Skip to main content
(410) 484-8860

Hair Restoration & Transplant Surgery

Home/Hair Restoration & Transplant Surgery

Dr. Houssock understands the dramatic impact that hair loss can have on personal appearance and self-esteem. Our society often correlates the presence of hair with youth, vitality, and health. Regardless of the amount of hair that you have lost or your individual requirements, our office offers several hair transplant solutions to address your specific needs.

Learn more about the hair restoration and hair transplant options available at our practice by exploring the sections below, or simply contact us today to book a consultation.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants are a very specialized surgical technique. Here’s how it works: hair from the fringe above the ears and around the back of the head is transferred to the crown and the front portions of the scalp. In the vast majority of individuals, the hair from the fringe and back of the scalp is genetically encoded to grow throughout life. Thus, the transplanted hair will continue to grow indefinitely. This permanently growing hair in the fringe serves as the donor area. These permanent hair grafts are transplanted into small slits that are created by the surgeon in the area of alopecia (bald or thinning areas). This is known as the recipient area for hair transplants.

The most common type of graft we use is called a follicular unit. A follicular unit is the way hairs gather together in their natural state. In other words, some hairs grow as single units, others grow in pairs, and still others exist in thicker gatherings of three to four hairs. We prepare each graft as a follicular unit, the way they exist in nature, and transplant them into very tiny slits just large enough for the graft. These types of grafts are totally natural in appearance.

Sometimes, grafts that are larger than follicular units are used to provide additional bulk. This is only done in areas where the appearance will remain totally natural and added thickness is required.

For more detailed information about hair transplantation specific to gender, ethnicity, and more, we invite you to follow the links below:

Who Is a Candidate for Hair Restoration?

Using a wide variety of hair restoration techniques, Dr. Houssock can help patients achieve a thicker, fuller head of hair. Patients who have thinning hair or hair loss as a result of genetics are often good candidates for hair restoration. Hair restoration techniques can also effectively treat hair loss that has occurred as the result of an injury or surgery. Ideal hair restoration candidates are in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations about the results they may be able to achieve with the methods we offer. Patients who are experiencing temporary hair loss due to factors such as medication, a medical condition, or stress may not be well suited for surgical hair restoration, but may benefit from non-surgical options; however, every individual is unique and should schedule a consultation for a thorough and accurate assessment. For some men and women, adjustments in medication and/or lifestyle changes may be helpful in slowing or reversing hair loss.

In preparation for your consultation, we ask that you submit a series of photos that give Dr. Houssock and our team the opportunity to evaluate your hair loss and prepare for your appointment. Find detailed instructions on how to take and email your photos here:

Photo Upload Instructions

Why Choose Dr. Houssock for Hair Restoration?

Carrie A. Houssock, MDDr. Carrie Houssock has a true passion for helping men and women regain confidence in their appearance through hair restoration. At JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Houssock and her team provide state-of-the-art, customized hair restoration procedures that are designed to deliver natural-looking results that affirm masculine and feminine characteristics for patients of all ethnicities and gender identities. Dr. Houssock is experienced and highly trained in performing a variety of hair transplant techniques and non-surgical hair restoration treatments that can yield thicker, fuller hair coverage, as well as soft, blended hairlines. Following her residency, Dr. Houssock became an associate of internationally renowned plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist James E. Vogel, MD, FACS and furthered her skills under his expert guidance and professional encouragement. Together, Dr. Houssock and Dr. Vogel pioneered award-winning research in hair restoration and continued to make measurable strides in improving the quality of patients’ outcomes. Now, as the lead plastic surgeon and medical director of JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Houssock carries on the decades-long legacy of success that Dr. Vogel established, and enthusiastically presses forward with advancing and evolving the practice’s innovative approaches to hair restoration.

When patients choose Dr. Houssock for hair restoration and transplant procedures, they can rest assured they have selected one of the Baltimore area’s top practitioners. Dr. Houssock’s success is the result of several important factors:

  • A thorough approach to evaluating each patient for candidacy. This process can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s hair loss and a comprehensive assessment of his or her needs and goals, which enables Dr. Houssock to recommend the most effective and suitable treatment(s).
  • Advanced skill and experience in successfully designing and performing a wide variety of both non-surgical and surgical hair restoration procedures. Using these techniques, Dr. Houssock develops highly personalized treatment plans for each patient to deliver the highest-quality results.
  • The artistry and surgical skill of a plastic surgeon. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Houssock has an artist’s eye and a surgeon’s expertise, which aid her in creating hair restoration results that look natural, are generally long-lasting, and can enhance each patient’s overall appearance. Not all doctors who perform hair restoration are plastic surgeons, and patients benefit from Dr. Houssock’s extensive training and experience in both fields.
  • A reputation for success. Dr. Houssock’s reputation as a top hair restoration and transplant surgeon is founded upon recognition by her peers in the field and consistently outstanding ratings and reviews from her patients.

