Jesse E. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S

“The best hair transplant surgeon in Dallas and Colleyville,” according to his patients. Dr. Jesse Smith, is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon, bringing his expertise to help men and women regain fuller, healthier hair.

Colleyville – 817-503-2442

Fort Worth – 817-806-4245

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NEWSFLASH

Introducing the Revolutionary Trivellini Multiphasic FUE Hair Restoration System

Dr. Jesse Smith, MD, FACS, is the only surgeon in the area using this advanced new technology enabling a higher graft survival rate than older FUE approaches.


What is a Hair Transplant?Hair Restoration Before & AfterFUE Hair Transplant or Follicular Unit ExtractionThe Strip MethodHair Transplant FAQWhat are Hair Plugs?Hair Transplant ProcessA Natural HairlineHair Transplant Post-Op


What is a Hair Transplant?

Whether in Colleyville or Dallas, Hair Transplant is simply a procedure that moves hair that you already have on your scalp to another area of the scalp that is sparsely populated with hair. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. There are two methods that can be utilized to move the hair. One is a follicular unit strip procedure, the other is follicular unit extraction and placement.

Hair Transplant Before & After

Here are a few examples of Dr. Smith Hair Transplant cases.

FUE Hair Transplant or Follicular Unit Extraction

There are several medical devices used to extract individual hair follicles from the back of the scalp (donor area). Neograft™ is a “brand name” device used to extract single follicular units from the donor area. We use a Neograft machine for our FUE methods.

NeoGraft is the first FDA cleared follicular unit harvesting and implantation system that delivers excellent hair transplant results. The NeoGraft™ system delivers automation of the FUE technique, the most advanced technique in the hair transplant industry.

NeoGraft uses pneumatic controls to precisely extract complete individual hair follicles which can be immediately transplanted to the selected areas of the scalp. NeoGraft™ provides absolute exact harvesting and placement that deliver the desired results. With NeoGraft™’s technology each follicle is removed individually while the patient is comfortable.

The difference between the Strip Method and FUE Hair Transplant is in the method and device used to extract the grafts that contain the hair follicles. The grafts are extracted one at a time using a one millimeter punch device. Technically you will still have a scar. However it is so minute (a one millimeter dot) that you can not see it with the naked eye, thus allowing the individual to wear their hair as short as they wish. We do not use sutures (stitches) in this procedure, so there is no need for suture removal. Everything else is done exactly the same way, regardless of which extraction method (Strip or FUE) is being used. Both procedures are done while the patient is under a local anesthetic, yet you are awake and comfortable during the procedure.

The Strip Method

The Surgeon removes a strip of tissue from the donor site that contains the hair follicles. The scalp is then carefully brought back together and sutured. The sutures remain in the donor site for 10-14 days before being removed. The strip of tissue that was removed is meticulously dissected so that each hair unit becomes a single “graft” or follicular unit, containing one to four hairs each depending on the density of the donor hair. Once the strip has been dissected into many follicular units, the surgeon and assistants place the receptor sites using pin-point microscopic incisions to cover the area of hair loss being treated. The individual follicular units are then “placed” (inserted) into these microscopic incisions one by one.

The process is very similar to planting saplings. If you look at it this way, the scalp is the soil and the follicle is the sapling.

The most difficult part of the entire process is the waiting period before the hair actually starts to grow, because it cannot occur over night. It takes approximately three months for the hair to emerge after transplantation, because the hair is in shock from being placed in a different location. Hair goes into the Telogen phase (resting/dormancy phase) after being transplanted. However, once the three-month hair growth cycle has been completed, the hair begins to grow at the rate of approximately 1/2″ per month and will grow for the rest of your life. The full thickness of the hair usually takes about one year after the procedure to be realized.

Hair Transplant FAQ

Dr. Smith answers frequently asked hair transplant questions.

What are Hair Plugs?

Surgeons have been performing hair transplants in the United States since the 1950’s; however, many things have changed since the start of hair transplant surgery, over 70 years ago. Hair plugs were large multiunit grafts that were placed in the scalp from transplanted areas. True to their name, they looked like large plugs, or like the hair on a Barbie Doll. This technique lost favor in the 1980’s and 1990’s when more sophisticated techniques became the standard of care.

Hair Transplant Process

A hair transplant is done in the office under local anesthesia. Injections are given to numb the scalp, and then grafts are extracted in one of two manners from the back of the scalp. These hairs are chosen because they are resistant to hormones that cause hair loss, and when they begin to grow, they will remain. Each graft is meticulously extracted from the scalp or from a strip of hair removed, and then placed in its own individual site in the barren portion of the scalp, where it then obtains blood supply and thrives.

