Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation involves repositioning hair from one region to another on your scalp and can be performed using various methods. The most commonly used technique is grafting. To qualify as an ideal candidate, you must possess denser hair regions on your scalp. Hair loss can be permanent and stem from various causes, such as certain forms of alopecia.

Referred to as hair restoration or hair replacement, this procedure is typically recommended for individuals who have exhausted other options for hair loss treatment. Dermatologists (specialists in skin health) or plastic surgeons (experts in reconstructive interventions) are the healthcare professionals who perform hair transplants.

Process of Hair Transplantation

The healthcare provider harvests grafts, which are small sections of skin containing healthy hair, from donor sites on the body. The donor area is usually located at the back of the scalp, where hair density is higher. These grafts are then transplanted to areas of the scalp where hair is absent. Once the transplanted skin heals, it is expected to continue producing new hair growth.

Conditions Treated by Hair Restoration Surgery

Hair loss can result from various factors, and while some cases are reversible, others may be permanent. Hair restoration surgery, including hair implants, may be effective for addressing permanent hair loss associated with:

Candidates for Hair Replacement Surgery

You might be considered a suitable candidate for hair replacement surgery if you:

Types of Hair Transplant Procedures

There are a number of methods for performing hair transplant surgery, which include:

Grafting

Hair grafting stands as the most common hair transplant surgery approach. A medical professional carefully extracts small sections of the scalp containing healthy hair.

At times, they may use a small, circular punch to remove skin segments containing about 10 to 15 hairs, historically referred to as “hair plugs.” Micrografts typically consist of one to two hairs.

Scalp Reduction Surgery

Scalp reduction surgery, also known as alopecia reduction, involves a surgeon removing a small portion of bald skin from the scalp. They then mobilize nearby skin containing hair and reposition it to cover the bald area before securing it with sutures.

This method is most suitable for bald areas on the top and back of the head that are typically surrounded by hair-bearing skin. In some cases, scalp reduction may be combined with hair implants to achieve full coverage. Like grafting, scalp reduction generally requires only local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for general anaesthesia.-

Flap Surgery Procedure

The reconstructive surgeon may suggest flap surgery if significant bald areas are present near the frontal scalp. The multi-phase process of flap surgery unfolds over several weeks.

Initially, the surgeon creates superficial incisions around three edges of the donor site, leaving the fourth side intact to preserve its original blood supply. This approach facilitates the detachment and lifting of the flap over the bald regions. Flap surgery necessitates the administration of general anaesthesia.

Tissue Expansion Procedure

In situations where scalp baldness or deformities due to burns are observed, your healthcare provider might opt for tissue expansion surgery. This process, conducted under general anaesthesia, encompasses several stages:

Risks of Hair Transplantation

As with any surgical procedure, hair transplants carry inherent risks, including:

Side Effects of Hair Transplant Surgery

Side effects from hair transplant surgery are typically transient and may include the following effects on the scalp, donor area, or new hair:

What benefits does hair restoration offer?