Hair Transplant Surgery
People who have balding and thinning hair can improve their self confidence through hair transplantation. During this procedure, hair is moved from the back and sides of a patient’s head to the front, where it will be more visible. The hair that is transplanted can be virtually indistinguishable from non-transplanted hair. By filling in a receding hairline, hair transplants provide the appearance of a fuller head of hair.
Are You a Good Candidate for Hair Transplant Surgery?
If you have noticed that the hair on your scalp is thinning and are self-conscious about it, you may be an ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery. Thousands of patients have found hair transplantation to be the ideal solution to hair loss caused by aging, heredity, trauma, or medical conditions.
Unlike most cosmetic surgery procedures, the majority of patients choosing to undergo hair transplantation are men. Of hair transplantation patients in 2010, 72 percent were men, and 28 percent were women. While most people who undergo hair transplants are 55 or older, this procedure has also helped thousands of younger patients. This procedure works best on male pattern baldness and on patients whose hair is thinning but who still have some hair remaining to transplant, although there are hair transplant methods available for any type of hair loss you may be experiencing.
Types of Hair Transplants
Hair transplantation involves the insertion of hair strands into the scalp. Today, there are a number of different techniques used for those who want to get rid of their bald spots and add thickness to areas of thinning hair. These include scalp expansion, flaps, follicular unit hair transplantation, and mini grafts.
Each approach is tailored to a particular pattern of balding or thinning hair. For example, flaps tend to be preferred for those whose hair loss is concentrated on the front of the head, while those who don’t have enough healthy skin with living hair follicles often undergo scalp expansion to increase the area of scalp that is able to grow hair. Mini grafts are a popular method for those looking for fast, full results, while follicular unit hair transplantation is among the most popular and successful methods of hair transplantation to date. discuss the options with your surgeon to determine the right approach for your situation.
Complications & Risks
While many people consider hair transplants to be less risky than other forms of cosmetic surgery, it is not without the possibility of complications. The risks of hair transplants include bleeding and infection, as with all surgical procedures. Small cysts can also develop in the donor location, although these are usually no larger than a small pimple and go away on their own within a few weeks. Scarring in the donor area, leading to rough ridges, is also a possibility. Temporary numbness is possible in both the donor site and surrounding the transplanted hair due to surgical techniques that affect the nerves in each area. Finally, there is the risk that the transplanted hair may fail to grow in its new location, and the procedure will need to be repeated with another graft of hair.
Finding a Hair Transplant Surgeon
Only a board certified plastic surgeon should perform your hair transplant graft surgery. While many people consider this to be a relatively minor surgical procedure, the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon should not be overlooked. It is important that you not make your decision solely based on the hair transplant cost. The surgeon you choose should have extensive experience and training if you want to achieve aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results. Look for a surgeon who is willing to explain the various transplant methods available and has specific experience performing the type of hair transplant surgery you are seeking.