What is a Hair transplant?

Hair transplant, also known as hair restoration or hair replacement, is a surgical procedure that relocates hair to areas of the scalp that are bald or thinning. It is typically sought by individuals who have already attempted other treatments for hair loss. Dermatologists or plastic surgeons, healthcare professionals specializing in skin health or reconstructive procedures respectively, typically perform hair transplants.

The primary cause of hair loss is pattern baldness, which is largely determined by genetics. However, other factors can contribute to hair loss, including:

• diet
• stress
• illness
• hormonal imbalance
• medications

How does hair transplantation function?

The healthcare provider extracts grafts, which are small sections of skin containing healthy hair, from the donor site, typically the back of the scalp where hair is densest. These grafts are then transplanted to areas of the scalp with hair loss. After the transplanted skin heals, it should continue to produce hair.

What are the conditions that hair restoration surgery can address?

Hair loss can occur for various reasons, and while some cases are temporary, others can be permanent. Hair implants are often used to address permanent hair loss resulting from:

• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that targets hair follicles.
• Androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness.
• Thyroid diseases or hormonal imbalances.
• Traumatic injuries or burns.

Who is a candidate for hair replacement?

You might be eligible for hair replacement surgery if you:

• Are in good overall health.
• Have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure.
• Retain areas of dense hair growth on your scalp.

‍Different types of hair transplant surgery

There are several different ways to perform hair transplant surgery, including:

• Grafting.
• Scalp reduction.
• Flap surgery.
• Tissue expansion.

How is grafting performed?

Hair grafting is the most common type of hair transplant surgery, involving the extraction of small sections of the scalp containing healthy hair. In some cases, a small, round punch is used to remove skin with about 10 to 15 hairs, previously known as "hair plugs." Additionally, micro-grafts containing one to two hairs are used. The procedure, which typically lasts several hours, is performed with the patient awake but under medication to numb the scalp. The number of procedures needed depends on the amount of hair to be moved, and several months are required for the scalp to heal between procedures.

How is scalp reduction performed?

Scalp reduction, or alopecia reduction, is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes a small area of bald skin from the scalp. They then stretch nearby hair-bearing skin over the bald area and secure it with stitches. This method is effective for bald spots on the top and back of the head, often combined with hair implants for full coverage. Like grafting, scalp reduction usually requires only local anesthesia, not general anesthesia.

How is flap surgery performed?

For individuals with significant bald areas near the front of the scalp, flap surgery may be recommended by their surgeon. This procedure is conducted in stages over several weeks. Initially, the surgeon makes shallow cuts around three sides of the donor site, keeping the fourth side attached to maintain its blood supply. This technique allows the surgeon to create a flap and place it over the bald areas. Flap surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

How is tissue expansion performed?

If you have scalp baldness or disfigurement from burns, your provider may recommend tissue expansion surgery. This procedure, which requires general anesthesia, involves several steps:

• A reconstructive surgeon places an implant, called a tissue expander, under the scalp where hair remains. This expander is balloon-shaped.
• Over several weeks, the expander is slowly inflated to stretch the skin.
• In a second procedure, the surgeon uses the stretched skin to cover the bald area.

Risks of hair transplant surgery?

Potential risks of hair transplant surgery include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Excessive bleeding
• Graft or flap failure
• Infection
• Numbness in the scalp
• Scarring

Side effects of hair transplant surgery?

The side effects of hair transplant surgery are typically temporary. You may encounter the following conditions on your scalp, at the donor site, or where the new hair is located:

• Crusting or scabbing
• Itching
• Temporary loss of sensation
• Pain or throbbing
• Swelling
• Tightness

Benefits of hair restoration?

Hair restoration surgery offers several potential benefits, including:

• Fuller head of hair with reduced bald areas.
• Enhanced self-esteem.
• Permanent solution for hair loss.

Note:

If previous hair growth treatments have been ineffective, hair transplant surgery could be a viable option. Various techniques are available, so consulting with a healthcare provider to select the most suitable procedure for your goals is crucial. It's essential to choose a skilled professional with expertise in hair loss and restoration to perform the surgery, considering factors like cost and recovery time between treatments.