Double Board-Certified, Harvard-Trained · 141 Documented Before-and-After Cases · 4.9 Average  ·  314 Reviews

Why hair thins — and why medication alone often isn't enough

The most common cause of progressive hair loss in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia — a genetically-driven sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a byproduct of testosterone. Over time, DHT-sensitive follicles shrink and produce progressively finer, shorter hairs until they stop producing visible hair altogether.

Medical treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can slow this process and, in some patients, encourage regrowth in follicles that haven't fully miniaturized — but they cannot restore follicles that have already gone dormant, and results depend on continued, consistent use.

Where transplantation fits in

Hair transplantation works around this limitation by relocating follicles from a genetically resistant donor area — typically the back and sides of the scalp, which are far less sensitive to DHT — to the thinning or balding areas. Because the transplanted follicles retain their donor-site genetic resistance, the results are considered permanent.

How follicular unit extraction works

Donor site preparation. The donor area is trimmed and prepared, and individual follicular units are identified for extraction based on natural density and growth pattern.

Graft extraction. NeoGraft's pneumatic system extracts each follicular unit individually using a small, precise punch — avoiding the linear incision and resulting scar of older strip-harvest methods.

Recipient site creation and placement. Tiny recipient sites are created in the thinning area, angled and positioned to match your natural hair growth direction, and individual grafts are then placed one by one to build a natural-looking result.

Day-of-procedure logistics. The full process — extraction and placement — typically takes several hours depending on the number of grafts needed, and is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Most patients are comfortable throughout and can watch a movie or relax during the session.

What to expect after your procedure

First Week

Mild scabbing at both donor and recipient sites is normal and resolves within about a week. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within a few days.

2–3 Months

Transplanted hairs typically shed within the first several weeks — this is expected and does not mean the graft failed. The follicle remains in place and enters a new growth cycle.

6–12 Months

New growth becomes visible around month 3–4 and continues to thicken and mature over the following months, with full, final results typically apparent by 9–12 months.

Hair Transplant FAQs

Will there be a visible scar?

NeoGraft's follicular unit extraction technique removes individual grafts rather than a strip of scalp, leaving only tiny, scattered puncture marks in the donor area that are essentially undetectable once healed — even with short hairstyles.

Am I a good candidate?

The best candidates have a stable, healthy donor area at the back and sides of the scalp and realistic expectations about the gradual timeline of results. Dr. Kim evaluates your pattern of hair loss and donor supply during consultation to determine whether transplantation, medical therapy, or a combination is the right approach.

Do I need to continue medication after a transplant?

Many patients continue finasteride and/or minoxidil after transplantation to help protect their remaining native hair from further DHT-driven thinning, since the transplant only addresses the areas that were treated — it doesn't change the genetic sensitivity of hair that wasn't transplanted.

Is this option available for women?

Yes. Female pattern hair loss often presents differently than male pattern baldness — typically as diffuse thinning rather than a receding hairline — and NeoGraft can be an effective option for appropriately selected female patients as well.

In their own words

★★★★★

"The team made me feel comfortable from the very first visit. So happy with how natural everything looks."

B.H. — Google
★★★★★

"Dr. Kim's attention to detail is unmatched. Couldn't be happier with my results."

T.M. — Google
★★★★★

"Professional, caring staff and a wonderful experience overall."

C.V. — Google
4.9 average rating  ·  314 reviews
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