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.
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
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.
Article Sources Include: The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery