The technique of the megasession hair transplant involves the removal of an ellipse of scalp from the back of the head, from which the tiny micro and minigrafts are taken. The donor site is stitched, leaving a well-concealed scar. The new grafts (micro or mini) are then inserted in very small slits about 1.5 millimeters apart in the bald area to be treated. These slits usually heal so well they normally leave no scars. (Click here to see illustration of procedure).

The genetic information controlling hair growth is in the root of the hair, so obtaining grafts from the back of the head (where even bald men do not lose their hair) usually allows healthy hair to grow in the transplanted area, on top of the head, for the rest of their life. The only caveat here involves men who are genetically programmed to also lose their hair from the low back part of the head or sides. However, this is extremely rare.

"In the past, transplants involved from 50 to 150 larger grafts per session, with multiple sessions every three to six months, like an ongoing, endless procedure," states Dr. Barrera. "Other disadvantages of the old procedure include scarring and an unnatural appearance, plus a "cornfield" row effect. With this new technique, in one megasession most patients are satisfied as the results are entirely natural and permanent. Then a year later, if the patient wants more density, we can repeat the procedure."

Dr. Barrera himself underwent the procedure twice and is also very pleased.

The megasession transplant is carried out in Dr. Barrera's surgical suite and takes a four to six hours. When the patient arrives at 8:00 am, he or she first undergoes mild intravenous sedation. This is soon followed by injection of a long lasting anesthetic that provides numbness for the whole day, allowing a totally painless procedure. After the first hour or so, the patient is allowed to be fully awake if he or she wishes. At this point, the patient may rest, talk, observe or watch TV.

Then Dr. Barrera and his highly skilled surgical team carefully create the grafts, a very meticulous and precise process. Dr. Barrera personally inserts each and every one of the tiny grafts himself.

The procedure is usually not completed until from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or so, depending upon the number of grafts.

"We try to make things very comfortable for the patient," says Dr. Barrera. "Initially, the patient is sedated. Then he can watch movies, news or, if he wants to, talk to us. In the middle of the day, we provide lunch, which we enjoy with the patient. In our office after lunch, we continue until we are done. We also sometimes listen to music, and some patients seem to enjoy observing what we are doing."

Following the megasession, the patient wears a turban-like bandage for 48 hours, at which time he or she can shampoo the hair. Sutures are removed at seven to ten days. During the next couple of weeks, many small crusts appear, which eventually dry and fall out from the transplanted area. Some of the transplanted hair falls out after two to four weeks, then starts growing back two to three months later. It usually takes from eight months to a year to achieve its final result. At that point, the procedure may be repeated for greater density, if the patient desires.

Other than the patient's being in good health, the only prerequisite is that he or she must have good hair density at the back and sides of the head. Hair cannot be transplanted from one individual to another because of the problems with graft rejection.

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