Hair transplantation is one of the most commonly performed operations, especially amongst the men. Hair loss, in other words alopecia, is a problem that affects mainly the men and the half of the population older than 50 years.

The extent of hair loss is coded in our genes and it is very difficult to preclude this. However, scientifically proven methods help to solve this problem. Other than the genetic factor, previous surgical interventions, skin diseases, accidents etc. may cause hair loss. Watching our hair literally go down the drain, exploring the alopecic area extends progressively and trying to hide the alopecic areas with the remaining hair or hiding our heads under a cap actually make our lives more difficult and more stressful.

Currently, it is possible to restore the lost hair that would look natural with the hair transplantation method.

Hair loss commonly starts on the frontal area and then extends backwards in the men. The treatment is easier in men in whom the hair loss process occurs locally and more expected as compared to women, in whom alopecia occurs more diffusely. However, in women in whom the alopecic area is concentrated in a local area as in men, the treatment is more successful. Additionally, the treatment is more difficult in certain conditions as hair loss after radiotherapy or chemotherapy etc.

It is very important for you to avoid aspirin, Vit E, antinflammatuars etc. that increase the bleeding, days or even weeks before the operation. Should you need to take a medication, it is advised that you consult your doctor. A mild dinner without alcohol followed by a good rest one night before and a shower after a mild breakfast in the morning of the operation date are recommended.

The donor and recipient areas will be marked after you arrive at the hospital. Local anaesthetic will be infiltrated to the donor area (the back of the head and/or the sides) firstly. In the FUT (Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation) technique, which is recommended for especially the megasessions, a strip of hairy skin will be raised from this area. The strip will be given to the staff, who will divide the strip into hair units. Each hair unit, which is available for transplantation to another side consists of 1-3 hair follicles. The recipient area will be prepared when the hair units are ready. Local anaesthetic will be infiltrated to this area and then the transplantation process will begin which will take a few hours. Today hair transplant surgery is a one day out-patient procedure requiring only local anaesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort, if any, they experience during and after surgery. In the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique, the micro punches were taken without damaging the hair follicles and then transferred to the alopecic areas, sometimes during the consecutive days-sessions. This technique is especially recommended for the smaller alopecic areas.

Hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment.

Women can also benefit from hair transplant. Hair loss in women can be caused by aging, illness, or hormonal changes after menopause. Women tend to experience a subtle thinning all over the scalp rather than losing hair in patches as is common in men. To correct the problem, some women choose to wear a wig or hair extensions, while others have had some success using a topical prescriptive drug. The effectiveness of such drugs varies in some patients and simply prevents further hair loss without stimulating any appreciable new growth. Hair replacement surgery may be the answer for those who feel uncomfortable with either of these options.

• To increase self confidence and enhance self image
• To give a more youthful appearance in a natural way

The best candidates are those who are in good physical health, are mentally and psychologically stable, preferably do not smoke, those who want to improve their appearance and those who have realistic expectations about the procedure and the results. Extra reasons may include:

 Looking to achieve a natural look
 Who want to enhance their appearance
 Have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas (Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken)

Hair transplantation involves removing small pieces of hair-bearing scalp grafts from a donor site and relocating them to a bald or thinning area. Grafts differ by size and shape. Round-shaped punch grafts usually contain about 10-15 hairs. The much smaller mini-graft contains about two to four hairs; and the micro-graft, one to two hairs. Slit grafts, which are inserted into slits created in the scalp, contain about four to 10 hairs each; strip grafts are long and thin and contain 30-40 hairs.

Generally, several surgical sessions may be needed to achieve satisfactory fullness – and a healing interval of several months is usually recommended between each session. It may take up to two years before you see the final result with a full transplant series. The amount of coverage you’ll need is partly dependent upon the colour and texture of your hair.

