Hair Transplantation

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is a very safe, relatively minor surgical procedure. The transplanted hair seen above the scalp will initially be shed, and the roots will remain dormant for 6-12 weeks. After this period, the new hairs will all begin to grow.

How is it done?

Hair transplantation involves removing a strip of permanent hair-bearing skin from the back or sides of the scalp (donor area) and then, using various techniques, the strip is usually dissected into micrografts (containing 1-3 hairs) and mini-grafts (containing 3-8 hairs) each. The micro-/minigrafts are then meticulously planted into the bald or thinning area of the scalp (recipient area). The creation of very small micrografts (follicular units) has allowed very natural, feathered hairlines to be grafted, and avoids an abrupt, "pluggy look" that was typical many years ago. A mini-graft can be used behind the hairline for added density.

Depending on the degree of balding for the frontal area and similarly for the crown area, 1-3 procedures involving several hundred or perhaps 1,500 or more grafts may be required to achieve the desired density (of course, more procedures could be done if hair loss progresses or greater density is desired). Within 24 hours small crusts will form on each graft which are shed in approximately 7-10 days. The grafted hairs will often start to grow by 6-12 weeks after the procedure and will continue to grow for a lifetime

Surgery Time required: 3–8 hours

Anesthesia: Local or twilight anesthesia on an out-patient basis

Why is it done?

Hair restoration in people who has experienced permanent hair loss.

Risks & complications

All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.

It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike.

Post surgical side effects

Minor infections can occur around a newly transplanted hair follicle, similar to an infected ingrown hair or pimple. Minor scars. Patients may experience mild swelling to the forehead area for a few days following surgery and on rare occasions may experience a black eye if the frontal scalp is transplanted.

Recovery time

Patients may be asked to use moist compresses or spray and to sleep in a semi-upright position for 2-3 days following the procedure to minimize swelling and bruising. Small crusts may form on each graft that can be camouflaged by any existing hair that can be combed over the recipient area. These crusts will flake off by 10-14 days after the surgery. Numbness that may occur in the donor or recipient area usually disappears in 2-8 months after surgery.

Alternatives

The Surgeon may discuss alternative approaches to the Hair Transplantation procedure. 

Candidate eligibility
Anyone who has experienced permanent hair loss may be a candidate for hair restoration surgery, including:

·  Men with male pattern baldness
·  Women with thinning hair
·  People with areas of scarring from injury or face lift procedures
·  People who want to thicken or restore eyebrows, eyelashes and beards

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment.  All specifics will be discussed with your physician at your consultation.