Hair Transplantation
Hair Transplantation Greece
In Derma Hair Clinic
Hair transplantation in Greece by Dermatologist Dr. Karalexis in Athens, specialized since 2002 in both surgical and medical treatments for hair loss after his fellowship at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA. He has a great clinical experience in Dermatology for more than 20 years and he is the Director of Dermatology at the Naval Hospital of Athens, Greece. He obtained his medical degree from Thessaloniki, school of medicine and completed his residency at University of Athens, “Andreas Syggros” Hospital in 1999. He also trained in 2001 in the field of Dermatologic Surgery at “Andreas Syggros” Hospital and soon after at Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana,USA. He is the owner of Derma Hair Clinic in Athens and he is well respected within the medical community for his technical skill and surgical artistry.
Many people come from abroad just to have a hair transplantation at our clinic, from countries like the USA especially from California, Florida, Texas, New York, Chicago, Washington, and the United Kingdom. Also from Ireland, Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, Italy and the UAE.
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Dr. Apostolos Karalexis
What are the reasons to choose Derma Hair Clinic and Dr. Karalexis?
- Dr. Apostolos Karalexis is an awarded Dermatologist with studies in the USA and with a tremendous experience for more than 20 years.
- He is the Doctor who performs the procedure with the help of his assistants
- He does PRP at the same time to enforce the result.
- The procedure is almost pain-free. However, we use local anesthesia to minimize the pain.
- The follow-up with the doctor continues after the procedure for a few months. Dr Karalexis and Derma Hair Clinic care for their patient’s needs. That’s why the Clinic has an anthropocentric character.
- The results are natural and we always try our best to meet our patient’s expectations.
- Dr. Karalexis is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, of the European Academy Dermatology Venereology, of the Hellenic Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the Hellenic Society of Dermatology. He is also a member of the Medical Association of Athens.
Derma Hair clinic is located in the center of Athens next to the metro station of Megaron Mousikis(Concert Hall) . It’s very easy to access it by metro after your landing at Athens airport.
Our Patients must be in Athens one day before the procedure. The day of the procedure we usually start at 8AM in the morning. The day after the procedure it’s better to come for a hair wash and then you can leave.
Hair transplantation in Greece
When people are thinking about doing this procedure abroad, they are not sure about their decision. We give you detailed information about our clinic and of course we tell you the truth about the hair transplantation procedure. Derma Hair Clinic is provided with the best surgical equipment. Our goal is to feel comfortable during the procedure. It would be a nice opportunity to combine the transplantation with holidays in Greece as there are a lot of beautiful places that you can visit. Greece is one of the most famous destinations in spring and summer months. It also has mild autumn and winter. Greece is also a member of the European Union and its legislation is governed by common laws with the EU. Feel the confidence of a European country.
Please have in your mind that the procedure will be done by a licensed doctor with help by 2-3 experienced assistants. We don’t do massive production Hair Transplantations. This procedure is very demanding and we perform only one procedure per day. In addition, the price is fair and much cheaper than in other countries and we will take care of you personally.
It’s not only the quantity but also quality as well.
In our clinic we harvest the best grafts. We don’t count the transected grafts and we have the best results. We avoid the aggressive FUE. If a doctor harvests too many grafts more than 2500-3000 from the donor area there is a risk of focal necrosis. So we remain in a logical number of grafts from this area and we prefer to harvest grafts from other donor areas as from beard or from chest(Body Hair Transplant). If the doctor believes that your donor area is not suitable for this procedure, he will inform you that you cannot do it. In case of high blood pressure or diabetes, you should discuss it with the doctor.
On the scalp there are follicular units which are consisted of one to five hairs. These are the grafts that we use. They measure 0,5 mm to 1mm across. While collecting the grafts, they are left intact as only the excess tissue around them is trimmed away. This method is the most appropriate method that Dr. Karalexis uses.
Almost 30 years ago, some hair restoration surgeons were trying to collect grafts with one only hair in order to cover the most part of the head. Some others had a first plan and then were trying to adjust the grafts in their plan. However, it is extremely risky to cut the grafts as they have to be intact. The use of grafts with one only hair has disappointing results as the coverage is not enough. Now, with follicular unit micrografting surgeons places the grafts as they occur and the results are natural.
Dr. karalexis has a highly trained and skilled surgical preparation team, who are able to determine which hair follicles should be used for single hair grafts and who can receive more.
