Hair Loss Health Center
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves moving
scalp hair and
hair follicles 
from an area with a lot of hair to an area with thinning hair
or baldness. Single strands of hair, multiple strands of hair, or long and thin
strips containing 30 to 40 strands of hair may be transplanted. This technique
can produce a natural look on the forehead, and a natural, dense look on the
top of the head.
The follicles and hair are removed from one part of the head with either a tubelike instrument called a punch graft or with a scalpel. Stitches are used to close the opening made from removing the hair. The hair strands are then transplanted into tiny holes or slits in bald areas of the scalp.
Understanding Hair Loss -- Prevention
Although you can't reverse natural balding, you can protect your hair from damage that may eventually lead to hair thinning. Many people put tremendous stress on the hair. Hair dryers, hot curlers, hair dyes, permanent and hair straightening products, and chemical-laden cosmetics may cause dry, brittle, and thinning hair. To prevent hair damage that may cause hair loss, follow these tips: Go natural: Leave your hair its natural color and texture. If that is not an option for you, give...
Read the Understanding Hair Loss -- Prevention article > >
In most cases, you will need several surgeries to achieve the coverage you want. To maintain healthy blood circulation, the transplants (known as grafts) are usually spaced apart during the first surgery. In the following surgeries, more hair grafts are used to fill in the spaces.
What To Expect After Surgery
Often, hair may fall out after it is
transplanted, but new hair will regrow in the transplanted
hair follicle . But it may take a period of time before you can see the new
hair growth.
The success and amount of hair coverage on a treated area depends on how many hair follicles remain healthy after being transplanted. You will probably need several surgeries to get the hair coverage you want. Healing between surgeries usually takes several months.
Why It Is Done
Hair transplant surgery is used to cover bald spots on the scalp.
How Well It Works
The success of hair coverage depends on how many hair follicles remain healthy after being transplanted. You will probably need several surgeries to get the coverage you want.
Risks
Risks of hair transplant surgery include:
- Death of the hair follicles after being transplanted, in which case no new hair will grow.
- An unnatural look with a patchy hair pattern.
- Infection.
- Scarring.
- Excessive bleeding.
What To Think About
Hair transplant surgery may be a permanent treatment for hair loss. But it can be expensive, and it may take several surgeries and up to 2 years to achieve the coverage you want.
No other factor may influence the results of cosmetic surgery as strongly as the doctor's level of experience. Don't be afraid to ask about the doctor's experience with the procedure you are considering. To learn more about choosing a doctor, see Choosing a Surgeon and Facility.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
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