Hair Loss Surgery

Some of our patients from Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding cities who are concerned about hair loss may be good candidates for a surgical approach. This may include hair transplant surgery at our Birmingham, AL, practice or other cosmetic procedures, such as tissue expansion or scalp reduction. Dr. Michael Beckenstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing hair restoration surgery.

What Is the Best Hair Loss Surgery?

As you might expect, there is no single answer to this question. Surgery to treat hair loss is individualized, and it’s important to choose a physician who has the training and experience to perform multiple hair restoration techniques. There isn’t one procedure that can treat all hair loss patients. In addition to the procedures described on this page, NeoGraft® hair transplant surgery is very effective, as is laser therapy. Tissue expansion, scalp reduction, and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) surgery are options that may be best suited for specific patients or conditions.

Michael S. Beckenstein MD, FACS

Dr. Beckenstein is one of the leading hair preservation and restoration specialists in the South and treats each patient personally. The board-certified plastic surgeon combines exceptional technical skill with a personable demeanor to create a relaxed environment for the men and women concerned about hair loss.

Credentials You Can Trust

Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is a great solution for extensive hair loss or patients who have suffered traumatic injuries to their scalps. It involves 2 surgical procedures that Dr. Beckenstein performs with patients under general anesthesia. He recommends this hair restoration method for a select group of patients. It is appropriate for both men and women.

During the first procedure, Dr. Beckenstein places a balloon-like device called a tissue expander beneath the hair-bearing scalp next to a bald area. He then gradually inflates the expander with saline over several weeks, causing the skin to expand and grow new skin cells. A bulge emerges beneath the hair-bearing scalp, especially after several weeks.

The second procedure involves removing the expander and the bald scalp and adjusting the stretched, hair-bearing scalp to replace it. This procedure can restore very large areas of scalp—even entire and partial patterns of baldness.

The benefits of tissue expansion include:

  • Provides significant coverage
  • Helpful in treating burn patients
  • Small incision
  • Proven results

As a plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive plastic surgery, Dr. Beckenstein has extensive experience using tissue expanders in many areas of the body.

What Sets Us Apart

What does T3 Hair Preservation offer that "big box" hair restoration practices don't?

  • Continuity of care—Dr. Beckenstein personally treats each patient
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Board-certified plastic surgeon
  • Advanced hair restoration and preservation treatments

Scalp Reduction

This surgical procedure removes specific areas of bald scalp and advances the scalp from each side, suturing it closed. Scalp reduction is most effective for coverage of bald areas at the top and back of the head. It reduces the size of bald areas and, for certain patients, it can completely remove them. Dr. Beckenstein can perform scalp reduction surgery multiple times if needed to restore hair in the areas of concern. The technique does result in a permanent scar.

Hairline Lowering

Dr. Beckenstein caln lower the frontal hairline by removing forehead skin and advancing the hair bearing scalp downward. This “shortens” the hairline. It does leave a scar that is well-concealed. Many women seek this procedure.

Strip Technique

The follicular unit transplant technique is usually called the “strip method” because it involves surgically removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back of the head. The surgeon then separates small follicular grafts that are transplanted to the balding area. The area where the strip was removed is sutured together. The procedure is painful and leaves a permanent scar. At T3 Hair Preservation, we rarely use this technique because the NeoGraft procedure is much more effective.

If you’re concerned about hair loss and are looking in Alabama or surrounding states for a hair restoration specialist, request a consultation with Dr. Beckenstein using the online form or call us at (205) 776-7985 to schedule an appointment.