Pre-visit and during consultations the surgeon will try to evaluate your physical-mental health and any medical conditions. In order to obtain the best results it is important that you are honest with the surgeon, that you advise any previous surgeries, if you are tking any medicatio9ns, herbal supplements, vitamins or other drugs and if you smoke. Be sure to discuss your expectations and goals. The surgeon is here to guide, advise and explain to you how the surgery will be performed, possible alternatives that may offer better results, the risks and limitations of each as well as details of follow up and after care.

Just before surgery, the “donor area” will be trimmed short so that the grafts can be easily accessed and removed. For punch grafts, the surgeon may use a special tube-like instrument made of sharp carbon steel that punches the round graft out of the donor site so it can be replaced in the area to be covered – generally the frontal hairline.

For other types of grafts, your doctor will use a scalpel to remove small sections of hair-bearing scalp, which will be divided into tiny sections and transplanted into tiny holes or slits within the scalp. When grafts are taken, the surgeon may periodically inject small amounts of saline solution into the scalp to maintain proper skin strength. The donor site holes may be closed with stitches – for punch grafts, a single stitch may close each punch site; for other types of grafts, a small, straight-line scar will result. The stitches are usually concealed with the surrounding hair.

To maintain healthy circulation in the scalp, the grafts are placed about one-eighth of an inch apart. In later sessions, the spaces between the plugs will be filled in with additional grafts. The surgeon will take great care in removing and placement of grafts to ensure that the transplanted hair will grow in a natural direction.

Flap Surgery

Another technique is Flap surgery, which is capable of quickly covering large areas of baldness and is customized for each individual patient. The size of the flap and its placement are largely dependant upon the patients goals and needs. One flap can do the work or 350 or more punch grafts.

A section of bald scalp is cut out and a flap of hair-bearing skin is lifted off the surface while still attached at one end. The hair bearing flap is brought into its new position and sewn into place, while remaining “tethered” to its original blood supply. As you heal, you’ll notice that the scar is camouflaged, or at least obscured, by relocated hair, which grows to the very edge of the incision.

In recent years, plastic surgeons have made significant advances in flap techniques, combining flap surgery and scalp reduction for better coverage of the crown.

Scalp Reduction

This technique is sometimes referred to as advancement flap surgery because sections of hair-bearing scalp are pulled forward or “advanced” to fill in a bald crown.

Scalp reduction is for coverage of bald areas at the top and back of the head. It’s not beneficial for coverage of the frontal hairline. After the scalp is injected with a local anaesthetic, a segment of bald scalp is removed. The pattern of the section of removed scalp varies widely, depending on the patients goals. If a large amount of coverage is needed, doctors commonly remove a segment of scalp in an inverted Y-shape. Excisions may also be shaped like a U, a pointed oval, or some other figure.

The skin surrounding the cut-out area is loosened and pulled, so that the sections of hair-bearing scalp can be brought together and closed with stitches. It’s likely that there will a strong tugging at this point, and occasional pain.

After the grafting session is complete, the scalp will be cleansed and covered with gauze. You may have to wear a pressure bandage for a day or two.

Any pain or discomfort depends on the extent and complexity of the procedure. Any excessive tightness, aching or throbbing can be controlled with medication.

If bandages are used they will usually be removed one day later. You may gently wash your hair within two days and any stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days.

Because strenuous activity increases blood flow to the scalp and may cause your transplants or incisions to bleed, you may be instructed to avoid vigorous exercise and contact sports for at least three weeks. The surgeon may also advise that sexual activity be avoided for at least 10 days after surgery..

You may feel well enough to go back to work and resume normal, light activity after several days depending on complexity of the surgery you’ve had.

Many patients who have had transplants (plugs or other grafts) are dismayed to find that their “new” hair falls out within six weeks after surgery. Remember, this condition is normal and almost always temporary. After hair falls out, it will take another 5 to 6 weeks before hair growth resumes. You can expect about a half-inch of growth per month

If you are considering a hair replacement procedure it is important to understand that you will never have the coverage prior to your hair loss but surgery may camouflage the thin areas and give you more fullness.

to learn more about any risks and complication . 

>>>Read More