Hair Restoration Surgery in New Orleans
The most common form of hair loss is known as “Male Pattern Baldness” (Androgenic Alopecia). Virtually all men (and women), as they age, will experience some degree of hair loss. The extent and pattern of the loss depend on hormones and genetic predisposition.
The hair on the sides and back of the head, unlike that on the top and front of the head, is resistant to the effects of hormones that contribute to male pattern baldness. Through hair restoration surgery, these hair roots can, therefore, be moved to any area and will continue to grow healthy hair. This “donor dominance” principle is what makes all forms of hair transplantation surgery possible.
Dr. Velargo performs two types of hair transplantation on both men and women – follicular unit transplant (the strip method) and follicular unit extraction.
In addition to hair transplantation, Dr. Velargo also performs hair repositioning surgery by moving flaps of hair-bearing scalp to areas that are bald. There are many methods of performing these types of procedures based on patient anatomy, hair type, and pattern of hair loss, but they are often referred to as scalp flaps.
Some flaps may require a tissue expander be placed under the scalp for maximum mobility and increased surface area. Dr. Velargo will discuss these procedures in detail with you if they are indicated.
Hair restoration is not an instantaneous solution but a long-term solution that usually requires two to three sessions, depending upon the size of the balding area(s).
Dr. Velargo will evaluate your hair loss carefully to determine a surgical plan for your hair restoration. Hair restoration requires considerable skill in order to not only preserve the health of the hair follicles that have been harvested, but also to place the grafts properly for healthy, natural-looking hair growth.
In many of these cases, hair restoration surgery might not be indicated. Medical therapy or time alone may be the best solution. The ideal surgical candidate is the patient with thick wavy or curly hair who has a receding hairline or a patch of baldness on the top of the scalp or crown.
Prior to consideration for surgery, Dr. Velargo recommends a trial of minoxodil (Rogaine) as well as finasteride (Propecia) in select patients. Even after surgical correction, the use of one or both of these medications will help with additional hair growth.
Quick Links
- What Can Hair Restoration Accomplish?
- Does Insurance Cover Hair Restoration?
- What Is The Difference Between Fue And Fut?
- What Is PRP Injections For Hair Restoration?
- What To Expect On The Day Of Your Hair Restoration Treatment?
- What To Expect After Your Hair Restoration Treatment?
- Will Long Term Medication Needed?
What Can Hair Restoration Accomplish?
Hair restoration surgery can permanently restore hair to areas of hair loss. This not only pertains to the scalp but also other areas of the face or body that have less hair than desirable.
Dr. Velargo can also remove a small amount of hair during a facelift, neck lift, or brow lift and transplant it on the eyebrow for those who have suffered eyebrow hair loss. He can also transplant hair to the moustache or beard area for men who have suffered hair loss, are unable to grow hair in these areas, or have scars in the beard distribution.
It is also possible to transplant hair to the temporal tuft in those female patients that have suffered the ill effects of hair loss secondary to an improperly placed facelift incision. Harvested hair can be transplanted virtually anywhere on the body that the patient desires additional hair growth.
Does Insurance Cover Hair Restoration?
Because hair restoration is a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies do not provide coverage for it.
Read more about what happens during Hair Restoration Surgery →
What Is The Difference Between Fue And Fut?
When it comes to modern hair restoration, two techniques are most commonly used: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation(FUT). While both methods are highly effective, the way donor hair is collected sets them apart.
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation— This method involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the back of the head. The strip is carefully divided into individual follicular units, which are then translated into thinning areas. Because the donor site is sutured closed, FUT typically only leaves a fine linear scar. For patients who wear longer hairstyles, this scar is usually very well hidden.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)— Instead of removing a strip, FUE uses a specialized extraction tool to punches individual hair follicles directly from the scalp. This minimally invasive approach avoids linear scars, leaving on small dot-like marks that are barely noticeable. Recovery is known to be quicker and more comfortable, and patients often appreciate the flexibility FUE offers, especially if they prefer shorter hairstyles or want grafts taken from different areas of the body.