To find out if Dr. Houssock is the right choice for your hair restoration needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, you can meet with Dr. Houssock and learn more about the best options for achieving your goals. She will take the time to answer any questions you may have about the suggested treatments and discuss the kind of results you can expect to achieve.

What Are the Surgical Techniques Used for Hair Restoration?

Dr. Houssock offers a variety of state-of-the-art hair restoration treatments, which provide patients with several ways to approach their hair loss. During the preliminary consultation, she examines the scalp, reviews the patient’s medical history, and inquires about their concerns and treatment goals. Dr. Houssock can then make informed recommendations about which treatment options may lead to the most satisfactory results. Individuals considering treatment are often surprised to find out that surgical hair restoration techniques have advanced significantly over the past decades. Today, the results of customized hair transplant surgery can look incredibly natural.

  • Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Restoration

    Dr. Houssock offers follicular unit extraction (FUE), one of the newest hair restoration techniques. This method harvests single follicular units and strategically transplants them to create a natural-looking hairline and the appropriate degree of coverage. FUE also allows patients to wear very short hairstyles, as there are no resulting scars to conceal.

    Learn More

  • Hairline Lowering & Forehead Reduction

    When the size of one’s forehead creates a disproportionate facial appearance, surgical hairline lowering can be an excellent solution for achieving aesthetic balance. Lowering the hairline by 2cm or more can adequately reduce the forehead for a beautiful, confidence-boosting cosmetic result.

    Learn More

  • Donor Site Closure

    One of the most common methods of hair transplantation is the strip-harvest method. When performing this type of procedure, Dr. Houssock utilizes innovative donor site closure techniques that can effectively camouflage the incision. Follicular unit extraction and transplantation techniques can also be used to conceal old donor site scars from previous transplant procedures performed by another surgeon.

    Learn More

Are There Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Treatments?

Non-surgical hair restoration techniques can also benefit patients seeking alternatives or complementary treatments for hair transplant surgery. The options we offer at JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics include the following:

Hair Restoration with Injectables

One of the latest treatments we have successfully incorporated into our practice is hair restoration using injectables. This option harnesses the patients’ own natural healing properties to effectively rejuvenate miniaturized hair follicles and stimulate the growth of thicker, stronger, fuller hair.

Learn More

Compounded Minoxidil Formula

A pharmaceutical-grade topical treatment, compounded minoxidil formula is proven to be effective in slowing hair loss and regrowing hair for men and women affected by androgenic alopecia. The solution, which is a synergistic combination of minoxidil and other key ingredients, is applied to the scalp twice a day and delivers noticeable results in 85% of men and 60% of women.

Learn More

Propecia® (Finasteride)

Propecia® is the trade name for the medication called finasteride. The drug blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone from attaching to sensitive hair follicles and causing them to fall out. Generally it takes about 6 months of daily use to see an effect from the drug. Studies show that about 80% of men maintain their hair count or experience a net increase in the number of hairs with the drug’s use. Side effects are minimal; however, there have been some reports of libido loss (about 2%), which returns upon cessation of the drug. When combined with a hair transplant, the Propecia® can enhance the results because it helps to reduce the likelihood of loss of surrounding hair.

Learn More

Nutrafol® Hair Wellness

Dr. Houssock is proud to offer Nutrafol®, a reputable and sought-after line of hair restoration supplements. Nutrafol®’s drug-free products contain nourishing vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that can help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and combat hair loss and thinning. As a result, Nutrafol® can contribute to a healthier, fuller, and more robust head of hair. The supplements are generally taken once a day with food, and can be used alongside a number of surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures.

Learn More

While some of these treatments may be implemented alone, Dr. Houssock often recommends a combination of non-surgical hair restoration techniques to enhance results. Following an evaluation of your hair loss and a discussion of your goals, Dr. Houssock can suggest the treatments that are best suited for your needs.

What Is Recovery After Hair Transplantation Like?

After their hair transplants, our patients go home with a complete set of instructions and medications. Most people are able to return to work within a few days. If swelling does occur, it takes place maximally on the third post-operative day in the forehead. Typically, there is some mild to moderate discomfort in the donor area but minimal pain in the recipient sites.

Vigorous activity should be postponed for two weeks following the surgery. Soon after the transplant, the new follicles go into a resting stage, during which time no growth will occur. This stage lasts approximately three months. After this stage, your new hair growth should begin – but it will take approximately eight months to mature and develop into a result that can be assessed. This is a general guide regarding growth rates. Some patients have accelerated growth, and others have delayed rates of growth and cannot be fully evaluated for a full year following the transplant.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?

