Hair Transplant

FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique in which individual hair follicles are carefully extracted from a donor area — typically the back or sides of the scalp, where hair is genetically resistant to thinning — and transplanted to areas of hair loss. Unlike the older strip method (FUT), FUE leaves no linear scar, requires no stitches in the donor area, and involves a shorter, more comfortable recovery. Dr. de la Cruz uses precision FUE techniques to restore natural-looking hairlines, density, and volume.

The best candidates for hair transplant are men and women with stable hair loss patterns and adequate donor hair. Common conditions we treat include androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), traction alopecia, and hair loss from scarring or previous surgery. During a consultation, Dr. de la Cruz performs a thorough evaluation of your hair loss pattern, scalp health, donor hair quality, and overall medical history to determine whether a transplant — or a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments — is the right approach for you. Age, expectations, and the progression of hair loss all factor into the recommendation.

Hair transplant results develop gradually. In the first two to four weeks after surgery, the transplanted hairs typically shed — this is completely normal and expected. New growth begins around three to four months as the transplanted follicles enter their growth cycle. You'll notice significant improvement by six to nine months, with full, mature results typically visible at 12 to 18 months after the procedure. Patience is key, and Dr. de la Cruz will guide you through what to expect at each stage.

Recovery from FUE is relatively quick compared to other surgical procedures. Most patients take one to three days off from work and can return to light daily activities within a few days. The tiny extraction sites in the donor area heal within about a week and become virtually undetectable once surrounding hair grows in. You may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness in both the donor and transplant areas for the first few days. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and direct sun exposure are typically avoided for about one to two weeks. Dr. de la Cruz provides detailed aftercare instructions to optimize healing and graft survival.

Yes. FUE transplant is an excellent technique for restoring or enhancing eyebrows, beards, mustaches, and sideburns, as well as camouflaging scars on the scalp or face. These procedures require particular artistic precision, because the hair must be placed at the correct angle, direction, and density to mimic natural growth. Dr. de la Cruz has specialized training in these detail-oriented procedures and works closely with each patient to design a result that looks natural and complements their facial features.

PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, is a non-surgical treatment that harnesses your body's own healing mechanisms to stimulate hair growth. A small amount of blood is drawn, placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then injected into the scalp in areas of thinning. PRP can be used on its own for patients with early-stage hair thinning, or in combination with hair transplant surgery to promote healing and enhance graft survival. Treatment is performed in-office and typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes with minimal downtime.

Dr. de la Cruz and Dr. Bittar treat the full spectrum of hair loss conditions in both men and women. These include androgenetic alopecia (the most common cause of hair loss in both sexes), traction alopecia (caused by tight hairstyles or extensions), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), telogen effluvium (stress- or postpartum-related shedding), scarring alopecias (such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia), and hair loss related to nutritional deficiencies or hormonal changes. Their approach always begins with a comprehensive diagnosis before recommending a personalized treatment plan that may include medical therapy, PRP, red light therapy, or surgical restoration.

Hair loss can have many underlying causes — hormonal, autoimmune, nutritional, or genetic — and an accurate diagnosis is essential before any treatment. Board-certified dermatologists are the only physicians who complete residency training specifically focused on diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, giving them unique expertise in identifying the root cause of hair loss. Dr. Julie de la Cruz is a board-certified dermatologist combining medical expertise with advanced surgical skill to deliver the most comprehensive hair restoration care available.

You should plan to spend the whole day at our office on the day of the procedure. Because FUE transplant moves hairs follicle by follicle, the procedure takes several hours. You’ll be awake and comfortable throughout, and we will manage the pain through the use of local anesthetics and oral medications. We will have a break for lunch at which time you will have the opportunity to eat. For very large cases, the procedure may need to be split into two days.