Experience the transformative power of SmartGraft® for natural-looking hair restoration, free from linear scars, minimal downtime, and a swift recovery.
SmartGraft® Hair Restoration in Lehigh Valley, PA
Advanced FUE Hair Transplant for Men and Women
Hair loss affects both men and women — and while genetics and aging play a role, thinning hair no longer has to be permanent. At Aesthetic Surgery Associates, we offer SmartGraft®, an advanced follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant system designed to restore natural hair growth without linear scarring, stitches, or extended downtime.
SmartGraft® delivers precise, minimally invasive hair restoration with natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing hair.
What Is SmartGraft®?
SmartGraft® is an FDA-cleared, automated FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant technology. Unlike traditional strip methods that remove a section of scalp and leave a linear scar, SmartGraft® extracts individual hair follicles one at a time using a specialized device.
These healthy follicles are then carefully implanted into thinning or balding areas to restore density and natural hair growth patterns.
SmartGraft® can treat:
- Male pattern baldness
- Female hair thinning
- Receding hairlines
- Crown thinning
- Eyebrow restoration
- Scar camouflage
How the SmartGraft® Procedure Works
Your procedure is performed under local anesthesia for comfort.
- Follicle Extraction
Individual follicular units are gently removed from the donor area, typically the back of the scalp (occipital region), where hair is genetically resistant to thinning. - Graft Preparation
The follicles are carefully preserved and prepared to maintain optimal viability. - Artistic Implantation
The follicles are strategically placed into thinning areas following your natural hair growth pattern to create seamless, natural density.
The procedure typically takes between 3 to 8 hours depending on the number of grafts needed.
Recovery & Downtime
SmartGraft® is minimally invasive, meaning recovery is typically straightforward:
- Mild swelling or redness may occur for a few days
- Tiny extraction sites heal quickly without stitches
- Most patients return to normal activity within several days
- By week three, signs of the procedure are minimal
There is no linear scar, which allows patients to wear shorter hairstyles with confidence.
Understanding the Hair Growth Timeline
Hair restoration requires patience — and knowing what to expect is key.
- Months 1–3: Newly transplanted hairs begin early growth.
- Months 3–6: Temporary shedding may occur as follicles transition into a resting phase (this is normal).
- Months 6–9: Dormant phase before regrowth begins.
- 9–12 Months: Visible regrowth increases significantly.
- 1 Year: Approximately 80–90% of transplanted hairs are growing naturally and permanently.
Because transplanted follicles are taken from resistant donor areas, results are long-lasting.
Why Choose SmartGraft® at ASA?
At Aesthetic Surgery Associates, SmartGraft® procedures are performed by a nationally recognized hair restoration specialist under the guidance of our board-certified plastic surgeons. This collaborative approach ensures:
- Surgical-level precision
- Aesthetic hairline design
- Advanced FUE expertise
- Safety and individualized planning
Our goal is not simply to transplant hair — it’s to restore confidence with results that look completely natural.
Are You a Candidate for SmartGraft®?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are experiencing early to moderate hair thinning
- Have sufficient donor hair
- Want to avoid linear scarring
- Prefer a minimally invasive approach
- Desire natural, permanent results
The best way to determine candidacy is through a personalized consultation.
Schedule Your SmartGraft® Consultation
If you’re ready to restore fuller, natural-looking hair, schedule a SmartGraft® consultation at Aesthetic Surgery Associates in Lehigh Valley, PA.
Call 610.437.2378 or request a consultation online to learn more or contact us to see if you are a candiate for Smartgraft!
Meet Our Expert
Tony Bernal brings decades of clinical expertise and advanced training in hair restoration to Aesthetic Surgery Associates. After completing two years of intensive training in follicular unit extraction (FUE), he became a premier lead trainer for physicians worldwide using NeoGraft® and later one of the first specialists to implement SmartGraft® technology.
He has trained hundreds of physicians and medical professionals across three countries and has transplanted more than one million follicular units. Tony also pioneered advanced micro-punch techniques for diverse hair types, expanding access to high-quality FUE procedures.
