Hair restoration involves the use of surgical procedures to cure hair loss. These treatments are usually done after less-invasive options have failed. If you are considering hair transplant surgery, contact a hair restoration surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate.
History
In 1952, Dr. Norman Orentreich of New York performed the first known hair transplant on a patient with male pattern baldness. The doctor found that transplants could be done through the use of hair from the back and sides of the scalp because these areas are typically resistant to hair loss. In the 1990s, micrografting techniques replaced the punch-grafting techniques previously used. Micrografts contain only two to three hairs and are placed behind the hairline to provide a natural way of increasing hair density. Punch-grafting involves punching cylinder holes in the patient's scalp while making sure the holes match the graft taken from the donor site. Punch-grafting is typically a more difficult and time-consuming procedure than micrografting. Micrografting produces more natural looking results, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
Identification
The American Hair Loss Association says that good candidates for hair restoration include: men who have suffered from male pattern baldness for at least five years; men and women with hair loss caused by trauma or burns; and men and women with hair loss caused by a cosmetic procedure.
Prevention/Solution
A hair restoration surgeon usually does the procedure. You can locate a surgeon in your area by putting your ZIP code in the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery website. Hair transplant surgery is done on an out-patient basis in the doctor's office or surgery center. During hair transplant surgery, grafts from the back or side of the scalp are removed. The hair donor region is sutured, and any scar is typically hidden by the hair. The portions of skin removed contain healthy hair follicles, and they are surgically grafted to the balding areas of the head.
Considerations
Other types of restorative surgeries include scalp reduction and scalp extenders. In scalp reduction, a few inches of the balding areas of the scalp are surgically removed. The sides are then pulled together and stitched. Scalp extenders involve the placement of small devices under the scalp that have healthy hair follicles. The extenders allow for hair growth in a larger area of the scalp. These procedures are done alone or in conjunction with hair transplant surgery.
Warning
Hair restoration surgery can have side effects that include scalp swelling, bruising and numbness. In most cases, multiple treatments are required for optimal results and it may take years to complete the entire process. In rare cases, infection, excessive bleeding and scarring may occur.
Time Frame
After about six weeks, hair transplant patients lose a large portion of their new hair. After another six weeks, normal hair growth resumes, and patients can expect the hair to grow approximately ½ inch per month.
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