5 Questions to ask about Hair Transplantation

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Is Hair Transplantation a common procedure? ~
It has been and remains the most common cosmetic procedure for men worldwide for more than 40 years. During this time it has seen remarkable advances in the aesthetic results. These days a graft is a tiny piece of hair bearing skin. On the other hand the initial ‘punch grafts’ were large and although they produced great hair density, they lacked finesse in terms of natural appearance. Present day grafts produce the best natural appearance so far achieved.
Is there more than one type of modern Hair Transplantation? ~
There are two basic methods, each having their advocates. So called ’follicular’ grafting involves stripping all tissue away from the follicle (hair root) and transferring the follicle itself to the area to be re-haired. These follicles can be ‘planted’ very close together which in theory is a good thing. However, the density of hair they produce is at the other end of the scale to the punch grafts That is, the density they produce is the least of all transplant procedures. Importantly, this density is finite. That is, it can not be increased, since there is insufficient space between the grafts to place more in order to increase density. ‘Minigrafts’, tiny hair –bearing pieces of skin of one, two or three hairs, can produce a greater density since they allow for subsequent fill-ins with the ultimate density being superior to that of follicular grafts.
Where and how is it done? ~
It is a ‘no-fuss’ procedure done under intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia in rooms/surgery. It is not a ‘hospital’ procedure. Most patients fall asleep at some time during the course of the operation, the length of which varies from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the size of area to be grafted.
Who should perform the procedure? ~
As with any surgery, even relatively minor operations such as this, the operator should be well trained in the procedure itself. Also, the greater the experience of the surgeon, the more likely you should be able to rely upon his/her judgment of the management of your hair loss.
Is the transplanted hair permanent? ~
Yes, because the genetic code of permanence is in the hair root. And since the hair roots come from that permanent rim of donor hair at the back and sides of the head, the hair that issues from those roots is permanent.

By Dr Fox [2011-06-06]