What Is PRP Injections For Hair Restoration?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical injection process that uses your body’s healing properties from your own blood to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. During the procedure, a small amount of your blood if drawn and placed into a centrifuge device that concentrates the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. This platelet-rich plasma is placed in a syringe and carefully injected into areas of thinning hair on the scalp, where it works to rejuvenate dormant follicles, improve circulation, and encourage the growth of thicker, healthier hair strands. Because PRP relies on your body’s own resources, the treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and requires little to no downtime. It is especially beneficial for men and women in the early stages of hair thinning, and it can also be combined with surgical hair restoration techniques such as FUE or FUT to enhance your results and support long-term hair growth. By harnessing your body’s natural healing potential, PRP therapy offers a powerful way to strengthen existing hair and promote new growth without surgery or scarring.
Meet The Surgeons
We’re dedicated to delivering more than treatment—we build lasting connections through compassion, skill, and personalized care. Our mission is to provide exceptional service and results, making us the trusted choice for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in New Orleans.
What To Expect On The Day Of Your Hair Restoration Treatment?
On the day of your hair restoration procedure, our team will provide you with an exact arrival time, though most treatments begin early in the morning around 7 a.m. To help you feel comfortable throughout the day, we recommend eating a light breakfast before you arrive and bringing along some snacks. Lunch will be provided by the office.
We encourage you to dress in relaxed, comfortable clothing— ideally a button-up shirt or a full zip-front sweatshirt, as these are more convenient to change in and out of during your procedure if necessary. Many patients also bring their phone, a charger, and wireless headphones so they can enjoy music, podcasts, or an audiobook during the treatment. Please remember to bring any medications prescribed for your hair transplant, as these will be important for your care.
When you arrive, you’ll be given oral medication to help you feel calm and relaxed. This will be combined with a local anesthetic and nerve blocks to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. In most cases, it’s required that the donor site is shaved to allow for precise follicle harvesting, though this will be discussed with your surgeon beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
What To Expect After Your Hair Restoration Treatment?
Recovery after hair restoration varies depending on the technique used, but patients can generally expect a smooth healing process with gradual, natural-looking results.
For those who undergo Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), recovery is typically quick and comfortable. Mild swelling and redness in the donor and recipient areas may appear in the first few days, and tiny scabs will form around the transplant follicles before falling off within 7 to 10 days. Discomfort is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Shedding of the transplanted hair, also known as “shock loss” often occurs within the first few weeks, which is a normal part of the transplant process. New growth begins around 3 to 4 months, with noticeable improvements by 6 months and full results within 9 to 12 months.
With Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), recovery is slightly longer due to the donor strip removal. Patients may experience mild tightness or soreness at the incision site, and a fine linear scar will remain once healing is complete. Stitches are typically removed within 10 to 14 days, and most patients return to normal activities within a week or two. Like FUE, transplanted hair shed in the early weeks, with new growth appearing around 3 to 4 months and full results visible by 12 months.
For Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, recovery is the most straightforward. Because PRP is non-surgical, patients may notice mild scalp tenderness or redness immediately after treatment, but these effects usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. There is no downtime, and patients can resume normal activities right away. PRP works gradually, stimulating follicles to grow thicker, healthier hair over time. Improvements are often seen within 3 to 6 months, with continued progress after a series of treatment.
Will Long Term Medication Be Needed After Hair Restoration Treatments?
While the transplanted hair from your procedure are permanent and do not require medication to grown, ongoing treatment is often recommended to protect and preserve your existing hair. Two if the most commonly used medications for managing hair loss are finasteride and minoxidil, both of which can play an important role in maintaining long-term results.
Finasteride is an oral medication that works by blocking the effects of DHT, the hormone largely responsible for male pattern baldness. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps slow or stop further hair loss and, in some cases, may even encourage regrowth in thinning areas. Minoxidil, available as topical solution or foam, improves blood flow to the hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase of hair, resulting in thicker, healthier strands. In recent years, low-dose oral minoxidil has also become a popular alternative, offering convenience and effectiveness for patients who may experience irritation with the topical form.