A good hair transplant is more than just having more hair

Developments in surgical techniques have given hair loss sufferers restored faith in the field of hair restoration. Celebrity hair loss sufferers also undergoing hair transplants has highlighted the option. They can be a viable option for the right candidate. A good hair transplant is more than just having more hair. A good result is about long term planning and donor hair planning.

Good hair growth is the primary aim of a hair transplant procedure. Covering areas of hair loss with permanent new hair growth. A hair transplant is possible because hair is used from area of genetically strong hair on the scalp. This area, or donor zone, is a band of hair around the back and sides of the head. The safe zone is finite, meaning it will run out at some point. The hair does not regenerate or regrow once it is removed. As a result planning and care is required to make the most of the hair available. We will focus on donor planning today rather than natural looking hair grwoth. To illustrate the many areas of importance.

Aspects to consider

Who plans the donor area harvesting pattern?

Who performs the strip and or FUE punching from the donor?

Are there limits to how much will be removed?

How many poeple extract from the donor at the same time?

Are there any protocols how the hair is extracted? for example distance between extractions with FUE

The Safe Donor Zone

The main hair transplant techniques differ in the manner of extraction and the size of the safe zone. FUT hair transplant surgery the doctor harvests the hair from a thin strip of from around the back and sides of the head. The length and width of the strip is ascertained partly from the skin laxity. Follicular Unit Extraction/FUE, on the other hand, uses a micro-punch to extract each follicular unit (FU) one by one from around the donor area. The FUE safe zone being much wider in surface area. With either technique problems can occur if standards and protocols are not of a high standard. The main concerns being leaving excessive scarring, poor healing and or poor regrowth. Potentially in both the donor and recipeint areas.

Permanent Hair Loss – Over Harvesting

The higher the hair loss stage then generaly the smaller the donor safe zone will become. Too much hair removed can result in visible scarring and patchy hair growth around the donor zone. This is common if there is an aggressive harvesting pattern with either surgery technique. A reason why a good hair transplant result is more than just hair growth.

With FUT if the strip is too aggressive the linear scar will stretch. A good FUT closure will leave a fine line with hair growth through the line to help camouflage it further. If this line stretches it can be hard to hide. Leaving a visible scar often with a pale complexion. With little to no hair growth in the area. With FUE over-harvesting can result in patchy hair growth. Scatter-gun style scarring around the head. Either of these aggressive approaches can render the donor zone considered to be “open”. Meaning no more hair can be removed.

Permanent Hair Loss – Shock-loss

Shock-loss can occur in both the recipient and donor area. It is a direct result of the surgery being performed. The medical term for shock loss is effluvium, meaning shedding. This can occur when grafts are placed in an area which has hair. It can also occur to the hair left in the donor area after the surrounding hair has been removed. There can be trauma and tissue reaction to the surgery. This can result in causing the existing hair to shed prematurely. It is more common when large or aggressive procedures are performed.

Incisions in both the recipient and donor areas must be customised to the individual patient. The width and length of the strip, the FUE punch tool size and the mechanism of the punch can all affect whether shock-loss can occur. There are a multitude of factors that can help reduce the effects of shock loss, smoking/drinking in the coming days to the procedure. However, an aggressive surgery performed incorrectly will have a direct influence on the chance of shock-loss. Certain treatments can be used to stimulate hair growth. This may speed up the hair growth if it was going to return.

Enjoy your hair long-term and don´t end up needing a repair

Deciding to undergo hair restoration is a big decision. It can be one of the best choices ever made when you get it right. So, don´t make the wrong decision and become a victim of bad hair restoration. The physical scars may not be the only concerns you are left with. But, mental and added financial ones also. It can come at a great cost to repair a poor hair transplant. Often requiring multiple procedures to reach a satisfactory result. A compromised donor area may not seem to be a big issue. The results of permanent shock-loss or over-harvesting often only become apparant much later. Even if you achieve the hair growth you desired cannot make up for the damage caused elswehere.

Although the basic principles of a hair transplant may be the same.  The art of creating the most natural results is unique. It is unfair to compare like for like Clinic unless they offer a like for like service, protocols amd standards. It is important to compare the standards and the technical ability of the Clinic to set your expectations accordingly. A personal assessment will determine if you are a good hair transplant candidate. What is your hair loss stage and age? Are your goals and expectations realistic? Do your donor characteristics allow for hair restoration now and in the future?