The general principles of a hair transplant are relatively simple. The movement of genetically strong hairs from one area (the donor area) to another area (recipient area).

Having hair transplant protocols in place will set a standard of practice. As a result, creating natural looking hair growth while minimising any negative effects or changes to the hair or skin. These are the basic fundamentals of good medical practice.

Protocols are in place to set standards and codes of conduct in the performance and execution of a hair transplant procedure. The goal is to make the greatest cosmetic improvement with the minimal impact to the hair and skin.

Hairline Placement & Design

Hairline planning can be a compromise between the patient and the doctor. Occasionally, people have a tendency to want a hairline placed too high or too low. A hairline naturally matures over time. The hairline position is largely due to family genetics. The new design needs to consider the age, the current hair loss stage, progressive hair loss and the donor hair characteristcs of the individual.

Without the correct protocols in place – A low or inappropriate hairline takes no consideration of progressive hair loss. As a result, the donor hair can be exhausted prematurely. With an unnaturally low pattern of hair growth for the hair loss pattern. As well as not complementing the facial features and bone structure as the individual matures.

Donor Harvesting

Regardless of the technique the hair and skin characteristics of the individual need to be respected. To calculate the safe extraction of hair from the donor area. Whilst minimising any negative or cosmetic changes to the hair and skin. Measuring the safe donor harvesting limitations is the first priority with the FUT or FUE hair transplant techniques. With FUT this can mean hair density and skin laxity. With FUE this can also mean hair density, as well as the safe surface area.

Without the correct protocols in place – Inappropriate donor management will have a negative impact on the remaining donor area. Over-harvesting of the hair will result in thinning and patchy hair growth. Skin characteristics can negatively change. The donor area can no longer sustain more hair removal. This is known as an “open donor“. This impacts on treating future progressive hair loss. It often impacts on the indivudal´s appearance and hard to camouflage or disguise.

Hair Density

As we cannot replace like for like hair that has been lost. The skill is to place the new hair close enough together to create the illusion of fullness. Using the natural hair characteristics to enhance the quality of the hair transplant result. Recipient site making requires expertise to make the incisions close enough together without damaging the skin or the surrounding hair. As a result, a look of natural hair density can be achieved. Even on close inspection.

Without the correct protocols in place – Placing a low hair density gives an unnatural pattern of hair growth. The need to use products and concealers to mask the thinness. Or requiring a further hair transplant to increase the hair density, not ideal. Attempting to place a high hair density without the correct knowledge or expertise can impair the skin and hair. As a result, the skin can turn necrotic with no hair growth in that area.

Hair Angle, Depth and Orientation

The doctor is careful to assure that the grafts will grow out in a natural direction, angle, orientation and pattern. When grown out will look natural and blend with the surrounding hair. The hair angle determines the coverage when the hair is long or short. The orientation will determine how the hair blends with the surrounding hairs. The angles can be so acute that the base of one hair follicle lies under the shaft of the next. The depth is controlled by the recipient site and the graft placement. These are achieved with an understanding of anatomy when making the recipient sites.

Without the correct protocols in place – Unnaturally placed hairs will not sit correctly amongst the surrounding hair. As a result, leave a man-made or cosmetically unnatural look. This will also restrict the hair styling and coverage from each hair. Scarring can occur around the hair shaft resulting in pitting or ridging to the skin surface. As a result, repairing incorrect graft placement is complicated and not always possible.

Scarring

Every wound will leave a scar. And every hair transplant will leave a scar. Regardless of the hair transplant technique. FUT a linear scar. FUE random white dot scarring. With surgical expertise, techniques, and understanding of anatomy any changes will be kept to a minimum. Along with an educated harvesting and graft placement protocol.

Without the correct protocols in place – Cosmetically visible scarring in the donor and recipient areas. Damaged skin quality that impairs future hair restoration. Obviously blemishes to the skin that cannot be easily hidden. Scarring can occur around the hair shaft resulting in pitting or ridging to the skin surface. Scarring can create the most demanding hair transplant repair cases possible.