What Is Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical hair restoration procedure involving transferring existing scalp hair from the donor area to the recipient site. The two types of hair transplant techniques commonly used for hair restoration today are FUT (follicular unit transplantation) and FUE (follicular unit extraction). FUT, also known as the strip method, entails removing a strip of tissue with healthy follicles from the donor area and transferring it to the bald or diminishing patches on the head which gives more grafts. On the other hand, FUE involves taking individual follicles from areas where the growth of hair is not affected and implanting them in areas with thinning hair. It is an increasingly popular technique due to its relatively short healing period. Another FUE advantage is that it also eliminates extensive scars related to FUT procedure. The principle of these treatments is always the same: taking hair from the crown region, where hair is never lost, and transposing it into the frontal and tonsure regions.
All these procedures can be combined on the same patient. Each case needs to be properly analyzed and several parameters need to be considered: the extent of hair loss, the softness of the scalp, hair quality and the patient’s expectations.
Who Can Have a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery has become a popular solution for people who suffer from hair loss. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for the procedure. The decision to undergo hair transplant surgery is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the cause and extent of hair loss, medical history, and overall health. Generally, hair transplant surgery is suitable for people with hereditary hair loss, male or female pattern baldness, and certain types of alopecia, including alopecia areata. To be a candidate, the individual must have healthy hair growth in the donor area (valued by the surgeon), typically the back or sides of the scalp (they are both areas not affected by alopecia). It is essential to note that age is not a barrier to hair transplant surgery, as both younger and olders may undergo the procedure. Overall, the final decision should be made after a thorough evaluation by a qualified surgeon who will assess the patient's suitability for the procedure and advise on the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual needs and circumstances.
