A hair plug transplant is a hair restoration technique that has declined in popularity in recent years as more modern methods are thought to be more effective. (1) Hair plug techniques frequently resulted in unnatural-looking results in the past.
Dr. Richard Chaffoo and Dr. Susan Stuart at California Hair MD, one of the Top Hair Loss Clinics in the World, offer some of the most advanced hair restoration treatments available today. Dr. Richard Chaffoo is America’s Only Triple Board-Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeon, and he is an international guest speaker at numerous meetings on plastic surgery and hair restoration. He is also involved in cutting-edge research to develop new treatment options for hair loss. Dr. Susan Stuart is a board-certified dermatologist who sees all female patients and offers our nonsurgical hair loss treatments. Dr. Chaffoo’s and Dr. Stuart’s expertise allows them to tailor treatment to each patient’s hair loss.
If you are ready to learn more, contact us online or call our office directly at (858) 500-1116 to schedule your personal consultation.
Contents
About Hair Plugs
Hair plugs were one of the earlier forms of surgical hair restoration. The technique removed large round sections of tissue from areas of dense hair growth, usually in the back of the scalp, and transplanted those plugs into balding regions. Each circular plug contained many hairs and many follicular units, and because of the large grouping, the transplanted grafts appeared thick and clumped, producing an unnatural, tufted look on the scalp. (2)
Hair plugs were a major innovation in the 1950s-1980s, when the hair restoration technology that was available was more limited. At this time, surgeons could not precisely control angulation. density, or follicle distribution during a hair transplant—at least not to the degree they are today. As a result, the outcome appeared more artificial, especially when the patient was in direct sunlight or posing for close-up photographs. Over time, people began to associate hair plugs with that telltale noticeable pattern—this is exactly what modern patients and surgeons want to avoid.
Other Reasons Why Hair Plugs Have Become Outdated
Hair plugs became outdated for several reasons, the main one being the unnatural appearance they are associated with. Patients want a natural-looking result with density, but instead, hair plugs delivered results that made hair transplantation look obvious instead of seamless. As surgical techniques evolved, surgeons developed ways to move much smaller grafts, sometimes just a single follicle at a time. This revolutionary shift allowed grafts to blend seamlessly with existing hair, creating a harmonious and natural look. We are recreating the way hair naturally grows in the scalp to duplicate the way one’s hair looked before hair loss.
Because graft size and harvesting tools limited the effectiveness of hair plug techniques, surgeons could not strategically mimic the natural direction of hair growth, leading to a harsh appearance that did not seamlessly blend with the surrounding hairline. But now, many modern techniques allow surgeons to create refined, individual patterns that match a person’s natural hair growth patterns.
Another factor that made hair plugs less popular was the improvement in scar management. Earlier plug methods often created visible scarring, which modern procedures have dramatically reduced through improved healing and incision control. (3) Today, patients expect results that are nearly impossible to detect. Because of these advancements, hair plugs no longer meet the high standard of natural and aesthetically refined results that patients want. Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart have played a significant role in moving beyond these outdated methods by adopting cutting-edge systems that create fuller, softer, and more natural results.
Modern Alternatives to Hair Plugs
Modern hair restoration focuses on precision, harmony, and long-term growth. Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart offer some of the most advanced treatments available in the country. These methods have fully replaced hair plugs by providing natural and softer-looking outcomes that align with how real hair grows. Some of the innovative treatments we offer include:
ARTAS
ARTAS is a robotic hair transplant system that eliminates long incisions, stitches, scars, and the extended recovery of hair restoration while creating results that look natural. This robotic system uses artificial intelligence to identify and extract individual follicles with remarkable precision, improving graft survival by reducing manual handling of the follicles. (4)
Advanced Hair Restoration Techniques
FUE (follicular unit extraction) is an advanced technique that allows patients to restore their natural hairline and fullness with a minimally invasive procedure. It harvests hair follicles from the side and back of the head using a specialized device, then transplants them to the area of hair loss.
PRP with Extracellular Matrix
PRP with Extracellular Matrix is a treatment that combines platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and an extracellular matrix (ECM) to effectively reduce hair loss. PRP uses the body’s natural healing power to rejuvenate hair follicles and stimulate growth, while ECM provides a structural scaffold for long-lasting results.
Vitti Labs ECM and Dual-Spin PRP
Vitti Labs ECM and Dual-Spin PRP stimulate hair follicles, increase hair growth concentration, and improve follicular health. Vitti-Pure contains 28 different types of growth factors, which are essential for tissue repair, while dual-spin PRP delivers a concentration of platelets to initiate healing. (5)
Eyebrow Transplant
An eyebrow transplant restores and enhances the appearance of eyebrows by adding volume and fullness in sparse areas. This method uses the FUE technique to take hair from the scalp and implant the follicles into the eyebrows, allowing for better precision to match the hair texture and thickness and achieve aesthetically pleasing results.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation at California Hair MD, Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart will evaluate your hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and long-term goals. They both bring artistry and precision to every transplant and conduct an in-depth AI evaluation of each patient’s hair loss using Hair Metrix, which is the only device that can obtain immediate, real-time evaluations of hair diameter, hair count, and distribution of terminal hairs. They will recommend the procedure that is right for you and walk you through each step of a personal treatment plan. Their partnership and shared expertise allow patients to feel comfortable during this transformative journey, from the moment they begin their consultation to their last follow-up appointment and beyond.
Cost of Hair Restoration in Southern California
The cost of your hair restoration depends on the technology we will utilize, the complexity of your procedure (like the number of grafts necessary), and if you choose to combine this procedure with other treatments. During your personal consultation, we will outline the total cost of your procedure as it applies to your individual needs and goals.
If you are ready to transform your hair and restore your hair density, strengthen early hair thinning, or refine your hairline, Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart can assist you with some of the most advanced techniques available!.
Contact us online or, if you prefer, call us at (858) 500-1116 to begin your journey towards a fuller and more natural appearance.
FAQ
What are hair plugs?
Hair plugs were an early form of hair transplantation that used large circular grafts, which resulted in an unnatural and tufted appearance.
Do clinics still use hair plug techniques today?
Modern clinics usually do not use hair plug techniques anymore; they rely on advanced transplant methods that deliver natural-looking results.
How do I know which hair restoration treatment is right for me?
Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart will examine your hair loss patterns and scalp to recommend the best treatment that aligns with your hair transformation goals.
Can you pair a transplant procedure with other treatments?
Absolutely! You can pair your hair transplant procedure with other treatments like scalp micropigmentation, PRP therapy, and many more. However, you should consult with Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart so they can offer the best medical guidance for your procedures.
How much do hair transplant treatments cost?
The cost of your hair restoration depends on the technology we implement, the scale of your procedure, and whether you undergo any additional or supplemental procedures. We will provide a cost outline at your personal consultation.
References
- Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- Fisher J. Revision of the Unfavorable Result in Hair Transplantation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2005;19(02):167-178. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-871733
- Moeckel C, Chacharidakis G, Balasis S, Queen D, Avram MR, Panagiotopoulou G. From Scalp Flaps to Follicular Units: A Historical Perspective on Hair Transplantation Techniques. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al]. 2025;51(11):1011-1016. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000004581
- Zhu Y, Yang K, Lin J, et al. A Comparative Study on the Application of Robotic Hair Restoration Technology Versus Traditional Follicular Unit Excision in Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Published online September 19, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16554
- Ghanem L, Kirmani N, Palacios-Ortiz MP, et al. Comparison of single-spin to double-spin platelet-rich plasma centrifugation methods in the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Medicine. 2025;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1631087