Hair Restoration in North Shore Chicago | NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics & Star Facial Plastic Surgery
Hair restoration procedures offer a viable solution for individuals experiencing hair loss. By addressing this common concern, you can reclaim your confidence with a natural-looking head of hair. At NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery, Drs. Tatch and Gill are dedicated to helping you find the best hair restoration solution tailored to your unique needs.
Designed to address hair loss and promote regrowth, we offer multiple hair restoration treatment options, surgical and non-surgical, to help men and women regain a fuller and more natural-looking head of hair. Our comprehensive approach includes options ranging from scalp reduction procedures to advanced regenerative therapies, allowing us to personalize care for a wide range of hair-loss patterns.
Surgical Hair Restoration
Hair loss can be a challenging and emotional experience for men and women, affecting confidence and self-esteem. At NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced surgical hair restoration solutions to help you regain a full, natural-looking head of hair. Whether you’re experiencing thinning hair or more advanced hair loss, our expert team is dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional outcomes.
Scalp Reduction Surgery
Scalp reduction surgery is a specialized procedure designed to decrease areas of bald scalp or to lower a very high hairline by removing a segment of scalp and carefully bringing hair-bearing skin together. For patients with a high hairline, scalp reduction surgery may be indicated to remove a strip of skin and subcutaneous tissue from just beyond the hairline, thereby lowering the hairline. This will help to frame the patient’s face in a more aesthetically appealing way and reduce the visible expanse of the forehead or bald scalp.
Unlike purely surface treatments, scalp reduction directly reduces the size of the bald area, allowing the surrounding hair-bearing scalp to advance. This procedure is typically sought by individuals who have a naturally high hairline or those who have experienced hair loss or a receding hairline due to genetics, aging, or certain medical conditions. In carefully selected patients, scalp reduction surgery can be an alternative or adjunct to transplant-based treatments, especially when the primary concern is hairline position or large, localized bald patches.
Top Advantages of Scalp Reduction Surgery
Significant Forehead or Bald-Scalp Reduction
The procedure can lower the hairline by up to 2 centimeters and/or reduce a bald region of the scalp, effectively improving facial proportions and decreasing the visible area without hair.
Immediate and Long-Lasting Results
Patients experience instant changes that are permanent, providing a lasting solution to high hairlines or a defined bald patch, rather than relying solely on gradual thickening.
Enhanced Self-Confidence
Many individuals report boosted self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance following the surgery, especially when scalp reduction is combined with other hair restoration modalities.
Minimal, Well-Placed Scarring
Skilled surgeons can create well-concealed incisions along the hairline or within the scalp, resulting in scars that are often barely noticeable once healing and hair growth progress.
Hairline Lowering
For patients with a high hairline, a hairline-lowering procedure, also known as a forehead reduction, may be indicated to surgically remove a strip of skin and subcutaneous tissue from just beyond the hairline to decrease the height of the hairline. This will help to frame the patient’s face in a more aesthetically appealing way.
Hairline lowering surgery, or hairline advancement surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce space between the forehead and brow. This procedure is typically sought by individuals who have a naturally high hairline or those who have experienced hair loss or a receding hairline due to genetics, aging, or certain medical conditions.
Top Advantages of Hairline Lowering
Significant Forehead Reduction
The procedure can lower the hairline by up to 2 centimeters, effectively reducing forehead size and improving facial proportions.
Immediate and Long-Lasting Results
Patients experience instant changes that are permanent, providing a lasting solution to high hairlines.
Enhanced Self-Confidence
Many individuals report boosted self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance following the surgery.
Minimal Scarring
Skilled surgeons can create well-concealed incisions, resulting in scars that are often barely noticeable.
Schedule A Consultation
NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery, located in Chicago’s North Shore with offices in Gurnee and Deerfield, specializes in facelift, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, facial implants, injectable fillers, orthofacial surgery, and a variety of other facial and neck treatments.
Our patient-centered approach ensures that each treatment plan is personally customized to meet your unique needs, with care provided by board-certified, highly trained physicians, Dr. Walter Tatch and Dr. Kurren Gill. Discover the difference of tailored aesthetics designed just for you. If you are considering surgical hair restoration or scalp reduction, your consultation is the best place to explore all appropriate options in detail.
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration
Non-surgical hair restoration offers a safe and effective solution to help you regain a fuller, more youthful appearance. At NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery, we provide advanced non-surgical options that stimulate natural hair regrowth without the need for surgery. These minimally invasive treatments are designed to improve hair thickness, density, and overall health.
