HAIR IMPLANTATION

Hair loss can result from many factors. Some of these include thyroid disease, high fever, diet, childbirth, and certain medications. The most common form of scalp hair loss is called androgenic alopecia and is not caused by poor circulation, clogged hair folicles, frequent shampooing, or the use of hats or helmets. Male pattern hair loss is determined by a combination or heredity and male hormones called androgens which include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

Hair on the head that is genetically affected by dihydrotestosterone, starts to shrink until it is lost. Hair loss begins on the temple and frontal region of the head and advances to the top and back. Whereas hair at the back and sides of the head is permanent because it is not affected by dihydrotestosterone. Loss of the hair which is resistant to dihydrotestosterone, causes total baldness which is seen very rare.

Certain medical treatment which prevents hair loss or ensures the re-growth of the lost hair has not been found yet. Only surgery can provide satisfaction. Various techniques have been described for hair restoration for years. Most of these techniques have not been using nowadays, mini and micro grafting which is the newest and most modern technique has become popular in recent years.

Mini and micro grafting technique which provides the most natural result is used in our clinic. According to the technique, strips or patches of hair are taken from the back of the head where the hair is resistant to fall off. The removed patches, or strips, are cut into smaller pieces, which are then planted in the balding area. As using various techniques, the strip is usually dissected into micrografts (containing 1-2 hair) and minigrafts (containing up to 3-5 hairs) each. The micro / minigrafts are then meticulously planted into the bald or thinning area of the head (recipient area). Single haired micrografts and follicular units occurring in family groups has allowed very natural, feathered hairlines to be grafted, and avoids an abrupt, pluggy look, that was typical many years ago. Thousands of grafts can be created from one strip of hair, each containing as few as 1-2 hairs. Stitches are applied to close the area where the grafts were taken from. Inconspicuous scar can easily be camouflaged by hair on the back side.

A hair transplant can be done in an outpatient surgery center or in an office surgical suite. Most hair transplants are performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. Each transplanting session takes 3-6 hours, depending on the extent of the treatment. Mostly hair implantation is performed more than one session to achieve the best results. You are allowed to go home after the procedure. The amount of pain depends on the extent of the procedure, and varies from person to person. Immediately following the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort that can be alleviated with oral pain medication. A shower can be had 4 days after surgery.

About a few weeks after the procedure, the hair from the graft will begin to fall out, and hair re-growth may be thinner for a few months. This is normal, and is caused by the brief period of diminished blood supply that occurs during the procedure. This transplanted hair continues to grow within 6 months just as it did before. It will not thin or die unless hair in the region of the head from which it was taken also thins or dies. Because the grafts are taken from areas where hair is strong, healthy and resistant to dihydrotestosterone, transplants should continue to grow throughout an individual’s lifetime.

Op. Dr. H. Nazmi BAYÇIN