Understanding Hair Transplants
Men experiencing male pattern baldness will typically retain a permanent wreath of hair surrounding the sides and back of their heads. It is from here that hair is harvested for hair transplantation. Even in the worst cases of male pattern baldness, this hair is genetically programmed to continue growing.
Men who suffer from diffuse hair loss, are however, the exception with the depletion being distributed throughout the entire scalp, leaving the sides and back very sparse. This form of hair loss is usually only experienced by women over time.
Transplanting hair of this type does not guarantee growth in the recipient areas because it is just as unstable and susceptible to DHT (dihydrotesterone ) as the hair that is lost on the top of the head. Most women, because of this, should be cautious, and get all of the details before attempting a hair transplant procedure.
Currently, harvesting DHT resistant hair from the back of the scalp and transplanting it into the balding area is the only effective procedure available. Hair is removed along with the follicles and some surrounding tissue. These are called donor sites and you are your own donor.
Identical twins, because of their same genetic makeup can share each other’s hair. As a rule though, hair transplanted from one person to another will be rejected unless ant-rejection medications are taken for life.
It should be noted, however, that there are risks when taking these medications that overshadow any hair transplant benefits. Subsequently, scientists continue to research ways of transplanting hairs from one person to another.
The following section explains clearly each step during the hair transplantation process:
During the first consultation, the physician will take a detailed medical history before examining the head with an instrument called a Hair Densitometer. This compares fine hairs to thick ones and measures the degree of miniaturization of hair strands caused by shrinking hair follicles.
The number of hairs in each existing follicular unit and the hair loss pattern is then evaluated. At this point a written hair transplant design plan, including estimated time lines and procedures will be available to the patient, including any associated risks and recovery information.
The number of necessary procedures is determined by the extent of the hair loss. Some men only need one or two hair transplant sessions for successful results. The procedures can last between five and ten hours when thousands of hairs are transplanted into follicular units of one to four hairs each.
These sessions typically take place months or even years apart, depending on the progression of hair loss. Women need more sessions in order to achieve proper density.
Natural front hairlines have an individual variety of shape and density so the front and top of the head will usually receive the first transplanted hair as these areas frame the face creating an immediate visual impact. The crown generally is the last area to receive hair, unless it is the only balding area.
The donor hair, after it has been extracted, is transplanted into the balding areas into surgically created tiny slits. The donated hair, follicles, surrounding tissue and skin are called grafts and each graft contains one or more hair follicles. Because coarse hair is bulkier, fewer hairs per graft are needed as it gives more scalp coverage compared to fine hair.
However, despite fine hair giving less coverage it does tend to look very natural. Wavy and curly hair produces good visual results in hair transplantation because the hair curls in on itself, rises from the scalp and holds its shape, again, giving the appearance of greater coverage.
Skin color plays an important role in hair transplantation with the least contrast giving the best visual results. People with dark, straight hair and light complexions pose the most challenges. However, with a competent surgeon who is both surgically and artistically skilled, successful, aesthetically pleasing results are very possible to achieve.
Hair transplanting techniques have certainly come a very long way in recent years.
They’re not always for everyone, but they do usually bring out the most long term, permanent results. Many hair restoration clinics offer a free educational DVD package to help get this process started.
You’ll learn more information, and can even book an initial no obligation consultation.