Hair Transplants
What You Need to Know
If you’re here, chances are you’ve been thinking about your hair for a while now. Maybe you’ve noticed thinning in the mirror, more hair in the shower, or a hairline that doesn’t feel like “you” anymore. These are the exact concerns Dr. Christopher Pawlinga hears every day from patients across Latham, NY and the Capital Region. At Pawlinga Medical Center for Hair Restoration, this isn’t just about restoring hair—it’s about restoring confidence in a way that looks natural, feels right, and is designed specifically for you.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure that relocates your own healthy, permanent hair
follicles from one area of your scalp to another. Patients often ask if this is real hair or something
artificial. The answer is simple—this is your own hair, growing in a new place. At our Latham, NY office,
Dr. Pawlinga customizes every procedure based on your pattern of loss, hair characteristics, and
long-term goals.
What Is the Donor Area?
The donor area is typically the back and sides of your scalp—areas genetically resistant to hair loss. Dr.
Pawlinga carefully evaluates this region during your consultation to ensure long-term stability, proper
density planning, and a natural overall result.
What Is a Follicular Unit? What Is a Graft?
A follicular unit is a natural grouping of 1–4 hairs. A graft is that unit once it has been carefully
harvested for transplantation. Grafts are the building blocks of your result, and each one is placed with
precision to recreate natural growth patterns.
FUE vs FUT: Which Is Right for You?
Both FUE and FUT are advanced techniques offered at Pawlinga Medical Center in Latham, NY.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
• Individual grafts are removed one by one
• No linear scar
• Ideal for patients who prefer shorter hairstyles
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
• A small strip is removed and dissected into grafts
• Allows for a larger number of grafts in one session
• Often best for patients seeking maximum density or advanced restoration FUT is not outdated. It remains a powerful option for the right patient and can provide exceptional density and efficiency.
Is a Hair Transplant Permanent?
Yes. Transplanted hair retains its resistance to hair loss and continues to grow long-term. Hair
restoration is about planning for the future so results continue to look natural over time.
Will It Look Natural?
When performed correctly, results are undetectable. Dr. Pawlinga focuses on natural hairline design,
proper angle and direction, and thoughtful density placement. The goal is for you to simply look like
yourself again.
Is a Hair Transplant Painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients feel pressure but not pain.
Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and manageable.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Take?
Most procedures take between 4 to 8 hours in a single day, depending on the number of grafts.
What Is the Recovery Like?
1–3 days: mild redness or tenderness 7–10 days: small scabs heal and fall away 2–3 weeks:
transplanted hairs shed as part of the normal process Most patients return to normal routines within a
few days.
When Will I See Results?3–4 months: early growth 6–9 months: noticeable improvement 12–18 months: full results Hair restoration is a gradual process that leads to lasting change.
What Makes a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have adequate donor hair, are experiencing thinning, are in good
health, and have realistic expectations. We commonly treat patients with hair loss due to genetics, hormonal changes, stress, weight loss, or medical conditions.
Your Next Step
At Pawlinga Medical Center for Hair Restoration in Latham, NY, your consultation is directly with Dr.
Christopher Pawlinga. You will identify the cause of your hair loss, explore all treatment options, and
create a personalized plan. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward restoring your hair and confidence.
