplasty and facelift procedures have been recorded for centuries.

  • A “pluggy” beginning: In the 50s, Dr. Normal Orentreich first realized that hair follicles could grow where they are transplanted. His technique involved cutting “pencil-width” grafts from parts of the scalp where the hair was the thickest. These grafts were then implanted in balding areas. The overly large size of the grafts made the hair transplant result look like “hair plugs”, but nevertheless, this method continued into the 80s.
  • Mini grafting: Surgeons began to cut smaller grafts from a strip of scalp in the mid-80s. Then micro-grafting was developed, which involved transplanting 1 to 2 hair follicles at a time.
  • Laser transplant procedures: In the 90s, cosmetic surgeons explored using lasers to make holes in the scalp where grafts could be inserted. This didn’t last long, because it caused scarred hair transplant results and meagre follicle growth.
  • Scalp reduction surgery briefly made an appearance. Bald areas were cut out, and strips of hair were taken from the sides of the head and repositioned to the top. The outcome was jarring and unnatural-looking.
  • A breakthrough with the strip method: In 1995, Dr. Rassman and Dr. Bernstein began removing strips of scalp from the back of patient’s heads and hand-sorting follicles to be re-inserted into balding areas. Although successful, it’s a painstaking process that leaves a long hair transplant scar and entails a more prolonged, painful recovery.
  • That method, known as FUT or the strip method, is still used today. Sometimes if hair thinning has progressed severely, there is not enough donor follicle density available to use the FUE approach. In other cases, hair transplant surgeons continue with the FUT technique because it is faster and easier in general. However, it’s not easier for the patient.

2. How FUE changed hair transplant results

All those innovative surgeons worked tirelessly throughout the past 60 years to find a way to provide a striking hair transplant result. Their discoveries have evolved into the state-of-the-art procedure that’s available today. FUE uses a micro-surgical device to extract hair follicles and then directly implants them in areas of hair loss. FUE hair transplant surgery is much less invasive than other methods and gives hairs a better chance of successful growth because they aren’t handled.

Patients are very impressed with FUE, because it offers the most natural hair transplant result with minimal scarring. Initially, FUE devices like the NeoGraft tool leave tiny circular scars. However, with proper care, the scars fade over time and are then hidden completely when hair re-grows. Because the surgery is minimally invasive and the technology so efficient, patients experience minimal discomfort. There’s also hardly any downtime involved in this procedure, and most patients can resume normal activities the next day. (Your surgeon will advise you of temporary restrictions related to scalp care and physical exertion.) Another bonus is that hair can be styled however you want once it fills in, making it the number 1 choice for style-conscious people.

3. Why do you need to find an artist to perform your surgery?

Hair transplant results will look great if your practitioner uses a high-tech robot, right? Unfortunately, the idea that an inexperienced technician can deliver optimal FUE results due to advanced digital or robotic devices is false.

These assistive technologies significantly improve the speed and gentle handling and preservation of grafts, but the strategic planning of your procedure must be done by someone with an aesthetic sense and talent.

While the FUE method is currently known as the “gold standard” of hair transplants, it’s best performed by an experienced hair restoration specialist. You’ll want someone who can treat a multitude of hair loss cases and who understands hair growth patterns. It’s also essential to find a surgeon who makes you an active participant in the process by listening to your desires, answering your questions, and explaining all potential hair transplant side effects. Here are some things to consider when researching hair transplant surgeons:

  • Are they accredited with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
  • Do they have extensive experience performing hair transplants – FUE, in particular?
  • Can they demonstrate success through patient testimonials and before and after photos?
  • Do they have a kind demeanour, and are they open and honest when answering your questions?

Several plastic surgeons in Toronto successfully perform hair restoration. That’s why you’ll want to take the time to find a surgeon who has an eye for detail and knows how to map out where the hair follicles should go as well as a hair transplant team to insert each follicle to achieve a natural look. Your surgeon should consider hair transplantation an art and strive to provide stunning results that match each patient’s unique features. Be sure to ask your surgeon why they are passionate about hair renewal and how they ensure patient satisfaction.

When examining hair transplant before and after results:

Look for natural hairlines. Men’s hairlines follow a different pattern and show harder angles than women. For guys who are middle-aged and older, a low, thick youthful hairline of an 18-year old will not look appropriate or natural. Neither will a rounded, straight-edge hairline.

Does your surgeon understand why placing single hair grafts at the forefront and edges of the hair create a soft, realistic density and hold up under close scrutiny? When you view before and after photos, pay attention to the details and the edges. This is the make-it-or-break-it difference between artistic hair transplants and less skilled, poor results.

Another vital question to ask when viewing pictures of hair transplant results is regarding the timeline. If you see hair that appears full and natural 5 years later, as opposed to 8 months later, you can be encouraged that the surgeon considered continual hair loss and the progressive nature of balding. If careful consideration about future change doesn’t happen beforehand, patients can either receive grafts in an area where the surrounding hairs fall out or have grafts harvested from non-DHT-resistant zones (DHT is a hormone that causes hair loss). There is a science to the assessment phase, which cannot be skipped.

What’s the next step on your hair restoration journey?

The Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic (THTC) offers no-obligation consultations. Dr. Cory Torgerson is a leading expert in facial, head, and neck surgery in Toronto. The THTC is well known for expertise in FUE hair transplant. Dr. Torgerson strives to use his artistic talent to tailor each procedure, maximizing the hairline for each patient. He also employs an integrative approach with advanced laser light therapies, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and medications, when applicable. Each client is completely unique and deserves a personalized plan to help them reach their hair restoration goals.

If you think you might be an ideal candidate for an FUE hair transplant, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation to learn about the benefits of this minimally invasive surgery. We’ll be pleased to show you the hair transplant results our clients love and help you envision your lasting improvements too.

Dr. Cory Torgerson (MD, PhD, FRCSC)

Dr. Cory Torgerson is a Canadian-trained Head and Neck Surgeon with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With his focus solely being the Head and Neck, Dr. Torgerson is a leading authority in Canada. With several years of experience, a robust reputation, and a diverse clientele base, Dr. Torgerson is well-versed in what viable options are available to his clients and what strategies could be employed for Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration.

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Dr. Cory Torgerson (MD, PhD, FRCSC)
Dr. Cory Torgerson is a Canadian-trained Head and Neck Surgeon with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With his focus solely being the Head and Neck, Dr. Torgerson is a leading authority in Canada. With several years of experience, a robust reputation, and a diverse clientele base, Dr. Torgerson is well-versed in what viable options are available to his clients and what strategies could be employed for Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration.
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