Specializing in hair transplantation, hair restoration and hair transplants with hair loss clinics in New Jersey (NJ) & New York (NY)

20 Years in Hair Restoration

Celebrating over 20 years in hair transplants, International Hair Surgical Group has been both privy and a participant to the transformation of hair transplantation.

Hair Transplantation History

Pioneered by a Japanese dermatologist in 1939, hair transplantation was used as a process to restore hair loss caused by scalp injuries and burns. Utilizing a punch technique, small sections of hair-bearing skin were removed and transplanted into smaller holes made in the recipient area. While the surgical procedure was vastly improved only a few years later in Japan, it was not until the 1950s that the US would see the impact on procedures for the treatment of hair loss.

Hair Restoration Surgery Comes West

In 1959, New York City dermatologist Norman Orentreich completed the first hair transplant in the United States. The advancement was not without some drawbacks however and was widely criticized as the technique resulted in unnatural looking results, which still stigmatizes hair transplantation today. But his research established the resistance of hair on the sides and back of the head to hair loss even when transplanted to areas effected by hair loss, a principle known as "Donor Dominance."

Hair Restoration Advances

With three decades of advancements, the unnatural, plug-like appearance of early hair transplant procedures is very much a thing of the past. The introduction of follicular unit transplantation in the 90s would vastly change the field, dismissing old stigmas and rendering hair restoration a truly viable option as a solution for those affected by hair loss.

The art and science of hair restoration progressed in tandem, large punch grafts were replaced by naturally occurring follicular units of one, two, and three hair groupings achieved via micro surgical techniques and instrumentation, resulting in outcomes virtually undetectable and natural looking.

Hair Restoration Today

Today, those suffering from hair loss have a few surgical options for transplantation. The main difference today being the extraction process. The more prevalent is a linear strip extraction, which yields a large amount of grafts in a single session. Follicular unit extraction allows for the removal of individual grafts and as such does not leave a linear scar.

Surgeons continue to improve upon the technique. To learn more about hair restoration surgery schedule a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon.

While the information in this guide does not cover everything, it will give you a good start to finding the hair restoration clinic that's right for you. If you have any tips you would like to add to help others, please feel free to email:

JOHN P. SCHWINNING MD, FACS, PC, ABHRS Diplomat

Dr. Schwinning, a board certified general and vascular surgeon, now specializes exclusively in hair transplant restoration surgery. After having the procedure performed on himself, he has since been passionately devoted to advancing the art of hair restoration. With over 17 years of experience, Dr. John Schwinning has performed more than 10,000 procedures and is among the world’s most skilled hair transplant surgeons.

A frequent presenter at hair loss seminars, he continually keeps abreast of the latest developments in hair restoration. He is also a contributing writer to Hair Forum, the leading medical journal on the improvement of hair restoration surgery, and has been on many expert panels in hair conferences around the world. Dr. Schwinning is also a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. To find out more information about Dr. Schwinning and hair transplant techniques, e-mail john@hairsurgical.com.

[Full Bio of Dr. John P. Schwinning]

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08/02/09 Dr. Schwinning Chosen to Serve on Hair Transplantation Panel

Amsterdam - Among discussions and presentations on the latest research and approaches to hair loss, Dr. Schwinning was chosen as one of four hair restoration physicians to preside over a panel discussion on hairline design and technique at the 17th Annual Scientific Meeting in Amsterdam.

With attendance of over 500 physicians and surgical assistants from around the world, the ISHRS conference panel selection is both an honor and a testament to Dr. Schwinning's skill as surgeon.

One of the most critical aspects of hair transplant surgery is the design of the hairline, requiring both an understanding of the patient's own natural hairline and artistry on the part of the surgeon. Creating a hairline that is natural to the individual patient is key to a successful outcome. Utilizing magnification loops Dr. Schwinning locates the fine hairs along the scalp from the previous existing hairline and takes his lead from nature. Should no existing fine hairs be present, a gradual filling in of the crown and hairline is implemented so as to maximize coverage.

While there are many different approaches to hairline design, the panel discussion highlights the approaches of several different doctors so as to educate and further advances in hairline design.

For more information about ISHRS and the conference visit www.ishrs.org.