A Natural Hairline

A natural hairline keeps the transplant from looking “done” or fake. The hairline should be slightly irregular, instead of a solid straight row. Variation in the frontal hairline is natural, as are single unit grafts. Single unit grafts are placed for the first 0.5-1.0 cm in the frontal area, to mimic a natural appearing hairline. Thicker grafts are placed behind these. The hairline should be adjusted in height from the eyebrow, for the appropriate age.

Hair Transplant Post-Op

Hair Transplant Post Op

Pros and Cons of the Strip Method

Pros:

  • In comparison to Follicular Unit Extraction, the Strip Method requires less time to perform the actual procedure – 2 to 5 hours

  • Usually, the Strip Method will yield a greater density than FUE – FUE will only yield approximately 2/3 of what the Strip Method can yield.

  • The Strip Method is a less expensive procedure than the FUE/NeograftTM Method

Cons:

  • There will be a faint linear scar in the donor site. With our dedicated suture techniques, no one will ever be able to see the incision line (unless you plan to shave your head). For someone planning to wear their hair in a very short “military style” or similar styles, FUE is a better option because it leaves no linear scar.

Hair Restoration FAQ

  • How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost in Dallas-Fort Worth?

    The cost of a hair transplant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area typically falls within a range of $6,000 to $12,000. However, the final cost is not arbitrary and is carefully determined based on several key aspects.

    1. Method of Transplant: Strip harvesting and follicular unit extraction (FUE) are the most common methods, with different procedures having differing costs, not necessarily one being more expensive than the other.
    2. Number of Technicians: The procedure’s cost reflects the required personnel. Depending on the complexity of your situation, more or fewer technicians may be needed, but a higher number doesn’t automatically translate to a higher cost.
    3. Time Required: The duration of the procedure varies from patient to patient. More involved procedures will naturally take more time but this factor is included in the comprehensive pricing and does not linearly increase the cost.
    4. Quality of Technicians: Dr. Smith’s practice prides itself on its use of skilled technicians. High quality technicians often have several years of experience which may mean a higher cost. We are committed to success and a natural outcome.
    5. Complexity of Procedure: The nature of each patient’s case will differ. While it’s true that more complex cases can take more time and resources, the cost is adjusted for these considerations and not escalated unnecessarily.
    6. Supplies: The use of a top-grade cryopreservative, “HypoThermosol,” ensures a better graft survival rate. It’s part of our commitment to quality and is integrated into our cost structure rather than being an additional cost.
    7. Facility Use: The price includes a fee for the use of the facility, which is standardized and not always dependent on procedure duration or complexity.

    In the hands of Dr. Smith, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive & head and neck surgeon, and his team of highly experienced professionals, you can expect high-quality care and excellent outcomes. Reach out to his office to get more information and to schedule a consultation for an individualized cost estimate.

  • How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last/ Is it Permanent?

    Once the hair follicle takes blood supply in the scalp, the hair will continue to grow, indefinitely.

  • Do Hair Transplants Work/ What is the Success Rate?

    Hair transplants are one of the most satisfying and successful surgeries preformed today. There is a greater than 90% satisfaction rating on hair transplant procedures. The risks are minimal, and complication rates are very low when a skilled surgeon is chosen.

  • What is the Recovery from Hair Transplant/ Timeline?

    The day of the transplant, there will be swelling and some oozing. This lasts for 3-5 days. By the 7th day, the grafts start to blend better and crusts begin to fall off, so that the grafts resemble small stubble. A loose bandana or surgeons cap can be worn for the first 5-7 days. If sutures were used in surgery, they are removed at day 14.

  • What are the Side-Effects of Hair Transplant Surgery?

    The are very few side effects of a well-done hair transplant surgery. Some people swell for 3-5 days after the procedure. Scarring is minimal.

  • When Should You Get a Hair Transplant?

    Timing is everything. If you think you are a candidate for a hair transplant procedure, it is a good idea to speak with Dr. Smith in a formal consult, so that he can go over all of your options.

  • Is Hair Transplantation Safe?

    Hair transplants are safe when done by skilled, experienced surgeons.

  • Does Hair Transplant Surgery Leave a Scar?

    No surgical procedure can be “scarless.” However, Dr. Smith makes every effort to hide all incisions. Most people cannot find their scars after the procedure.

  • Why Does Transplanted Hair Not Fall Out?

    The hair from the back of the scalp is resistant to the hormones that cause male pattern baldness. Therefore, when this hair is transplanted, it maintains its resistance to these hormones, and continues to grow indefinitely.

  • Does Hair Restoration Surgery Hurt?

    Most people feel that the injections to numb the scalp are slightly uncomfortable; however, they are well tolerated, and once the scalp is numb, the remainder of the procedure cannot be felt. For the first 3-5 days, the scalp is slightly tender; however, this is easily managed with oral pain medication.

  • Do you serve Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Keller or Saginaw?

    Yes!