The following are some frequently asked questions received at the Gabel Center regarding hair transplant techniques, transplant methods, post-operative care, and other topics. Please submit additional questions to info@gabelcenter.com and we will try to get back to you in a timely fashion.
Where is the Gabel Center located?
We are located in the heart of the Tigard Triangle just outside downtown Portland, Oregon.
Our address is:
Gabel Hair Restoration Center
12115 SW 70th Ave, Suite 200
Tigard, Oregon 97223
P: (503) 693-1118
Who will I be meeting with for the consultation?
Dr. Gabel performs all patient consultations. You may first meet one of the staff who will help with the initial intake, and this will be followed with Dr. Gabel, who will obtain a detailed hair loss and medical history, followed by a comprehensive examination of your scalp. He will then formulate an individualized treatment plan.
How long does a consultation usually take?
Patients can expect their consultations to last for about an hour.
What occurs during the consultation?
When patients arrive, they are greeted by our friendly staff who will collect the paperwork which is delivered to Dr. Gabel. Patients are then directed into the consultation room where they are able to view materials on hair loss, medical treatment of for hair restoration, and information on surgical hair transplantation. Dr. Gabel will then introduce himself to the patient. He will obtain a detailed hair loss and medical history, followed by a comprehensive examination of the patient’s scalp. He will then formulate an individualized treatment plan and discuss these treatment options with the patient.
Is the hair transplant procedure painful?
The only discomfort patients feel is when Dr. Gabel administers the anesthetic or numbing shots. After that, patients should not feel any pain. It is important that patients notify Dr. Gabel if they are experiencing any discomfort as he will then numb the area again.
What happens on the day of my hair transplant?
When can I take a shower after my transplant?
You may shower at any time. Immediately after surgery, make sure that the surgical areas are covered so water does not touch the surgical site. After that, follow the instructions above on how to care for the grafted area and the donor area.
When can I start exercising after my procedure?
The concern with exercise is three-fold. First, you want to keep the transplanted area clean and not exert pressure to the scalp, which may dislodge the grafts. Secondly, the donor area is healing. Straining or stretching the back of the neck may predispose to a wider scar, and should be avoided. In general, exercises such as sit-ups (especially with your hands clasped behind your head), squats, or bench presses will strain the back of the neck and should be avoided for at least four weeks post-op. Finally, you don’t want to sweat on the donor or grafted areas as this may cause an infection.
If the back of the neck feels tight after four weeks, or if you tend to heal with wide scars, these activities should be avoided for two months. Exercises such as walking up an incline, lifting very light weights, and isolated leg exercises may be started within a few days after your procedure, if you feel up to it. You may perform limited low stress daily activities and easy exercise for the next 14 days. Since the impact of exercise will vary greatly from person to person, “cookbook” recommendations are not possible.
Remember, the donor wound will not regain its full strength for at least 3 – 6 months after hair transplant surgery, so a reasonable degree of caution should be exercised during this period. You must use your own good judgment and call us if you have questions.
When can I start drinking alcohol?
Once you are off your antibiotics and pain medications, you may resume drinking alcoholic beverages.
I live out of town. How many days should I stay in Portland?
I highly recommend patients stay in town for at least two days, if not longer, until they are comfortable taking care of the grafted area and donor area. The staff will be cleaning and checking over the surgical sites to make sure all the grafts are in proper position when patients visit in the postoperative period. We provide detailed instructions when patients are in the office on how to care for the surgical areas. Once the patients are comfortable taking care of the surgical areas, and there are no signs of any problems, it is OK for patients to return to their hometown. If patients have sutures or staples to be removed, patients need to plan ahead and have those removed between postoperative days 9 to 12.
How long does it take for the hair to grow?
The final results of a hair transplant are not realized for about 1.5 years. About 90% of the hair will be growing by one year, but I’ve seen it take longer. This is the time for patience.
I noticed some of the hair shafts coming out after the first week?
This is expected. After the hair transplant, the hairs go into a shock phase where the hair shafts come out. If you do not notice any bleeding, that means the follicle is intact and everything is proceeding normally.
What can I eat after the procedure?
Immediately after the procedure, I would not eat very spicy foods — you want to drink plenty of liquids and eat food that you commonly eat that does not upset your stomach. The following day, there are no restrictions on the type of food you may eat.
When can I resume all my medications?
You should have received a medical reconciliation form when you left the office. If you have questions about this, contact Dr. Gabel, and he will discuss when you can resume your medications.
