La Jolla, CA
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San Diego & La Jolla, CA

Hair Transplant

dr kolstad hair transplant

Hair Transplant San Diego

Dr. Kolstad is proud to introduce the latest innovation in hair restoration, Advanced Follicular Unit Extraction (AFUE). Our hair team uses the Neograft to remove hair grafts one at a time from the back of the head. Automated FUE represents a giant leap forward in hair restoration. Painful, disfiguring strip scars can be completely avoided when hair follicles are removed using the Neograft.

During a single session, our hair team can transplant up to 2,500 follicular grafts. A typical hair restoration FUE procedure takes around eight hours to complete. Data demonstrate that after 12 months, the hair growth/survival rate can reach up to 90%.

With so many hair transplant surgeons in San Diego, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Dr. Kolstad is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who focuses exclusively on the face and neck rather than breast or body procedures. By dedicating his practice entirely to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Kolstad is able to create a facelift tailored to your anatomy, features, and aesthetic goals.

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Before + After Gallery

  • Before and after hair transplant showing increased hair density and a fuller, natural-looking hairline.
  • Before and after hair transplant showing improved hair density and a fuller-looking hairline from a diagonal view.
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What is a Hair Transplant?

Dr. Kolstad uses the NeoGraft system because it fully automates the FUE procedure. Here’s how it works.

The revolutionary NeoGraft system uses pneumatic controls to precisely extract individual hair follicles. These follicles are not cut with scalpels but are instead moved into the system’s storage area, where they are lightly misted with a saline solution to keep them in good condition for transplantation. While in storage, the follicular units are separated by size. It’s imperative to separate the single hair follicles from those with two or three hairs.

When transplanting the grafts, Dr. Kolstad and his hair team pay special attention to the direction the hair is growing so it blends in naturally with the adjacent hair.

FUE vs Strip Hair Transplants

Follicular Unit Extraction

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Follicular unit grafting involves removing healthy hair follicles directly from the scalp and grafting them one-by-one into the thinning areas of the head. Dr. Kolstad creates a natural appearing hairline by placing the in the same angles and direction as the hair that was lost. FUE hair transplants are typically compared to the traditional strip (FUT) method. Here are some of the core advantages of our Neograft hair transplant in San Diego:

• Less painful during recovery period

Stronger medicine can be provided but most patients require only nonnarcotic medicines.

• Minimal bleeding at donor site

A pressure dressing is used to cover the donor site for only 24-48 hours.

• Quick Recovery

Due to the extremely small size of the incisions on the scalp, Neograft FUE has significantly faster recovery compared to strip methods. Most patients return to work in 7 days and within 10-14 days the donor and recipient sites have minimal signs of hair  transplant surgery.

• Less invasive

• No nerve numbness

• No Linear Scars

During an FUE procedure, our team uses specialized mechanical instruments to extract follicular grafts from the back of the head. Grafts are removed one-at-a-time and placed one-at-a-time. Extraction sites have a diameter of just 0.8 to 1 millimeters compared to a strip measuring 2 x 8 inches.

Traditional Strip (FUT)

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The strip method creates a long incision scar on the back of the scalp, but it does remove up to 3,000 follicles for transplantation in just 45 – 60 minutes. The FUE method takes hours to remove up to 2,500 hair follicles. This makes FUE transplantation more expensive. Both methods deliver natural-looking results.

• More painful during recovery period.

The donor site is closed under extreme tension leading to more head aches and pain at the back of the head.

• Minimal bleeding at donor site.

The wound edges are closed with sutures and minimal bleeding occurs after surgery.

Quick Recovery

There is more donor site discomfort but the occipital hairline does not require shaving. FUT is sometimes preferable for individuals with long hair.

• More invasive

• More nerve numbness

• Linear Scars

The primary limitation of strip hair transplants is the long, damaging scar left on the posterior scalp. Even in the best closures, a thin, curvilinear line will always be present.

If the hair is kept longer than one inch the scar is easy to conceal.  If the hair is shorter than an inch the scar may be visible.

How It Works

For many patients looking to restore a youthful hairline a session of 2,500 grafts is recommended. If temporal loss is the only area being treated sometimes smaller sessions of 1,500 grafts can get the job done. Restoring the crown or vertex typically requires 2,000 to 4,000 grafts.


The process begins with Dr. Kolstad marking your hairline indicating the placement and orientation the grafts will be placed. The donor site area on the back of the scalp is trimmed very close to the skin. Using a wide area on the back and sides of the scalp allows hair follicles to be removed without thinning of the donor area.

