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Hair Transplantation is a medical technique that removes hair follicles in one section of your body, known as your ‘donor site’, to another bald or thinning area of your body called the recipient site. The technique is mainly used to treat male pattern alopecia, where hair loss is caused by hormonal and genetic factors. In women, it’s mainly due to factors such as ageing, taking strong oral contraceptives, or taking oral antibiotics. Hair Transplantation involves implanting small hair grafts into your scalp, which is similar to putting a wig on your head. However, unlike with wigs, the hair on the transplanted areas will grow, look natural, and will not fall out after several months.
Hair Transplantation has many advantages over other surgical procedures for treating alopecia, such as hair transplantation and scalp reduction surgery. Firstly, the procedure is relatively less expensive than other types of surgery. Secondly, the recovery process is relatively quick and easy and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort. Thirdly, you don’t need to go under anaesthesia during the procedure, so there is no risk of anaesthetic-induced pain.
What are the hair transplantation methods?
One of the main methods used for Hair Transplantation, is to transplant hair from a donor site, or scalp, into a recipient area, or bald spot. However, some surgeons prefer to use follicular unit grafts, or FUE, as it is also less expensive than using a single graft. The FUE method requires only one tiny incision for the transplanted hair to be Successfully transplanted into the bald spot. However, the major disadvantage with FUE is the fact that the hair strands used for the procedure are tiny, so the chances of them falling out before they are implanted into the scalp is very high.
Another method of Hair Transplantation, which is quite similar to FUE, is to use follicular unit strip surgery. This method involves harvesting a small number of hair follicles (around 30) from the donor area and moving these into the recipient area, or bald spot. Once the strips of hair are transplanted, they are attached to the scalp with collagen and kelp glue. This method has been used since the 1960s to treat small areas of baldness on the head.
What are the criteria?
Many people wonder if they are a good candidate for undergoing a Hair Transplant. If you meet the following criteria, then most likely you could be a good candidate for Hair Transplant surgery. First, you must be completely sure that your hair loss is due to genetics, and not due to topical medications. Second, you should be of good health condition, as surgery involving the scalp can be painful, sometimes causing infection.
When it comes to hair transplants, you will want to consult with your doctor about the success rate. Most often the transplanted hair will fall out within a few months, and most patients see good results within six months of beginning treatment. You should also keep in mind that sometimes additional surgery may be necessary to cover large areas that failed to transplant. Your hair may also need to be trimmed slightly higher than you are wearing currently to reduce sagging. The best time to have a hair transplant is depending on you and your needs. After you consult with a doctor and when you feel ready, you can go ahead with the hair transplant process. Follow all directions given by your doctor, and you should have a successful surgery that leads to a new look!
Hair Transplantation, also called Hair Replacement, is a modern medical procedure that transplants hair from one area of the scalp, usually the donor site, to a bald or loss area of the scalp, such as the recipient site. The procedure is often used to treat male pattern hair loss. Although hair transplantation can be performed on both men and women, it is most common on men. There are many different types of hair transplant procedures. The results depend on many factors including the type of hair being transplanted, the patient’s own hair growth rate, how well the patient’s skin and scalp respond to the transplant, and how much money will be spent for the procedure.
Are incisions are required in the procedure?
One of the most common procedures is Follicular Unit Extraction, or simply FUE. This procedure is a form of hair transplants that do not require any incisions. A tiny incision is made in the scalp, and the doctor then uses microsurgical scissors to trim a small area of the scalp and implant the follicular units. There are three steps to this procedure. The first is the removal of healthy and dead tissue; next, the scalp is moistened; and finally, the follicular units are implanted.
Another form of hair transplant is minoxidil therapy. Minoxidil is a prescription medication that provides restoration and prevention of baldness and similar symptoms. Although minoxidil has been in use since the 1970s, it was until recently not available over the counter, so you would have to get it prescribed to you by your doctor.
This procedure is most often used for treating mild to moderate hair loss. Minoxidil actually prevents the survival of hair follicle cells that would otherwise be eliminated by the effects of hormones such as testosterone. The latest research suggests that this may also work to prevent hair thinning. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. It can take several months before enough hair follicle cells are to survive and once they are implanted, new hair growth can begin.
Another form of transplant is known as follicular unit extraction. In this procedure, a surgeon removes a portion of the scalp. Surgeons then inject new hair into the affected areas using a mini tube. This procedure has shown better results than the minoxidil procedure.
After the grafting procedure, a new hair graft is surgically attached to the incised region. Surgeons make sure to remove any excess hairs that are not needed. The entire procedure can take over two weeks, but many surgeons recommend patients wait at least six weeks before seeing results. During the waiting period, you will have to wear temporary hairpieces. When your hair begins to grow back, it will look normal.
