Hair transplant

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the 'donor site', to a bald or balding part of the body known as the 'recipient site'. It is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. In this minimally invasive procedure, grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding, like the back of the head, are transplanted to the bald scalp. Hair transplants can also be used to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, beard hair, chest hair, pubic hair, and to fill in scars caused by accidents or surgery such as face-lifts and previous hair transplants.

History

Hair transplantation began in the 19th century in Japan with surgeons using grafts to help restore eyelashes and eyebrows of injured patients. However, modern techniques of hair transplantation were introduced in the 1950s by Dr. Norman Orentreich in New York City. He established the principle of "donor dominance," which means that hair transplanted from the donor area to the recipient area will continue to exhibit the characteristics of the donor area.

Techniques

There are two primary techniques for hair transplantation currently in use: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

In FUT, a strip of scalp is excised from the donor area, and then dissected into individual follicular units. These units are then transplanted into the recipient area. This method leaves a linear scar in the donor area.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE involves the individual extraction of follicular unit grafts directly from the donor area, typically the back of the neck, using a specialized punch device. This method does not leave a linear scar, but may leave small, unnoticeable scars in the donor area.

Post-operative Care

Post-operative care is crucial for the success of the hair transplant procedure. Patients are advised to avoid any form of strenuous activity for at least a month. They are also instructed on how to care for their transplanted hair, including gentle washing and taking prescribed medications to prevent infection and promote healing.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants carry risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring. There is also the risk of unnatural-looking hair growth. In some cases, the transplanted hair may not "take," and the procedure may need to be repeated.

Outcomes

The success of a hair transplant is often judged by the appearance of the hair after it has grown in the recipient area. It can take up to a year for the hair to fully grow and reveal the final outcome. Most patients find that a successful hair transplant can significantly improve their self-esteem and appearance.