At ASA, Tony performs SmartGraft® procedures under the direct guidance of our board-certified plastic surgeons, combining technical precision with surgical oversight to deliver natural, lasting results. Learn More about Tony here.
Strip Extraction — SCAR: For strip extraction, a strip of the scalp is removed from the side or back of the patient’s head. The excision requires a significant incision that is stapled or sutured.
SmartGraft — NO SCAR: SmartGraft is based on the minimally invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique that harvests individual hair follicles rather than strips of scalp.
Strip Extraction — LONGER PROCEDURE, MORE RETURN VISITS: Strip extraction is a lengthy process, and many of the hair follicles do not grow and remain. As a result, patients may need several procedures to achieve the fullness and appearance they desire.
SmartGraft — SHORTER PROCEDURE, FEWER RETURN VISITS: Because SmartGraft is a fully automated system, hair grafts are placed more quickly in the treatment area. This increases the likelihood that the grafts will be successful. This results in fewer visits.
Strip Extraction —LONG AND PAINFUL: Strip extraction is an extensive and often painful method of hair transplantation. Patients must heal from the extensive incision made during the scalp excision. Time is needed for the many tiny incisions needed to place the grafts to heal as well.
SmartGraft — BACK TO NORMAL NEXT DAY & NO DISCOMFORT: The system uses the FUE technique for harvesting donor hair follicles. This technique reduces patient discomfort during and after the procedure. Downtime is minimal. Many people return to work the next day, sometimes two days after having the procedure.
SmartGraft® Hair Restoration FAQ
What is SmartGraft® hair restoration?
SmartGraft® is an advanced follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant procedure. Individual hair follicles are removed from a donor area—most commonly the back of the scalp—and transplanted into thinning areas to restore natural-looking density and growth.
How is SmartGraft® different from traditional hair transplant methods?
Traditional strip hair transplants remove a section of scalp and often leave a linear scar. SmartGraft® uses FUE technology to extract follicles individually, which helps avoid a linear scar and stitches. Many patients experience a smoother recovery compared to older strip-based techniques.
Who is a good candidate for SmartGraft®?
Men and women experiencing early to moderate hair thinning with adequate donor hair may be candidates for SmartGraft®. A personalized consultation at Aesthetic Surgery Associates is the best way to determine candidacy and create a customized treatment plan.
What areas can SmartGraft® treat?
SmartGraft® can address:
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Receding hairlines
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Crown thinning
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Male pattern baldness
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Female hair thinning
-
Eyebrow restoration
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Select cases of scar camouflage
Your provider will evaluate your specific goals and anatomy during consultation.
Is SmartGraft® performed with anesthesia?
Yes. SmartGraft® is typically performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
How long does a SmartGraft® procedure take?
Procedure length varies depending on the number of grafts needed. Most SmartGraft® procedures take approximately 3 to 8 hours.
What is recovery like after SmartGraft®?
Most patients experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising that typically improves within about a week. Because SmartGraft® avoids a linear scar, tiny extraction sites heal without stitches. By around three weeks, visible signs of the procedure are usually minimal.
When will I see results from SmartGraft®?
Hair growth happens gradually:
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Months 1–3: Early growth begins
-
Months 3–6: Temporary shedding may occur (this is normal)
-
Months 6–9: Dormant phase before regrowth
-
Months 9–12: Noticeable regrowth increases
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Around 1 year: Substantial visible results
Hair restoration requires patience, but transplanted follicles are designed to grow naturally over time.
Does SmartGraft® leave a scar?
SmartGraft® does not create a linear scar. Because follicles are extracted individually, the tiny extraction points typically heal well and are often difficult to notice once healed.
Are SmartGraft® results permanent?
Transplanted follicles are typically taken from areas more resistant to thinning. Once healed and growing, the transplanted hair is generally long-lasting. However, natural hair loss may continue in non-transplanted areas over time.