Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair that is abundant from other parts of the body and moving them to the site where there is a hair loss or lack of hair growth. This is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. In this case, the hair transplant is usually taken from the back and sides of the head, where hair continues to grow, and moved to the area of hair loss. Hair replacement can also be used to treat patients who have suffered burns, or have other conditions that prevent hair growth. Other names for hair replacement include hair restoration surgery and hair treatment surgery. Good candidates for hair replacement surgery are those who have good hair growth in common donor sites – on the back and side of the head. Since these are the areas where the hair is being transplanted from, the hairs should be healthy and growing well. In a consultation with a plastic surgeon, they’ll be able to advise you on how much hair can be transplanted to the top and front of your head still to leave you with a natural and even head of hair.
The procedure for surgery usually takes 3-6 hours and is done under local anesthesia. It is a quick procedure and does not require a hospital stay. There are many different techniques for hair treatment, including grafts and punches. The most common method involves taking a strip of hair with follicles from the donor area. Tiny nicks are created on the head to make holes just large enough for the transplanted hair to be inserted. It is inserted at an angle that will allow natural hair growth consistent with the pattern of the surrounding hair. Any scars created will be covered by the growing hair.
The benefits of hair replacement surgery are that the method is natural and promote self-confidence. The hair comes from your own body, so there is no risk of rejection of the transplant. The results are permanent, because the hair that is transplanted comes from a region that is prone to lush growth. So for men suffering from male pattern baldness, the hair taken from the back and sides of the head will continue to grow well on the top of the head. Losing hair due to male pattern baldness and genetics is natural, but can undermine self-confidence. Hair transplant surgery will help restore confidence and give a feeling of youth.
Serious risks are not common with hair restoration surgery, as this is relatively quick. Common complications include swelling and discomfort, bleeding, infection, and scabbing.