Dr. Karalexis has presented many lectures on the techniques at the Hellenic Dermatology Society meetings and at the meetings of Hellenic Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
Most of the people believe that after the hair transplantation, the hair density will be as it was when they were younger. Of course, it needs a lot of grafts that the donor area is not able to offer in one procedure and moreover it is risky to place too many grafts in a single session. Each case is different, however one procedure is enough for a satisfactory result. Dr. Karalexis takes each patient’s needs and desires into consideration when designing a treatment program.
Most of the time, the single hair micrografts are used for the hairline. This way the result is more natural. The grafts with 3-5 hairs are used on the top and back of the head in order to thicken these areas.
During a hair transplantation, it is possible to be placed from a few hundred to a few thousand grafts. More grafts seem to provide greater density in the area, but if they fail to survive the result will be disappointing. This happens when surgeons manhandle the grafts. Undoubtedly, it is important to understand that 2.000 single hair grafts will not give as much density as 1.500 grafts with many hairs. The number of the grafts is determined of the size of the area needing coverage and the density in the donor area. Dr. Karalexis chooses to take as many grafts as he can without destroying the donor area. When it needs a lot of grafts, he plans two procedures as it is the safest way to achieve the maximum survival grafts.
Hair transplantation techniques
In this technique, the doctor removes a long strip of tissue with grafts from the donor area and collect each graft from this strip. Then he places them on the top of the head and in the areas which need density.
Dr. Karalexis prefers doing the Power FUE method using a special instrument and has abandoned the strip or FUT method. In this method, the doctor harvests the grafts by using a small 1mm circular punch. It needs much more time than the first one (strip), but here there are not stitches and strips and the results are natural and no one can understand that you have done a hair transplantation. It is considered a minimum invasive technique and does not leave the linear scar as does the FUT technique.
Benefits of micrografts
The main advantage of the POWER FUE technique, is the fact that the results are nearly undetectable as transplants. That means a very natural result. As the doctor places the grafts with expert tools, he determines the direction of the hairs and in this way the new hairs grow out in a natural way. Moreover micrografting allows the look of more coverage, with less donor hairs. Thus people who have not a dense donor area have the opportunity.
Grafts can be placed between the other growing hairs and offer density before the hair loss becomes more apparent.
Before the hair transplantation, patients take a tranquilizer and a painkiller pill. During the procedure most patients fall asleep.
Hair transplantation cost / price in Greece
As the number of grafts become bigger the price increases. For more hairs there is the option for a second day session with an extra charge. The session will be performed only by Dr. Karalexis with the help of his highly trained assistants. Please send us photos of your hair condition and we are willing to give you the best offer. Our experience is the key to our success.
Recipient site preparation and graft placement
For placing the grafts at the new area, the doctor does small slits in the scalp. MIS67 is a fine blade, which doctors usually use in eye surgery. Thus they heal rapidly. These slits are suitable for the grafts as they do not allow them to get away and help surgeons to place grafts between the growing hairs without damaging the rest of the hairs there.
For grafts with 5-6 hairs, surgeons used to use a trephine to make holes in the scalp. Holes are really tiny but when we place the grafts it reduces the bald. The disadvantage is that holes increase the risk of losing the grafts.
There are lasers which make slots in the scalp. This slots are larger than slits and it is important as the grafts do not be so much manhandled.The main disadvantage is the fact that these lasers cause a degree of thermal damage to the tissue for the graft, cause more crusting and delay the appearance of the hairs.
Before each hair transplantation, Dr. Karalexis takes into consideration the size of the problem, the type of the hair and the density of the existing hair. If the donor area is not suitable, he recommends other methods for dense hair.
A hair transplantation can be done in a lot of special locations. The scalp, the eyebrows and the mustache are the most common locations. Many people want to improve their appearance after accidents or just to feel more confidence. Each location is different and needs special care.
Instructions after hair transplantation
After hair transplantation , swelling may be occurred in the face or around the eyes. It is possible to happen after every surgery. In addition you may notice the creation of crust around the new implants and in the donor area. Sometimes there is sensitivity in the donor area and small bleeding should not be worrying in any case.
The transplanted hair will start growing up after 2-3 months.
Hair care instructions
- After the procedure of hair transplantation, you should spray the implants with thermal water 1-2 times per day for the next 4 days, in order to avoid the prickliness.
- Continue taking the antibiotic (Tablets Zinadol 500 mg or Klaricid) for the next 5 days.
- The day after hair transplantation, do not forget to start Prezolon(prednizolone) tablets of 5 mgr for 4 days.
