Hair Transplant

What Is A Hair Transplantation Procedure ?

Hair transplant surgery is based on the principle of donor dominance, which means that hair from healthy donor sites will take root and grow normally when transplanted into balding, recipient sites.

Hair transplantation first involves removing small strips of hair bearing scalp from the back and sides of the head. This "donor region" contains hair which will grow throughout a lifetime. The areas from which the strips are taken are carefully repaired, usually resulting in a very narrow scar easily hidden amongst the hair.

The harvested strips of hair bearing scalp are then divided into grafts for placement in the balding areas. These grafts may be processed into a variety of different sizes depending on each patient’s specific needs and condition. In recent years, the use of very small grafts, particularly at the hair line, has become very popular. These grafted hairs grow out much like normal hair and are virtually undetectable. Larger grafts containing more hairs may be used in some situations to obtain more density behind the hair line. Grafts containing one to two hairs are known as micrografts. Grafts containing three to five hairs are known as mini-grafts.

The grafts are inserted into small holes or slits which are made in the balding scalp. These holes or slits are sometimes made with a laser. The grafts can literally be inserted between existing hairs to increase the density and thicken the area. The number of grafts required and the length of a treatment session depend on each person’s particular problem and degree of baldness.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Hair Transplantation?

Multiple factors play a role in selecting a hair transplant candidate and planning the hair loss treatment, including the rating of the degree of hair loss and the evaluation of donor hair for colour, texture and density. The candidate must be carefully assessed as to the cause of hair loss (alopecia), the family history, and the progression of hair loss. Hair transplant has also been used successfully on persons who have lost some but not all hair as a result of burns, scars or other injuries to their scalp.

What Can Be Expected After Surgery?

The great majority of patients are quite comfortable both during and after their hair transplantation procedure. Bandages are usually removed after 24 hours. Many of patients find that they do not need to take any medication at all after their hair transplantation procedure. In general, patients can resume their normal activities, unless this entails strenuous physical exercise. There may be some swelling and bruising around the eyes after two or three days, which can be minimized by ice compresses and sleeping in a semi-reclined position. Some crusting or small scabs may be present for a week to 10 days, along with some itching at the treatment sites. Any numbness at the donor and recipient sites usually disappears within three months.

What Results Can Be Expected?

The amount of coverage varies depending on the extent of baldness and the specific procedure performed. Within about one month, much of the transplanted hair is shed. About two months later, hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a normal rate. About six months after a hair transplant session, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural appearance. The donor site from which the hair was taken shrinks to a very small, barely noticeable scar that is well hidden by the surrounding hair.

Most individuals require at least two or more surgery sessions to achieve the optimal outcome. Hence, it is important for both candidate and dermatologic surgeon to feel that they can work together for an extended period of time.