An Inside Look into Hair Transplant

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern or female pattern baldness, is a common cause of permanent hair loss from the scalp, causing baldness. Some people let the hair loss run its course, leaving it untreated and unhidden, while others cover the bald patch with scarves, hats, make-up, and specific hairstyles. If you are unhappy with the bald patch on your head, you will be happy to know that Shreveport hair replacement treatments, including hair transplants, can help you restore growth and prevent further hair loss.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that removes hair follicles from one part of the body and fills them in an area with thin or without hair. Surgeons have used this procedure since the 50s, but recently, techniques have changed. Previously, surgeons used follicular unit strip surgery, which involves cutting a strip of skin with healthy hairs and sewing the scalp closed. Next, the surgeon would divide the strip of skin into sections of hair plugs and place them in the thinning area. The result was a long, narrow scar on your scalp and unnatural doll-like hair.

The other approach is called follicular unit extraction; for this procedure, a reputed hair transplant surgeon like Dr Manish Mittal shaves the back of your head and removes hair follicles one by one. After creating holes, the hair transplant surgeon and the team delicately place individual hairs into the hole. This approach takes more time than follicular unit strip surgery but offers more natural results.

Who is eligible for a hair transplant?

Any man or woman, regardless of race, can benefit from a hair transplant. However, to be considered for this procedure, you need to have enough hair on your scalp that can be moved to the areas with thinning or no hair. The implanted hair also needs to have the ability to grow. For this reason, initial consultation with a dermatologist is essential to help you establish if you are a good candidate. During a consultation, your specialist thoroughly examines your scalp and may also recommend a blood test to determine the cause of your hair loss.

A blood test allows your dermatologist to check for things in your body that may be causing hair loss. For example, hair loss can be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause. Sometimes a biopsy may be necessary; your dermatologist takes a tissue sample during the consultation for close examination. Here is also when you discuss your expectations with your provider to avoid any disappointments after surgery. Your dermatologist may inform you that a full head of hair may be unrealistic, but you can expect more hair volume.

What to expect after a hair transplant

Your scalp will be wrapped in bandages which you will need to wear for a day or two. The scalp may be very tender, and you may need to take pain medications for several days to manage the discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic for you to take after the procedure to reduce the risk of postoperative wound infections. Most people notice hair growth within a few months, but it may take up to nine months to see 60% of new hair growth.

Consult your specialist at Kenneth Sanders Facial Plastic Surgery to know how you can benefit from a hair transplant.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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