- In the evening of the surgery remove the gauze from the back area and the next day you should wash your hair with the following instructions. First of all, apply a lot of water to the hair and then use a little shampoo in each area. It is important to remember that for the first 5 days you must not rub the area with the implants, but only the donor area. Wash them off with plenty of water at low volume and low height. Repeat it twice and then allow the implants to dry on its own, do not wipe them. After 5 days of the surgery, wash your hair by rubbing the implants extremely gently until the crinkles are gone. Daily shampooing is required for 3 weeks.
- During sleep, please be careful and do not touch the area with the implants because there is a risk of getting them out.
- It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions and for that reason you have to avoid alcohol and intense physical activity for the next 10 days.
- After 10 days, start Regaine(or Rogaine) foam 5% once a day on the implants and use it continuously. In 6 months, book an appointment or send photos to the doctor to evaluate the first result.
FAQs about Hair Transplantation
What is the Cost of Hair Transplantation?
The cost of the procedure is determined by the extent of the area, the number of hair follicles and the chosen method. It is important to know that no doctor can set the cost of hair transplantation before the necessary examination, since it is different for each individual.
Book a complimentary consultation session with Dr. Karalexis, to learn more about your case!
Is Hair Tranplantation Safe?
It is a completely safe procedure, in which there is nothing to worry about, if the doctor is chosen correctly. As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation, the expertise and experience of the medical staff undertaking the procedure must be taken into account.
The various stages of the whole operation require attention to detail so that we can have a perfect result. Unfortunately, however, even nowadays, there are clinics in which hair transplantation is not performed by doctors or even by medical staff.
In our clinic, we perform only 1 procedure per day, exclusively under the supervision of the dermatologist Dr. Apostolos Karalexis, who is the first Greek doctor trained in the U.S. with an official international fellowship program in Hair Transplantation.
Does it heart?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia only. This means that during the transplant, the patient does not feel any pain, and at the end of the procedure there may only be a slight discomfort or sensitivity.
How many sessions are required?
In most cases, one session is enough to permanently cover the problem. In cases of severe receding hairline or further hair loss, a second procedure may be applied after a year.
A hair transplantation with a large number of hair follicles is performed in just one day and takes about 6-8 hours. Browse our website to see our hair tranplantation results.
Are there any scars or marks after the procedure?
An important choice you are asked to make before the procedure is the choice of the hair transplantion method.
It is worth mentioning that with the Power FUE method, there are no scars or marks left after the procedure. This is because the hair follicles are removed one by one scattered throughout the area, unlike the FUT technique.
Does the result seem natural?
When the procedure is performed by an experienced dermatologist, there is no doubt the result will seem natural.
At Derma Hair Clinic we guarantee 100% natural results, thanks to our 20 years of experience in the field.
Is there an age limit?
Every patient and every case is different, depending on the severity and causes of thinning. Hair transplantation can be performed at the time the doctor deems it appropriate.
Which time of the year is ideal for hair transplantation?
There is no restriction as to the time of year when the procedure can be performed.
Can I have a second hair transplantion in the future?
Usually, one session is enough to permanently cover the problem. However in some cases a second procedure may be required. In such cases it is important that there is an adequate donor area and that at least 6 months have passed since the first operation.
Can everyone have a hair tranplantation? Are there ideal candidates?
Gender or age is not a criterion for undergoing the procedure. An examination by a qualified doctor will be required to determine if the donor area is adequate.
If the donor area is not sufficient can I get hair from other parts of the body?
Hair transplantation from another part of the body is possible and is called: body hair transplantation. Transplantation of hair from the beard or chest to the scalp can be performed as well as enhancement of body hair from hair follicles of the hair.
Is there a chance of thinning of the donor area after hair transplantation?
With the FUE technique there is no risk of thinning of the donor area. With his specialized technique, Dr. Karalexis, in addition, tries to leave part of the hair follicle “intact” (especially those containing 3-5 hairs) and not remove all of it, so as not to create a gap in the area.
Is there a chance of losing the new transplanted hair?
No, as the results are permanent. The new hair come from an area where there is permanent hair growth.
When can a person return to their daily routine?
A patient who has undergone a hair transplant can return to his/her daily activities and work from the very next day of the operation. The only “prohibition” that exists concerns intense physical exercise, which is allowed after a few days.
Which is the right doctor for a hair transplantation?
The speciality of a dermatologist is the most suitable for this particular procedure. This is due to the fact that he is fully aware of the scalp diseases and the complex field of hair transplantation. The dermatologist can also advise you on the ideal solution for you in terms of thinning or severe hair loss, as hair transplantation is not always possible.