The average price range for hair transplant surgery at JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics ranges from $6,000 to $13,500. The costs for this customized surgical treatment can vary widely from patient to patient, based on the specific details of each individual’s unique treatment plan. The techniques used, the number of hair transplants placed, and any other additional treatments  can impact the total price of hair transplant surgery. To get an accurate estimate for your hair transplant surgery and/or hair restoration treatment, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Houssock. During this appointment, she can determine the best approach for achieving your hair restoration goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. Based on the details of your treatment plan, our office team can calculate a cost quote for your care. Once you receive the quote, we encourage you to ask our team any questions you may have about pricing, financing options, and scheduling your treatment. Our goal is always to make hair restoration treatments as successful, accessible, and affordable as possible, and to achieve that aim we offer financing through third-party lenders— CareCedit®, ALPHAEON™ CREDIT, and Blispay—who can help qualified applicants access manageable, low-/no-interest payments for the high-quality care we provide.

bna-sample
bna-sample
bna-sample
bna-sample
bna-sample
bna-sample
View Photo Gallery

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Restoration

  • Why am I going bald and how much hair will I lose?

    It is generally agreed upon that almost all men and many women will experience some degree of hair thinning as they age. While some women develop generalized and diffuse hair thinning, many lose hair in a rectangular pattern directly behind the anterior hairline. Many men will experience a pattern of hair loss that frequently follows that of a male relative. We refer to these typical hair loss distributions as “male or female pattern baldness.” The medical term for baldness is alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is an inherited condition like eye color or physical stature. Since this trait is inherited, there is nothing you can do to prevent hair loss. A combination of the hormone testosterone and the genetic trait for hair loss are the two primary factors responsible for “pattern hair loss.”

    It is impossible to definitely predict how much hair an individual will lose. However, the amount of anticipated hair loss and remaining donor hair are essential to evaluate because they are crucial elements in the individualized treatment plan for your hair transplantation.

    Hair transplants, which are becoming increasingly popular among our patients, are a permanent solution to alopecia.

  • Will the hair transplants be natural after the hair has grown in?

    Using new methods of grafting, we are able to create the most natural hairline possible. Through the use of follicular unit grafting, we create a natural transition zone between the forehead and the back of the scalp. This technique simulates the natural hairline seen in many older individuals who still have their hair but have some natural thinning and recession. This natural mature hairline, which frames the face, is what we strive for when performing hair transplants. It is unrealistic to anticipate that a hair transplant or other procedure can recreate the hairline that you once had at age 18.

  • Do hair transplantation procedures hurt?

    The hair transplants we perform are relatively painless. These procedures are performed using local anesthesia. A mild oral sedative is also given during the procedure.

  • What happens to the donor area of my head?

    In a strip procedure, the hair transplant “donor area” is closed with stitches and the surrounding hair covers the site completely. This usually leaves the donor area completely undetectable immediately after a procedure. While a permanent scar will remain in the area of the donor hair harvest site, it is almost always invisible when the hair length is 1/8 inch or longer.

    In an FUE procedure, the “donor area” is shaved before the procedure and then a small portion of the grafts are individually harvested. The remaining hairs will regrow over the next 7-10 days, making the site virtually imperceptible even in the shortest hair styles.

  • Can I have some improvements made to previous hair transplants I’ve received?

    YES. If you have previously had hair transplants or another hair transplantation procedure and you wish to have some improvements made, this can often be done. Corrective hair transplant procedures are one of our special areas of interest in hair restoration. Corrective surgery is one of the special areas where we can draw upon Dr. Houssock’s surgical experience in plastic surgery. Your surgeon can custom-design a plan best suited to your particular requirements.

  • Who are hair transplant surgeons? And, how can I find someone qualified to perform hair transplants?

    No one medical specialty represents hair transplantation surgery as its exclusive domain. Today, hair transplants are performed by physicians with differing backgrounds and specialties. Therefore, it is crucial to select a surgeon based on proven work, reputation, and surgical experience. In addition, a mutual understanding and good relationship with your physician and his or her staff are essential. Furthermore, be sure to check into the facilities in which the hair transplant will be performed, speak to the doctor’s staff who will be assisting them during the surgery, and finally, gauge your degree of comfort with the entire prospect of having hair transplantation surgery by this team.

Contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics

If you have more questions about hair transplants, we encourage you to contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics. As with all procedures, a detailed consultation is necessary for you to be fully informed about the procedures, alternatives, and risks.