Whether you’re in the early stages of hair thinning or seeking to enhance existing hair restoration results, our team tailors each treatment plan to your individual needs.
PRF Therapy
A popular non-surgical hair restoration treatment is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy. This involves drawing a small amount of blood and processing it to concentrate the fibrin and growth factors. The concentrated PRF is then injected into the areas of the scalp where hair growth is desired. PRF therapy promotes hair growth by stimulating cell regeneration and enhancing blood circulation in the scalp. Advantages of PRF therapy include:
Top Advantages of PRF Therapy
Stimulates Hair Growth and Repair
PRF activates dormant hair follicles, promoting natural hair growth and repairing damaged follicles. It can lead to increased hair density, improved thickness, and reduced hair loss.
Quick Results with Long-lasting Effects
Many patients experience new hair growth in as little as 2 to 3 months. The treatment provides rapid and long-lasting results, offering a permanent solution to hair loss concerns. PRF can also support future techniques that aim to mimic aspects of hair multiplication by promoting more robust regrowth in treated areas.
Versatile and Combinable
PRF can be used to treat various types of hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness. It can also be combined with other cosmetic treatments for enhanced results (e.g., scalp microneedling) and is effective for both scalp and facial hair (e.g., eyebrows, beard).
RF Microneedling
Another innovative option is scalp RF microneedling, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to promote collagen production and improve hair density. By combining these two effective hair restoration treatments, RF microneedling enhances scalp health and supports hair regrowth by stimulating deeper layers of the skin. During RF microneedling treatments, the device creates small punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production in the deeper dermal layers. RF microneedling:
Advantages of RF Microneedling
Activate Dormant Hair Follicles
The RF energy and microneedling process work together to stimulate inactive follicles, promoting new hair growth in thinning areas.
Improved Blood Circulation to the Scalp
The treatment enhances blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. This nourishment supports healthier, stronger hair growth.
Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production in the Scalp
These proteins provide structural support to hair follicles, strengthening them and improving their ability to anchor hair shafts. This can lead to thicker, fuller-looking hair.
Increases the Effectiveness of Topical Hair Loss Products
The micro-channels created allow for better absorption of medications or serums, potentially enhancing their results when used in combination with RF microneedling.
Scarlet RF
Scarlet RF is a revolutionary skin treatment technology that uses radiofrequency (RF) microneedling to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. Unlike traditional skin treatments, Scarlet RF is minimally invasive, suitable for all skin types, and designed to address a range of skin concerns, including wrinkles, acne scars, and sagging.
By combining microneedling with RF energy, Scarlet RF delivers precise, customizable treatments for noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity. For patients focused on overall facial and scalp health, Scarlet RF can complement hair restoration by improving the quality of surrounding skin. Scarlet RF offers:
Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive
Scarlet RF offers a non-surgical solution to skin rejuvenation, minimizing downtime and discomfort compared to invasive procedures.
Effective For All Skin Types
Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, Scarlet RF is designed to deliver results safely for every skin type without damaging the skin’s surface.
Collagen Production and Skin Tightening
The RF energy heats the dermis, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter skin with a more youthful appearance.
Customizable Treatment
Scarlet RF allows for adjustable needle depths and RF energy levels, ensuring each treatment is tailored to address specific skin concerns, from fine lines to deeper wrinkles.
Minimal Downtime
With only minor redness or swelling lasting a few hours to a day, Scarlet RF offers a quick recovery time, letting patients return to their normal activities almost immediately.
Improves Multiple Skin Conditions
In addition to addressing wrinkles and fine lines, Scarlet RF can help reduce acne scars, minimize pores, improve skin texture, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Safe and Precise
The microneedling technology allows RF energy to be delivered at precise depths, targeting the deeper layers of the skin for more effective, long-lasting results.
Boosts Overall Skin Health
By stimulating collagen and elastin, Scarlet RF enhances the skin’s structural integrity, promoting long-term skin health and resilience.
Results After Just One Session
Many patients see noticeable improvements after just one session, with results continuing to improve over time as collagen production increases.
Oral Meds for Hair Loss
In addition to non-surgical procedures, NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery can also provide recommendations for oral medications to mitigate hair loss, including:
- Finasteride (Propecia): This is one of the most widely used oral medications for male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It’s typically used for men and can slow hair loss while promoting regrowth in some cases.
- Dutasteride (Avodart): Like Finasteride, Dutasteride inhibits DHT but may be more potent. It is used off label for treating hair loss and can be considered in cases where Finasteride is less effective.
- Spironolactone: This medication is primarily used for women experiencing hair loss. It is an anti-androgen that helps reduce the effects of male hormones (androgens) in women, potentially slowing hair loss.