Within one week the hair on the donor site will have grown long enough to camouflage the extraction sites. The inserted grafts will likely have crusting present for 10-14 days but they are easily covered by the surrounding hair.

Why Choose Dr. Kolstad?

Dr. Christopher Kolstad is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon whose practice focuses exclusively on procedures of the face and neck. Unlike general plastic surgeons, who divide their time across multiple areas of the body, Dr. Kolstad’s expertise lies specifically in nasal and facial anatomy, enabling him to deliver refined, natural-looking results through his affiliations with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). With over a decade of experience and hundreds of successful rhinoplasty surgeries, patients consistently choose Dr. Kolstad for his personalized care, transparent communication, and commitment to achieving results that harmonize beautifully with each individual’s unique features.

Hair Transplant Surgeon California

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Case #1.

This patient was concerned with hair loss in his temples. He underwent a FUE hair transplant at our office in San Diego.  A small hair transplant of  1,500 grafts was used to restore the temporal hairline.  A FUE hair transplant was used to minimize downtime and prevent FUT scarring.

Part of the artistry of hairline creation is avoiding geometric and curvilinear patterns. The anterior hairline was made in a variegated pattern to create a more natural appearance. Single hair follicular grafts were used to create the anterior border with multiple hair follicular grafts placed posteriorly.

Hair Transplant Surgeon California

FUE Hair Transplant San Diego

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Case #2.

 

This patient was concerned with frontal hair loss.  He was treated using a 2,086 graft hair transplant to restore the frontal and temporal hairline.  Dr. Kolstad used the Neograft FUE hair restoration to minimize downtime and prevent strip scarring.
The anterior hairline was made in a variegated pattern to create a more natural appearance.  Single hair follicular grafts were used to create the anterior border with multiple hair follicular grafts placed posteriorly.

FUE Hair Transplant San Diego

FUT Strip Hair Transplant

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Case #3.

This patient had diffuse thinning of the fontal, temporal, vertex and crown areas.  Many of our patients are so pleased with the results of their initial hair transplant, a second or third session are common.

FUT Strip Hair Transplant

Woman’s FUE Hair Transplant

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Case #5.

Tight pony tails can cause traction alopecia and permanent loss of hair.  Extensive hair loss requires multiple sessions for restoration.  This patient had 1,500 grafts placed into the temple hairline and several months later another 1,500 grafts were placed into the frontal hairline.  Dr. Kolstad uses FUE for both women and men.  Dr. Kolstad uses a layered technique for patients with long hair and can graft up to 1,500 hairs per session.

Woman’s FUE Hair Transplant

Female FUE Hair Transplant

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Case #6.

This woman was concerned with temporal hair loss.  Both men and women can have a natural loss of the temple and frontal hairline without expressing full androgenic alopecia.

Female FUE Hair Transplant

Hairline Creation.

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Case #13.

The best hair transplant surgeons in San Diego create unique hairlines to meet your specific pattern of alopecia. The number of follicular units required, graft orientation and naturalness are dependent on the surgeon’s expertise and artistic inclinations. Long gone are the days of hair plugs (groupings of 20 hairs). Using state-of-the-art technology a perfectly natural appearing hair transplant may be easier than you think. The following are examples of common patterns of hair loss and Dr. Kolstad’s hair transplant surgeries.

Hairline Creation.

Frontal Hairline FUT Transplant

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Case #16.

A frontal presentation is an essential component of hair transplant surgery.  Smaller sessions of <1,500 can be used to augment a frontal forelock.

Frontal Hairline FUT Transplant

Womens Hair Transplant San Diego

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Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Both FUT and FUE hair transplant methods are good options for women. FUT offers a single session of 2,000 – 3,000 grafts to restore the hairline. Using the FUE method multiple smaller sessions of 600-1,000 grafts are frequently required.

Womens Hair Transplant San Diego

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Hair Transplant?

This is mostly a matter of choice. The strip method creates a long incision scar on the back of the scalp, but it does remove up to 3,000 follicles for transplantation in just 45 to 60 minutes. The FUE method takes hours to remove up to 2,500 hair follicles. This makes FUE transplantation more expensive. Both methods deliver natural-looking results.

Are You A Better Candidate for FUT or FUE Hair Transplant?

