Understanding Hair Transplants: Basics of the Procedure

Introduction

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure designed to address hair loss and balding by relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. This treatment is particularly effective for individuals experiencing male pattern baldness, where hair loss occurs in specific areas of the scalp due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affecting the hair follicles’ sensitivity.

The Core Concept: Donor Hair from DHT-Resistant Areas

The fundamental principle behind hair transplantation is rooted in the unique characteristics of hair follicles found in certain areas of the scalp. The donor hair is extracted from regions that are genetically programmed to resist the effects of DHT, typically located at the back or sides of the head. These DHT-resistant hair follicles continue to grow hair even when transplanted to areas prone to hair loss, making them an ideal source for hair restoration.

Patients Are Their Own Donors

It’s important to clarify that hair transplantation does not involve moving hair from one person to another. Patients serve as their own donors, meaning that the hair used for transplantation comes from their own scalp. This ensures compatibility and minimizes the risk of rejection or adverse reactions.

The Hair Transplantation Process:

1. Donor Area Selection: The surgeon identifies the most DHT-resistant areas on the patient’s scalp, which will serve as the donor site for hair follicles. These areas typically have denser and healthier hair that is less susceptible to hair loss.
2. Extraction: The selected hair follicles are carefully extracted from the donor area using either the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method. FUE involves harvesting individual hair follicles, while FUT involves removing a strip of tissue containing hair follicles for transplantation.
3. Preparation: Once harvested, the hair follicles are meticulously prepared for transplantation. The surgeon ensures they are kept in a suitable environment to maintain their viability until they are implanted.
4. Balding Area Preparation: Before transplantation, the recipient area (where hair growth is desired) is meticulously prepared. Tiny incisions or recipient sites are made in the balding or thinning areas to accommodate the transplanted hair follicles.
5. Transplantation: The prepared hair follicles are carefully inserted into the recipient sites one by one, following the natural angle and direction of the existing hair. This meticulous process ensures a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
6. Healing and Growth: After the procedure, the transplanted hair follicles undergo a healing phase. Initially, most transplanted hairs will shed, but new hair growth should begin within a few months. Over time, the hair will continue to thicken and mature.

For the right candidate, Hair transplantation is considered a safe and effective method for restoring hair in balding areas, providing patients with a natural and long-lasting solution to hair loss especially when combined with medical/drug therapy.