- Minoxidil (Oral): While Minoxidil is commonly used topically, some physicians may prescribe an oral form to treat hair loss, particularly in patients who have not responded well to the topical version. It works by prolonging the hair growth cycle.
- Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives: For women, certain oral contraceptives can help regulate hormone levels that contribute to hair loss, especially if it’s related to hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
These medications can be an important part of a long-term plan and may be used alongside PRF, RF microneedling, or scalp reduction surgery to support and maintain results.
Your Hair Restoration Consultation
The first step in your hair restoration journey is to consult with one of our qualified specialists. During your private consultation, we will review your medical history and discuss your expectations, potential risks, and outcomes. It’s essential to inform your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal supplements you currently take.
Importance of Realistic Expectations
When considering hair restoration treatments, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. While these treatments can significantly improve hair density and appearance, results will vary by individual patient, and multiple sessions or ongoing maintenance treatments may be necessary. We will also clarify which goals are best achieved with scalp reduction surgery, regenerative therapies, or a combined approach rather than relying on emerging hair multiplication concepts that are not yet standard of care.
Before
After
Possible Risks
As with any treatment, there are potential risks associated with hair restoration treatments, though they are minimal under the care of a qualified professional. Risks may include swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the incisions or injection sites. During PRF treatments, a patient’s own blood is used, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions. Surgical procedures, such as scalp-reduction surgery, may also carry risks like temporary numbness, scarring, or asymmetry, which will be thoroughly reviewed prior to treatment.
Hair Restoration Recovery and Follow-Up
After scalp reduction surgery, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which usually subside over a few weeks. Proper pain management and post-operative instructions are provided to ensure a smooth recovery. The results become more apparent as swelling decreases, and patients can enjoy a more balanced hairline, reduced bald area, and improved facial proportions.
After a PRF therapy or RF microneedling treatment, many patients will experience results after one session. However, patients experience the best results following 3 to 5 treatments scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Ongoing Maintenance
To sustain the results of your hair restoration procedure, your specialist may recommend ongoing maintenance treatments. This could include additional PRF therapy sessions or follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. For many patients, a long-term plan includes a combination of medical therapy, in-office regenerative treatments, and, when appropriate, surgical procedures such as scalp-reduction surgery.
Which Hair Restoration Procedure is Right for Me?
No single treatment works best for everyone, which is why we offer a full menu of surgical and non-surgical options. You may be a good candidate for scalp-reduction surgery if you have a very high hairline or a localized area of bald scalp with good surrounding hair density. Patients with diffuse thinning or early hair loss may benefit more from PRF therapy, RF microneedling, and oral medications that address the health of existing follicles.
During your consultation, your provider will evaluate:
- Your pattern and degree of hair loss
- Donor hair density and scalp laxity
- Medical history, medications, and lifestyle
- Your goals, timeline, and comfort with surgery or downtime
Based on this evaluation, we’ll recommend a tailored plan that may include one primary procedure or a staged combination rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Combining Hair Restoration Procedures
In some cases, combining PRF therapy or RF microneedling with scalp reduction surgery can yield optimal results, addressing both hair density and hairline concerns for a comprehensive solution. Many patients achieve the best outcome when surgical and non-surgical modalities work together rather than in isolation.
Common, effective combinations include:
- Scalp-reduction surgery plus PRF therapy: Scalp reduction reshapes or lowers the hairline, while PRF supports the health and density of surrounding follicles, maximizing the appearance of coverage.
- Scalp RF microneedling plus PRF: RF microneedling improves scalp environment and collagen support, and PRF adds concentrated growth factors to encourage thicker, stronger hair.
- Oral medications plus in-office treatments: Daily medications such as finasteride, minoxidil, or spironolactone can slow loss while PRF and RF microneedling stimulate regrowth.
- Surgical hair restoration plus long-term maintenance: For appropriate patients, surgical approaches like scalp reduction can be followed by periodic regenerative treatments to help sustain results over time.
During planning, we will discuss what can be safely combined in a single visit, what should be staged, and how to build a long-term strategy that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule Your Hair Restoration Consultation Today
When you’re ready to reclaim your confidence and find the right hair restoration option for you, the experts at NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago are ready to help. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through the process and helping you achieve your hair restoration goals.
By choosing NorthShore MedSpa Aesthetics and Star Facial Plastic Surgery, you can be confident you will receive top-quality care to help you achieve the best results on your hair restoration journey. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a fuller, more natural-looking head of hair.
North Shore Chicago Hair Restoration – FAQs
What is scalp reduction surgery, and how is it different from a hair transplant?
