1. A Little History on Hair Transplants
In the 1950s, the dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich experimented with skin grafts on a burn victim's scalp. The doctor was pleasantly surprised to find that healthy hair follicles transferred to the scarred and burned scalp of the patient and grew healthy hair. This began his revolutionary hair transplant procedure. Doctors came from all over the country to learn his techniques, and even have the hair transplants performed on themselves.
2. Hair Plugs Like Doll's Hair
At the time of that hair transplant surgery, the best the doctors could do was transfer the hair in little clumps, or hair plugs, like doll's hair. Usually it looked okay until the patient continued the balding process; he started losing the hair surrounding the plugs. Then all left on the head were these little tufts of hair in a sea of baldness.
3. The Advanced Techniques
In the late 1980s, a doctor from San Antonio, Texas used a high-powered microscope to transplant hair follicle units. Hair follicular units are little tulip-like bulb sacs that hold about 1 to 4 hair follicles. These little individual hairs grow together in these groupings, these sacs. Therefore, by transplanting hair in what is called follicular unit grafts, by a certified trained doctor, a patient can have an almost undetectable hair transplant.
4. Watch Your Head Now
The hair industry has been a haven for fraud and snake oils since the time of the first salesperson. There is plenty of hype and methods that just don't work to restore hair. Hair transplants take skill, training, experience and even an artistic ability. There are plenty of scary stories about hair procedures that have gone wrong. Special training in hair transplant surgery is not required by law. Cosmetic surgery is a business, and often hair transplant clinics greet you with a salesperson not a doctor. Be wise, careful and do your research.
5. Who Can You Trust?
The International Association of Hair Restoration (IAHRS) is the best place to start to learn about state-of-the art hair transplant work. This is an elite association that understands the need for high standards in this very specialized field. The bar is raised for the hair doctors in this group. Another helpful resource is the radio show and website of David Spencer Kobren. He is a hair loss patient himself, and understands the psychology of appearance and the need for support, truthfulness and helpful information for hair restoration. With his full head of hair now, and presence in this field for many years, he is the self-made hair industry counselor.
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