Traditional Strip-method Hair Transplant
What is Traditional Strip-method Hair Transplant?
Traditional strip harvesting hair transplant is a technique where a strip of hair is removed from the
back of the scalp, also known as the donor area. The harvested strip is then dissected under powerful
microscopes and divided into individual hair grafts. The donor area is then closed. The hair grafts are
then transplanted onto the front part of the scalp, also known as the recipient sites. The process sounds
simple but there are a lot of details and techniques that are involved. Your hair transplant will be as
good as the physician doing it. Make sure you ask your physicians some basic questions prior to the hair
transplant day.
Why don’t the hairs on the back of the scalp fall out?
Hairs on the scalp have a specific receptor known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) receptors. Testosterone
is converted to DHT, which binds to the DHT receptors in the scalp, causing hair loss. The hairs on the
posterior scalp lack these DHT receptors, thus they are unaffected by the testosterone in the body and
do not fall out. Thus, when these DHT-deficient hairs are transferred to the frontal part of the scalp, they
are permanent.
Will I continue to lose more hair after the hair transplant?
Yes. Even after a hair transplant, people will continue to lose more of their DHT-sensitive hair on the
front part of the scalp and on the crown. However, the transplanted hair is not lost since they lack DHT
receptors. It is for this reason that your hair transplant physician must transplant the hairs in such a way
to take into account future hair loss.
Are patients placed under full anesthesia?
No. Dr. Behnam uses topical and injectable numbing in order to deaden the area where hair is harvested
and implanted. He uses special vibrating techniques, very small needles and other procedures to
minimize the pain during the numbing portion of the hair transplantation surgery. He also performs
nerve blocks in order to minimize the number of pokes and injections. Overall, patients tolerate the
surgery very well. In addition, patients are awake and comfortable during the entire procedure. All of
our exam chairs are extra cushioned, making them very comfortable. Patients are just relaxing during
the entire procedure watching a movie on our TV monitor or watching Netflix on our IPAD.
What is Dr. Behnam’s propriety protocol for minimizing scar formation at the donor site?
During the pre-surgery consultation, Dr. Behnam will review our propriety techniques and methods that
will help minimize the scar formation on the back of scalp. You will be send home with a specific set of
exercises that you will do at home prior to the procedure. Please come visit us for a consultation at one
seven southern California locations to learn about our propriety protocol.
What is the Trichophytic closure?
Trichophytic closure is a technique where a triangular strip is cut out at the donor site during the closure
process. This allows for hairs to grow out through the scar and make the scar less visible. Please watch
our video on the trichophytic technique.
Can you please explain a typical hair transplant day?
The morning starts by another consultation with Dr. Behnam prior to the surgery. Then he takes you to
the surgery room. The scalp is washed, and the posterior scalp is numbed. The strip of hair is then
harvested. The strip of hair is then dissected under miscropses into individual hair grafts. As this is
being performed, Dr. Behnam also makes the slits at the recipient sites. Then, the hair grafts are placed
meticulously into the recipient sites.
How is the hair harvested?
The scalp is first cleansed multiple times and then an incision is made, removing the strip of hair from
the back of the scalp. The site is then closed either using sutures or staples. The strip is then dissected
under microscopes into single hair follicles.
What happens after the scalp is closed?
Dr. Behnam draws the frontal hair line. This is the most important part of the procedure because it
has to look natural and aesthetically pleasant. Then the mirror is given to the patient and he/she will
approve the design. Dr. Behnam then starts making the sites at the recipient sites.
Recipient site creation, what is the big deal?
The angle, direction and torque of every hair site recipient are the most crucial part of the entire
hair transplant procedure. At various locations of the scalp, hair grows at a different angle. The final
outcome depends on the angles that each hair is placed in the recipient site. Dr. Behnam takes his time
in making every one of the recipient sites. In addition, Dr. Behnam uses custom made blades to design
the recipient sites. The blades are less than 1 mm wide and they allow for dense packing between the
already existing hair follicle.
How do I know how many grafts have been placed?
You are awake during the entire procedure. As Dr. Behnam is making the recipient sites, he is counting
them, one at a time. Thus, you will hear the final numbers.
How many hair transplant surgeries are performed in one day?
Dermatology & Hair Restoration Specialists is a boutique medical practice. We are not a Ford or a GM
assembly line. Dr. Behnam’s intention is to perform one hair transplant per day. This means that all the
attention is on you. He takes his time harvesting the strip and designing the frontal hair line. The goal is
to make sure that you have the best outcome as possible.