Scalp-reduction surgery removes a segment of bald scalp and brings hair-bearing scalp together, physically shrinking the area without hair. This contrasts with hair transplantation, where individual follicles are moved from one area to another. Scalp reduction can be ideal for patients with a very high hairline or a defined bald patch and good surrounding hair density. It does not create new hair, but it redistributes hair-bearing scalp to improve coverage and facial balance, and it can be combined with non-surgical therapies for enhanced results.
Am I a good candidate for scalp-reduction surgery?
You may be a candidate if you have a stable pattern of hair loss, a high hairline or localized bald region, and adequate scalp laxity. Patients must also be in good general health and understand that scalp-reduction surgery focuses on reducing bald areas, not increasing the total number of follicles. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your scalp, review your history, and determine whether scalp reduction, medical therapy, or another hair restoration option is the safest and most effective choice for you.
What is “hair multiplication,” and is it available at your practice?
“Hair multiplication” is a term often used to describe experimental techniques that aim to create or clone additional hair follicles from existing ones. These methods are still under active research and are not yet standard, predictable treatments. At our practice, we focus on proven options such as scalp reduction surgery, PRF therapy, RF microneedling, and medical treatments. We do, however, follow developments in regenerative medicine closely and will always guide you toward therapies that have clear safety data and realistic expectations.
How does PRF therapy help with hair regrowth?
PRF therapy concentrates your own blood’s fibrin and growth factors into a powerful solution that is injected into thinning areas. These growth factors support cell repair, improve circulation, and can “wake up” dormant follicles, often leading to thicker, denser hair. Because PRF uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is low. It is especially useful for early or moderate hair loss and can also support other procedures such as scalp reduction by improving overall scalp health.
Can PRF and RF microneedling be used together?
Yes. Combining PRF with RF microneedling can create a synergistic effect for many patients. RF microneedling opens tiny channels in the skin and stimulates deeper tissue, while PRF supplies concentrated growth factors directly where they are needed. Together, these treatments enhance blood flow, collagen production, and follicle support. Your provider will help you decide on the best schedule and sequence to get the most benefit while respecting your comfort and downtime.
How long does it take to see results from hair restoration treatments?
Timeframes vary based on the treatment. PRF and RF microneedling may begin to show improvements in 2 to 3 months, with best results emerging after a series of sessions. Oral medications typically require several months of consistent use before changes become noticeable. Surgical scalp reduction provides an immediate change to hairline position or bald areas, with the final appearance improving as swelling resolves. Your provider will explain realistic timelines for each option, so you know what to expect.
Are hair restoration procedures painful?
Most treatments are well tolerated. Scalp-reduction surgery is performed with appropriate anesthesia, so you are comfortable during the procedure. You may feel soreness or tightness afterward, which is typically managed with prescribed pain medication. PRF therapy and RF microneedling involve injections and controlled micro-injuries, but topical numbing and gentle technique greatly reduce discomfort. Mild tenderness is common for a day or two, but most patients return quickly to normal routines.
Can I combine scalp reduction with non-surgical treatments?
Yes, many patients benefit from a combined approach. Scalp reduction surgery can correct hairline height or reduce a bald patch, while non-surgical treatments like PRF, RF microneedling, and oral medications support the density and health of remaining follicles. This combination can produce a more comprehensive improvement in both hairline shape and hair thickness. Your team will guide you on when to start or resume non-surgical therapies after surgery.
What are the risks of scalp reduction surgery?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness, or asymmetry. Because scalp reduction surgery involves moving scalp tissues, there may be tightness or temporary changes in sensation as you heal. Serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Your provider will review all risks, benefits, and alternatives with you so you can make an informed decision and feel comfortable about your choice.
Will I need maintenance after my hair restoration procedure?
Most hair restoration patients benefit from some degree of maintenance. Even if surgery or initial treatments provide a significant improvement, ongoing age-related changes and genetics can still influence future hair. Maintenance may involve periodic PRF sessions, RF microneedling, or continued use of oral medications. During follow-up visits, we’ll evaluate your progress and adjust your plan to help preserve your results as long as possible.
How do I choose between surgical and non-surgical hair restoration?
The decision depends on your pattern of hair loss, goals, and comfort level with downtime. Surgical options like scalp reduction offer immediate structural change but involve recovery, while non-surgical treatments gradually thicken and support existing hair with minimal downtime. Some patients start with non-surgical care and later add surgery; others are best served by addressing hairline position first. During your consultation, we’ll outline pros, cons, and expected results for each path so you can choose confidently.