Hair Replacement Surgery: Basic Facts

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that is generally reserved for people who are experiencing extensive or advanced hair loss, most commonly male pattern baldness. It is also sometimes done as a reconstructive procedure after injury. In most cases, it is performed by a plastic surgeon who specializes in hair restoration, and it always involves using the patient's existing hair .

The best candidates for hair transplant surgery have very noticeable hair loss, but still have healthy hair at the sides and/or back of the head, to provide a good donation site. The goal is to make efficient use of your existing hair to stimulate hair regrowth in heavily balding areas, and candidates must undergo the procedure while they still have some healthy hair for the surgeon to work with.

The end result of successful hair replacment surgery can lead to a distinct improvement in your appearance and self-esteem, but rarely duplicates a full head of healthy hair, and does have some associated risks, so consider all of your options and consult one or more qualified hair restoration professionals before making a final decision whether to undergo the procedure.

There are several different techniques for hair replacement surgery, and many physicians use several in combination to achieve the best result, so it is important that you find an experienced hair transplant doctor who has use most or all of the commonly accepted hair transplantation surgical techniques. Usually, such physicians will be board certified or board eligible in plastic surgery, which means they have passed a review of their credentials, training, and experience conducted by other, more experienced plastic surgeons.

In most cases, hair replacement surgery is done with just a local anesthetic, and is often completed in just one or two sessions at an outpatient day surgery facility or clinic. Keep in mind, though, that complications can and do arise, most commonly localized infection, or rejection of some of the transplanted hair.

Most often, your surgeon will remove small "plugs" of healthy hair from one area of your scalp, and surgically implant them in the balding area, in a procedure known as "grafting". Another common technique is "flap surgery", in which an entire section of healthy scalp is removed and reattached in a formerly balding area. Finally, scalp reduction or scalp stretching are sometimes used to eliminate bald areas. Which procedures are used in each case are dictated by the surgeon's preference, and primarly by the extent, location, and pattern of the patient's baldness.

Gathering hair replacement surgery information before you make any final decision will make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible, and you may decide to try another hair loss treatment first. The final decision is up to you!

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