Hair Transplant

Surgical/Procedure name:
Hair Transplant

Common name:
Hair Transplant

Introduction

Hair transplantation is a relatively recent technique where hair follicles are surgically removed from hair bearing areas and implanted into the bald areas of the scalp. Hair transplant is carried out for male and female pattern baldness and can also be used for hair loss resulting from surgery, trauma or burns. Most hair comes out of the scalp in groups of two or three hairs, 15% in groups of four or five hairs and some 15% comes out as a single strand. The surgeon transplants groups of these various follicle groupings of hair to mimic a natural looking hair pattern as it emerges from the scalp.

Hair Transplant Procedure

Hair transplants are carried out over a number of sessions. The small wounds from the donor strips of hair are sutured and the wound usually heals in seven to ten days. The hairs are then transplanted into the bald area using small bore needles or blades. A skilled, experienced surgeon seeks to transplant the hair at angles that mimic the hair growth in other areas of the individuals head. This gives a more natural look to hair growth.

Another type of hair transplant, a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) involves removing and transplanting the hair with a small punch, like a cookie cutter. This technique is expensive but avoids in scar lines that occur with the other hair transplant procedure. Follicular unit extraction can be used when someone has a very tight scalp or whose scars do not heal well and leave bigger scars. This procedure can result in damage to the hair follicles being transplanted.

Since hair naturally grows in follicles that contain groupings of 1 to 4 hairs, today’s most advanced techniques transplant these naturally occurring 1–4 hair "follicular units" in their natural groupings. Thus modern hair transplantation can achieve a natural appearance by mimicking nature hair for hair. This recent hair transplant procedure is called Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Donor hair can be harvested in two very different ways:

Strip Harvesting - a strip of scalp is removed under local anesthesia, the wound is then sutured back together and this piece of scalp tissue is then cut in to small pieces of tissue called grafts which are then transplanted back in to the thinning area of the patients head. This method will leave a linear scar in the donor area, which should be covered by a patients hair (if long). The recovery period is around 2 weeks and will require the stitches to be removed by medical personnel.

2. FUE Harvesting - (Follicular Unit Extraction) individual follicles of hair are removed under local anesthesia; this micro removal uses tiny punches of between 0.6mm and 1.25mm in diameter. Each follicle is then reinserted back in to the scalp in the thinning area using a micro blade. Because this is single follicles and no large amount of tissue is removed there is no visible scars or post-surgery pain, with no stitches to be removed. Recovery from FUE is within 7 days.

Upon Consultation your surgeon will be able to discuss the most suitable procedure for your situation.

Transplanted Hair then Falls Out!

The transplanted hair will fall out usually within two to three weeks. The hairs then regrow in the recipient area about two or three months later.

Post Operative. What to Expect Following Hair Transplant

Discomfort or pain can be controlled with analgesics such as Tylenol or vicodin for two or three days postoperatively following hair transplant.

There may be scalp and or forehead swelling from between two to seven days. Severe swelling may cause a black eye(s). As with any surgical procedure infection and post operative bleeding can occur. Sometimes the hair grafts do not regrow although it is claimed that if the hair transplant is carried out properly between 90 to 100% of the hair survives.

Questions and Answers

What are follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts?

A follicular unit is a group of hair as it naturally occurs. Individual follicular units are very small and grow in an irregular pattern. Follicular units are usually preserved in their natural composition. This is important because it maximizes the supply of donor hair and contributes to the finest, most natural looking result. A micro-graft is a graft with 1, 2 or 3 hairs. The goal of any hair transplant procedure is to provide the patient with a very natural look, maintaining virtually undetectable results and optimal density without compromising the donor area. Multiple techniques can be effective but it is the responsibility of the surgeon to select the best method for obtaining a patient's specific goal.

Am I a candidate for hair transplantation?

A consultant can educate you on the causes of hair loss and available treatment options. After your evaluation by a doctor, a final determination will be made as to whether you are a candidate for the procedure. They will analyze your individual hair loss, discuss expectations and outline your options. Factors that determine candidacy for the procedure include the number of grafts that are necessary to produce the results your desire, availability and density of donor hair, hair color, skin color, hair texture, and potential future hair loss.

Has hair transplantation been proven to work?

Hair transplantation has been successfully performed for over 40 years. Recent advances in the use of follicular unit grafts have dramatically improved the results of hair restoration surgery. Transplanted hair looks as natural as the rest of your hair because it is your naturally growing hair. One of the exciting and unique benefits of transplanted hair is that it will grow for the rest of your life.

If I am unhappy with a transplant performed by another doctor, can Bumrungrad International correct the problem?

Performing an average of 40 to 60 cases of corrective hair restoration surgery each month, Bumrungrad Hospital has developed methods by which a poor hair transplant can be modified into a desirable result.

Can I afford hair transplantation?

The real question is - can you afford not to have a hair transplant? Hair restoration is more affordable today than ever. After a thorough examination of your hair loss and discussion of your expectations, we will be able to provide a realistic estimate of the time and expense necessary to achieve your goal. The fees charged by many hair transplant surgeons may cause a great deal of confusion. Some surgeons charge by the graft, others by the hair, and still others by the session. The important consideration for any patient is to receive the natural coverage and density desired within the budget allowed. BPC patients report their results are unparalleled and claim, "It was the best money I ever spent." A hair transplant is of value only if it satisfies the patient. Although expense is an important consideration, it should not be the only consideration. Unlike other methods of hair loss treatment, the cost of each surgical procedure is a one-time expense. We tailor the procedure and payment to each individual's circumstances and budget.

At what age should I start hair transplantation?

Hair loss is a problem which persists throughout life. We encourage you to address the issue early... before it becomes more visible. An earlier start will allow your surgeon to camouflage the work while the transplanted hair grows in gradually and unnoticed. There are no age limits (our patients range from 21-80 years old). You don't have to wait until you stop losing hair to start. There is no magical age where hair loss stops. Doctors take into account your future hair loss, and their surgical plan makes sure you will look natural along the way. If you have been waiting for hair transplantation surgical techniques to be perfected, that time has arrived. Start counting your new growing hairs instead of those falling out.

Since Propecia is now available, doesn’t that mean hair transplantation is a thing of the past?

While Propecia and Rogaine have been proven to regrow hair, they will not grow all your hair back. Their greatest benefit seems to be in slowing down hair loss. Propecia and Rogaine can be part of a very effective hair restoration plan.

Doesn't removing hair from the donor area on the back of my head leave a big gap?

The scalp is very elastic. When the donor strip of hair is removed, the scalp on both sides is just pulled together and sutured. The only evidence of surgery is a thin line hidden under the hair that grows vertically on the back of the head.