Frequently Asked Questions

In men most hair loss can be attributed to something called male pattern baldness where hair follicles on the top and forehead of the scalp are susceptible to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, (DHT). Acting over time, DHT causes shrinking and then death of hair follicles that are susceptible to DHT.
While there are certainly medicines and treatments that can often slow or even halt the loss of hair, the general consensus is that a hair transplant, in conjunction with a hair loss prescription medicine, is the only effective way to reverse hair loss.
About half the hair begins to exit the scalp at approximately three months. At six months about 40% of the hair is visible. And at 12 months 75% of the hair is visible. 15 months to 18 months is needed for the final results of the procedure can be seen.
Each patient is unique so our approaches range from the minimum to maximum amount of hair that will improve the patient’s appearance. Some patients will fill in the front 1/2 or 2/3 to start, then fill in the remaining areas that are missing hair with later procedures.
Our follow up care starts with removing the sutures between days 7-12, where we also inspect the scalp for proper healing. In 30 days we recommend a scalp cleansing at one of our facilities. During the scalp cleansing we shampoo the scalp vigorously, monitor any ingrown hairs and inspect the suture line (on follicular unit transplant patients). Nine months after the procedure the patient will meet with the hair restoration surgeon and review the before photos. During this meeting the surgeon and patient will formulate a plan for additional hair or allow the result to mature until the 15 month follow up. At 15 months the patient will meet with the hair restoration surgeon to gauge the improvement from the procedure. If the patient has achieved the density they desire, then no additional follow up is needed. If the patient would like additional density, then the hair restoration surgeon will formulate how much hair can be transplanted during the next procedure.
Yes, but not for the first four days.
Patients are completely awake and alert during hair surgery. The procedure involves the use of a mild local anesthetic, which allows the patient to watch television or sleep.

Finasteride (Propecia) Finasteride is a prescription drug for men and is taken orally once a day. Women should not take or handle the tablets because Finasteride can cause birth defects. Studies indicate that Finasteride stops hair loss on the scalp and can regrow hair. We recommend that all hair loss patients, including those with hair transplants take Finasteride. Minoxidil (Rogaine) Minoxidil is a topical non-prescription medicine available to men and women. It is sprayed on the scalp twice a day. For some, the hair growth is very thin and studies show that Minoxidil works best on those younger than 30 who have been losing their hair for five years or less. We also urge you to ask about two revolutionary topical treatments, 82M & 82F which can be found on our website. 

Yes. The best hair restoration is performed by experienced, qualified surgeons and their technicians, hair loss restoration works extremely well and in in almost all cases is virtually undetectable.
Because donor hair is removed from the back of the head it is not subject to the effects of DHT, the substance that causes male pattern baldness. No matter where the hairs are transplanted, their resistance to DHT means that they are likely to survive and grow for the life of the patient.
By transplanting the maximum amount of hair during a procedure the patient will make a significant change in their appearance. We set the expectation that all patients would benefit from a second procedure, but there are many patients who reach their goal with just one procedure. As a rule of thumb, if an area is completely bald, it will take a second procedure to achieve acceptable density.
In many patients experiencing hair loss, the use of medications, such as Propecia, are sufficient to control hair loss. Early use of medication can delay or eliminate the need for a hair transplant. In other cases, hair loss restoration surgery may be required along with the use of medications. An evaluation is needed to determine whether a hair transplant is the proper procedure.
Yes. Hair loss treatment fees can be paid with cash, bank check, credit card, or financing plans.
A hair transplant takes approximately four to seven hours depending on the size of the session.
A topical anesthetic assures that the hair restoration procedure is virtually pain free. For the first 2-3 days, most patients find that they only need to take Tylenol if any discomfort occurs.
The number of grafts is essential to knowing if you will be getting a great hair transplant. To get proper density and coverage the doctor knows how many grafts are needed and you should be cautious if they will not tell you. At DiStefano Hair Restoration Center we always provide the number of grafts we will transplant during your surgery.
Just like you only go to the dentist for your teeth, you need to go to a practice that specializes in hair restoration for your hair transplant. Not only do we stay up to date on the latest treatments and technology for hair loss, but with over 10K surgeries performed, there is no one with more experience.
A hair transplant is a great investment, but it deserves to be protected. Medicine is not a perfect science and sometimes not all of the transplanted grafts will grow. At DiStefano Hair Restoration Center we stand by our results. About 92‐95% of the transplanted grafts are expected to grow, however if a patient is unsatisfied after 15 months, we pledge to replace any graft that did not grow at no charge, pending they follow the recommended therapy plan given at the time of surgery and are not using any type of steroids.
Hair transplants take lots of practice to perfect. Our practice has performed over 11,000 hair transplants over the course of 25+ years.
DiStefano Hair Restoration Center