Strip hair transplants are referred to as follicular unit transplants (FUT).  Strip hair transplants involve removing a 2” x 10” section of scalp from the back of the head. A scalpel is used to excise the strip of scalp, and the incision is closed in multiple layers. Even with meticulous closure, a long, curvilinear scar will be present in the back of the head. FUT hair transplant procedures have a much faster donor hair extraction than FUE hair restoration. Excision and closure of the donor strip takes the surgeon about 30 minutes. FUE hair graft extraction can take 2 to 4 hours.

In the best cases, the scar heals as a fine line.  Because there is no hair growth within the scar, shaving the head is no longer an option without the stigmata of FUT. If the hair is kept at ½ inch or longer, the scar can be camouflaged by neighboring hairs.

Following excision, the strip of scalp is sectioned into individual hair follicular units by Dr. Kolstad’s hair transplant team. A follicular unit consists of a hair follicle, 1-4 hair shafts, and the surrounding connective tissue. A team of 2 to 6 technicians, using microscopic dissection, typically performs the sectioning procedure, removing excess scalp tissue surrounding the hair grafts. This sectioning process can take the hair team 4 hours to complete.

When the grafts are ready for insertion, Dr. Kolstad will mark the hairline and numb the areas where the hair will be placed.  A needle or scalpel is used to create holes or slits in the recipient sites.  Each follicular unit is delicately placed into the recipient holes.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, the transplant will take approximately four to eight hours. Additional sessions may be needed if you want thicker coverage.

What’s the First Step?

Your Hair Transplant Journey with Dr. Kolstad

Customize your rhinoplasty!

The first step to restoring your hair with Dr. Kolstad is scheduling a private consultation at Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego.

During your appointment, you’ll meet directly with Dr. Kolstad to discuss your goals, hair concerns, and what you hope to achieve with restoration. He’ll evaluate your hair loss pattern, donor hair availability, and scalp health to determine whether FUT, FUE, or another method best fits your needs.

How Long Does It Take To Recover Hair Transplant Surgery?

The main aspect of your recovery with the strip FUT method is the healing of your incision across the back of your scalp. This can be initially pretty painful and will take a few weeks to heal fully. Your stitches will be removed in about 10 days. With the FUT method, you’ll never be able to shave your head, as the scar will be visible. It can be easily masked going forward as long as you keep your hair at 1 inch or longer.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost in San Diego, CA?

At Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, the cost of a hair transplant will depend on what technique is used, the number of grafts needed, and the overall complexity of your treatment plan.

Since every case is different, Dr. Kolstad provides individualized pricing after an in-person evaluation.

Hair Transplant FAQ’S

Trusted by Patients

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    Highly recommend!

    Dr. Kolstad has such a strong attention to detail and truly listens to what you want. He makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. His professionalism and calm demeanor really put me at ease, and I trust his expertise completely. Highly recommend!

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    Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor!

    Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor! I had two hair transplant surgeries over a span of 12 months with him, 4,800 grafts. I saw a number of other hair transplant surgeons in the area, and Dr. Kolstad’s prices are very reasonable. The outcome was exceptional, I am so happy with my new look! The scheduling of pre- and post-op visits was easy and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend!

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    Dr. Kolstad is so incredibly talented

    Been coming here for years for filler and Botox. Dr Kolstad is so incredibly talented with his work and keeping a natural look to enhance the beauty you already have! He’s so thorough and communicates with such intent and everyone who works here is so amazing and kind! 10/10

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    Dr.Kolstad is a blessing

    Dr.Kolstad is a blessing to patients who are looking for a facial rejuvenation and natural beauty changes. He has state of the art with all the latest technology in house operation theatre which is emergency equipped bringing costs to patients lower. The office is immaculately hygienic. Dr K and his staff – Jaina, Saranya and Janice are the entire team is top notch, so caring that I didn’t miss a family member. His facial plastic surgery skills are exquisite. He has amazing bed side manners. Very caring and considerate , putting patient care first. I highly recommend him for any facial plastic surgery without breaking your bank along with top notch care. He is the perfect package.

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    Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted

    I absolutely love Dr. Kolstads office! I’ve been going here for a few years now for lip filler and Botox. Everyone here is so welcoming and incredibly smart! Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted at what he does all while making sure you still maintain a natural look! Thank you to the team for an amazing experience!

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To learn more about NeoGraft hair restoration in San Diego, California, contact us today at (858) 859-2563. We serve San Diego, La Jolla, and the surrounding areas.

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