HAIR RESTORATION
AN INTRODUCTION TO HAIR RESTORATION
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Hair transplantation is an operation in which hair is taken from the back of the head, the horseshoe shaped area between the ears, called the donor site; and transplanted to an area of hair loss. This donor site is the hair which will continue to grow throughout the life of most men. Having this hair transplanted to a bald area does not change its ability to grow. Candidates for Hair Restoration Surgery are those individuals with hair loss that have an adequate amount of donor hair to transplant to the bald area. We use the new single follicular grafting technique, which allows the transplanted hair to be placed with 1, 2 or 3 hair units. This creates a much more natural appearance and allows us to customize each transplant with a design which is perfectly suited to each individual patient. While in principal the hair transplant technique is very simple, its implementation requires meticulous micro-surgical skills, attention to detail and artistry.
Medications:
Only two hair restoration medications have been approved by the FDA. These are minoxidil (Rogaine) used topically and finasteride (Propecia) taken orally. They have been proven to successfully slow hair loss and stabilize hair loss in its early stages. These products are perfectly partnered with hair transplantation.
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DETAILS OF THE PROCEDURE:
Microsurgery - Follicular Unit Grafting
The recent evolution seen in hair restoration surgery is the result of using small grafts of naturally occurring hair bundles placed very closely in large numbers. These grafts are obtained by dissecting the donor scalp under the stereoscopic dissecting microscope.
The grafts are implanted into small incisions in the scalp, where when grown out, produce the most natural result of any hair transplant technique. This is the principal of follicular unit hair transplantation.
Harvesting Donor Hair:
Hair from the back and sides of the head which is resistant to the balding process is known as the "permanent donor zone". This is a limited and finite resource from which we are able to harvest the hair that will be used in the transplant process.
To optimize the limited use of this resource, we minimize the transection (cutting across) of the hair follicles during the harvesting procedure by excising a single elliptical strip from a tumesced (pumped up) area using saline.
We close the donor site with a single continuous suture resulting in a thin, almost invisible scar.
Transplanting Of Follicular Units Back Into Recipient Scalp:
The bald or thinning area of scalp into which the grafts are transplanted is known as the recipient area. Transplanting of these grafts requires a large amount of technical skill as well as artistic talent. To place the grafts densely so that they will give good coverage of the balding scalp is technically challenging, but the "natural look" desired requires the artistry especially in the hairline.
The follicular unit grafts are created as they occur naturally in the Donor scalp as this is critical in creating a natural looking result. Our nurses produce excellent grafts which grow beautifully and can be packed close together to create density.
The angle and the depths of the incisions in the scalp in which the grafts are placed are critical for a good result. This allows for a natural angle of hair growth as well as minimal damage to the underlying blood vessels. Also the size of the incision should be as small as possible to create hair density. At Head Start all the recipient sites are created by the physicians only, due to the importance and complexity of this part of the procedure. These small incisions heal quickly leaving little or no scarring.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS?
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Hair loss is normally caused by hereditary, hormones and age. Genetic makeup defines if hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This causes them to shrink, resulting in thinning and balding. The donor area at the back of the head is the exception, because these hair follicles lack the genetics to be susceptible to DHT.
Hair loss can also be a result of high stress levels, although it is usually temporary. Trauma to the head along with scarring can cause permanent damage to hair follicles. Even tight hairdos like braids can create tension that can inflame hair follicles, destroying them and halting hair growth. Certain medical conditions can result in hair loss. However, 95% of the time it is genetic.
DOES REMOVING DONOR HAIR LEAVE A BIG GAP?
No, the scalp is very elastic. When the donor strip of hair is removed, the scalp on both sides are pulled together and sutured. The only evidence of surgery is a thin scar hidden under the hair that grows vertically on the back of the head.
IS IT PAINFUL?
Some discomfort is to be expected as the anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the anesthetic takes affect you will not be able to feel anything being done during the procedure. Medication is available to use after the procedure if you need it. Many of our patients find they don't require it, but if they do it is usually only for a couple of days.
WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Small scabs will form around the grafts in the days after the procedure. They may or may not be visible depending on the amount of surrounding hair, but generally come off in about a week. Within 2-6 weeks the donor hair will fall out and you will look just like you did before. This last for 1-3 weeks, then the new hair starts to grow in. Sometimes the existing hair surrounding the newly transplanted hair will fall out. This is called hair shock and is temporary.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK?
Most people are able to back to work the next day. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
IS HAIR TRANSPLANTATION EXPENSIVE?
It is more expensive than a hair piece or some alternative treatments. However, the fact that the results are permanent, most people consider it a good investment.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I REQUIRE/HOW MUCH HAIR WILL I NEED?
These factors depend on the size of the area of scalp to be covered as well as the characteristics of the donor hair, a natural density, hair shaft caliber, color, curl or wave. Sometimes more than one procedure is required to provide the desired density and coverage. The number and size of procedures varies from patient to patient depending on age, existing hair, hair loss trends and personal appearance goals.
WHEN AM I ABLE TO HAVE A SECOND SESSION?
Generally it is recommended to wait six months to a year before having another procedure. Your surgeon can advise you better as he monitors you progress.