Am I a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Candidacy depends on donor supply (the stable hair at the back and sides of your scalp), the degree and pattern of your loss, your age, and the likely progression of your hair loss over time. Dr. David evaluates all of these at consultation. Generally, patients with sufficient donor density, stable or predictable loss patterns, and realistic expectations make the best candidates.
What is the difference between ARTAS FUE and FUT strip?
ARTAS robotic FUE harvests individual follicular units directly from the scalp using robotic precision — no linear incision, no linear scar. Recovery is shorter and you can wear your hair very short afterward. FUT (strip method) removes a strip of donor tissue that is dissected under microscopy into individual grafts. It produces the highest graft yield per session and is preferred for patients with advanced loss who need maximum density. Dr. David will recommend the right approach for your anatomy and goals at consultation.
Does hair transplant surgery hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Patients are awake but comfortable throughout. The injections that establish the anesthetic field produce brief, mild discomfort — after that, the procedure is essentially painless. Post-operatively, most patients manage any soreness with over-the-counter analgesics. The level of discomfort is substantially less than most patients anticipate.
How many grafts will I need?
This depends entirely on the area to be covered and the density you want to achieve — both of which require a physical examination to assess accurately. Graft counts for hairline restoration alone typically start at 1,000–2,000 grafts; full crown and vertex coverage for advanced loss can require 3,000–5,000+ grafts, sometimes across two sessions. Dr. David will give you a specific number at consultation after assessing your scalp under magnification.
When will I see results?
Transplanted hair sheds in the first 2–4 weeks post-procedure — this is normal and expected. New growth begins at 3–4 months. Meaningful, visible density arrives at 6–9 months. Full, mature results are assessed at 12–14 months. The timeline is consistent across FUE and FUT procedures.
How long is the recovery?
Most ARTAS FUE patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. Social downtime (when the scalp looks visibly worked) is 5–7 days for FUE and 7–10 days for FUT strip. Strenuous physical activity is restricted for 2 weeks. Donor and recipient areas are fully healed within 2–3 weeks.
Are hair transplant results permanent?
Transplanted hair follicles are taken from the donor zone — the back and sides of the scalp — which is genetically resistant to DHT-related hair loss. Those grafts retain that resistance when transplanted, meaning the results are permanent. However, your native (non-transplanted) hair continues to be subject to ongoing loss. This is why planning for future progression at the initial consultation is essential.
Will the result look natural?
A natural result depends primarily on hairline design, graft placement angles, and the caliber and curl of the transplanted follicles — all of which are surgical decisions made by Dr. David, not the robot. ARTAS handles extraction with robotic precision; Dr. David designs the hairline and places every graft by hand, matching the natural directional patterns of your existing hair. The outcome, when done correctly, is indistinguishable from native hair.
Will Dr. David perform the entire procedure himself?
Yes. Dr. David is the sole operating surgeon at Pacific Hair Center. He designs the hairline, supervises every extraction, and places every graft. This is a fundamental difference between a private surgical practice and a chain hair restoration clinic, where the physician often performs only part of the procedure.
Do you accept out-of-area patients?
Yes. Pacific Hair Center routinely sees patients from outside San Diego, across California, and nationally. Dr. David offers telemedicine review for preliminary assessment. In-person consultation is required before any surgical procedure is scheduled. The office can assist with planning for the procedure day and follow-up care.
How do I get started?
Call the office at (858) 453-4247 or use the consult request form on the Visit page. Dr. David's team will schedule your consultation appointment. Bring photos of your hairline progression if you have them — it helps Dr. David understand the trajectory of your loss.
Still have questions?
The best answers come from a conversation with Dr. David about your specific situation. Call the office or request a consultation.
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