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Surgery : Hair Transplants
A hair transplant is an operation in which a surgeon removes a
strip of donor hair and flesh from the back of the head and transplants
the hair follicles, or plugs, into the balding area. Each surgery
session usually lasts at least 4 hours, and many doctors recommend
3-5 treatment sessions. Male pattern baldness typically affects
the hair follicles around the front and top of the head. In most
people who are balding, hair at the back and sides of the head remains
healthy and continues to grow normally. Hair transplants are relatively
expensive, yet they have a number of advantages over other treatments.
Foremost is the fact that the operation is permanent if done correctly.
Propecia and Rogaine both only work for as long as you use them.
During a hair transplant, a slice of skin from the back of the scalp
is removed with a scalpel. These follicles will serve as the donor
hair. The donor hair is carefully cut into as many as 1,200 tiny
hair grafts. These individual grafts consist of 1-4 follicles each
in most transplants using modern techniques. Once the grafts are
prepared, they are placed into tiny receptor holes that the surgeon
creates in the scalp. It is very important how and where the hair
is placed. To get a natural look, the donor hair needs to be placed
in such a way that it appears random. Direction and angle of the
hairs is also critical to a natural appearing head of hair. Antibiotics
may be prescribed after surgery to prevent infection. The scar from
the donor site is usually not visible.
More than science
Hair transplants are labor intense scientific operations. The technology
is state of the art, and the techniques have advanced significantly
over recent decades. Even so, the surgery is equal parts medical
training and artistic skill. It takes a talented, experienced doctor
to perform a successful hair transplant. There are only a limited
number of hairs to work with from the donor site, and it is very
important that they are positioned with expert care. Creating a
hairline that appears natural is no easy process. Because of this,
choosing an experienced, well-respected surgeon is extremely important.
If an operation is done incorrectly, it can lead to permanent scarring
or worse.
What Should you look for in a Surgeon
Experience, experience, experience! Most importantly, be sure that
your doctor is able to show you multiple sets of before and after
photographs from his patients. The photos should be taken from the
same angle, in the same lighting. Ask for references that you can
talk to. Being able to speak to someone who has undergone treatment
at the same facility can provide you with insight you won’t
get anywhere else. Remember to shop around, don’t go with
the first clinic you go to. A hair transplant is a costly and time
consuming operation. Remember, this operation is a long-term investment
in your appearance, so do your research and take your time finding
a doctor.
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