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To understand why hair transplants are successful ( and, sometimes,
why they are not ), it’s important first to know some
basic facts about hair growth. The occurrence and degree of
hair loss in each person is strongly influenced by genetics:
hereditary factors such as your hair follicles’ sensitivity
to dihydrotestosterone
( DHT ), a hormone that can cause hair thinning and pattern
baldness, determine whether or not you will experience hair
thinning or pattern baldness as you age.
In fact, the “pattern” in pattern baldness is
a clue as to why hair transplants work. People affected by
this kind of hair loss progressively lose hair from their
temples and hairline, but the back and sides of the head often
retain some hair growth. Why? Because these remaining hairs
are more resistant to the effects of DHT.
Hair transplants operate on a fairly simple principle: the
surgeon harvests entire hair follicles from the back of the
head and redistributes them on top – et voila! A new
head of hair is born.
Hair transplant methods have greatly evolved since Dr. Norman
Orentreich pioneered the first procedures in the 1950s. Initially,
large clumps of transplanted hair follicles were arranged
in an almost grid-like fashion ( often referred to as “hair
plugs” ), that left no doubt as to their origin. Over
time the process has been refined, and the new techniques
of “micrografting” and “minigrafting”
permit transplantation of as few as one hair at a time. Uneven
( but carefully planned ) distribution of the transplanted hairs
creates a more natural appearance.
Many hair transplant surgeons work with a team of technicians
or nurses, and with a strong support team these doctors can
now accomplish up to 2,000 or more grafts per session.
In the past, the field of hair transplant surgery has suffered
from a lack of regulation. To ensure the best possible transplant
results, you may wish to ask your family doctor to refer a
qualified transplant surgeon, or to locate a surgeon through
a selective professional organization ( see Further Resources,
below ). Undergoing hair replacement surgery can be an emotional
experience, so in addition to choosing an experienced surgeon,
be sure to choose one with whom you feel personally comfortable.
Although hair transplant surgery has advanced far beyond
its early years, transplants are not always successful. Cosmetic
problems that arise may include “pluggy” looking
grafts, a poorly executed hairline, scarring or transplanted
hair growing in the wrong direction. Fortunately, many of
these problems can be corrected by reparative surgery.
Hair Transplant
Advisor
Hair Transplant
Medical
Hair Transplant
Network
International Alliance of
Hair Restoration Surgeons
International Society of
Hair Restoration Surgeons
Growing Your Real Hair Back: A True Life Story About Hair
Restoration, by Robert P. Fiume, R. P. Fiume Consulting, 2001.
Contemporary Hair Transplant Surgery, by Kenneth A. Buchwach
and Raymond J. Konior, Thieme Medical Publishers, 1997.
The Truth About Hair Transplant Surgery: What the Doctors
Don't Want You to Know, by Wheat Taylor and Frank Sofo ( Illustrator ),
Soulstar Inc., 1997.
Hair Transplantation, by Walter P. Unger ( Editor ), Marcel
Dekker, 1995.
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