Hair Transplant — Hair transplant 101

Can Body Hair Be Transplanted to The Scalp?

Posted on September 28, 2010

Though a hair transplant is usually associated with transplanting hair from one area of the scalp to another, it is fully possible today to obtain donor hair from various parts of the body and transplant it to the scalp. This is a technique often referred to as BHT (body hair transplantation). Using body hair as donor hair is a fairly new innovation that could make a hair transplant possible for those with little to no hair on the scalp. Using body hair can be considered for those who have no other option, including those who have used up their scalp donor hair supply, have low donor hair density, poor hair quality, tight donor areas, excessive scarring or in severe repair cases.

And while body hair transplantation might seem like a great idea for those with a balding scalp but excessive body hair, it is not always the ideal solution. Transplanting body hair to the scalp has been studied and researched by many doctors and scientists. And some claim that the transplanted hair will remain its characteristics, including growth cycle, quality, color and texture. This can be quite problematic as the body hairs will look different from the other hairs on the scalp. Others claim that hair taken from the body may not grow as long as the hair on the scalp would. It is however possible that body hair will take on scalp hair characteristics when moved to the scalp.

Transplanting body hair to the scalp can be done with the FUE or the Strip method, and hair can be taken from the chest, shoulders or back, and this is the hair that is most likely to resemble the hair on the head, though it does not carry the same exact characteristics. For example, chest hair is likely to be thinner than scalp hair. The life cycle of body hair is also different than scalp hair, so it takes longer for the transplanted hair to grow. Also, transplanted body hair will spend more time in the resting phase than scalp hair.

Though transplanting body hair to the scalp is theoretically possible, the main concern is with whether it will look natural or not. In addition to the concern of the new hair not looking natural, there is a risk that the transplant will simply not be successful. There have been cases where the body donor hair has not grown at all once transplanted.

If you have a very limited scalp donor area but plenty of body hair, you can explore whether a body to scalp hair transplant might be right for you. But many doctors would agree that it should be your very last option, not your first. Keep in mind that body hair transplantation procedures are not as successful as traditional hair transplants, and that not every doctor performs them. You will need to do research to find an experienced hair transplant doctor to perform this special procedure.

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What is the Best Age to Have a Hair Transplant?

Posted on September 24, 2010

Though men and women from varying ages get hair transplants, there are certainly a few recommendations as to when the best time to get a hair transplant is. And age is definitely one of the most important factors when a client is being evaluated for a hair transplant, because young clients are usually destined to loose more hair over time.

Most peoples final hair loss patterns are not defined until their 30’s or 40’s. And at this age, many doctors would not hesitate to perform a hair transplant, given that the client is a good candidate. The same cannot be said about young patients. The fact that most peoples hair loss pattern is not fully revealed until later in life, explains why a hair transplant is rarely recommended for someone in their early 20’s and usually never for someone under the age of 21. A hair transplant at a young age may not look desirable in the future, as hair loss continues and the hair loss pattern changes and might require corrective procedures. It is often too difficult for the doctor to do a hair transplant on a young client that will look natural for the rest of his or her life.

The client’s donor supply, the area from where hair is taken, is always of utmost concern. This is because using too much of the client’s donor supply at a young age is not advisable, as enough hair must be preserved for future hair loss. Hair loss tends to progress over time, and future hair loss might require additional hair transplants. In young patients, making good use of, and preserving the donor supply is critical. Young patients should not get high density hair transplants because they might use up too much of the donor hair that might be needed later in life.

In rare cases, when the patient is an acceptable candidate for a hair transplant despite a young age, the doctor might agree to do a limited hair transplant, such as restoring the hair line, though this is not the first line of defense. Young clients, those in their 20’s, are often encouraged to take a hair loss medication such as Minoxidil or Finasteride, before seriously considering a hair transplant. Starting non surgical treatment is usually a better solution, until the client is old enough to be considered for a hair transplant.

Though there is not an exact age for the best time to have a hair transplant, it would be wise to wait until after the age of 25, and preferably even longer than that. A young client should work together with the doctor to establish not only an immediate solution, such as a hair loss medication, but also a long term hair restoration plan which could include a future hair transplant. The goals should be clear and specific and cover all the procedures the client might need over time, not just the first one.

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Hair Transplant Alternatives: Does the Laser Comb Work?

Posted on September 22, 2010

The laser comb is a low level technology hand held device aimed to combat hair loss and stimulate hair growth, and has become a popular and much talked about product in recent years. The laser comb is meant to increase blood circulation to the scalp, invigorate hair follicles and thereby produce fuller hair, and could possibly be an alternative to those who would like to wait before considering a hair transplant.

Perhaps one of the most attractive selling points regarding the laser comb is that laser therapy that was previously only available in hair transplant clinics now is a treatment that one could perform in their own home. While the laser comb usually runs several hundred dollars, it would save money in the long run compared to laser treatments received in a clinic.

The laser comb is not likely to grow hair in a bald spot, but can make existing hair healthier, thicker and longer. Some users support this claim and say that the laser comb indeed did not grow any new hair, but seemed to reduce the shedding of existing hair and made it fuller. There are also studies that prove that the majority of testers did see positive results. While the concept of the laser comb sounds fantastic, there is much discussion on whether it works or not, and everyone who has tried it seems to have their own specific opinion. There appears to be just as many people who believe in it, as those who do not.

Other than luck, perhaps the biggest factor in determining success with the laser comb is patience. The laser comb needs to be moved over the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes three times a week for several months before any positive results can be expected. However, don’t plan to use the hair comb for hours at a day to increase your hair growth, as using it more than the recommended time will not have an impact on the results. And as with many other hair transplant alternatives, any increase in hair will most likely go away when the laser comb is no longer being used.

While the laser comb is manufactured by different companies and comes under different names, the most talked about laser comb is “The HairMax Laser Comb”. However, this particular laser comb is only approved for use in men. There is currently no evidence that supports its safety and efficiency for usage on women.

Whether the laser comb works or not might just depend on who you ask. To find out if the laser comb might work in your case, give it a try and see what happens, it is safe to use. However, it might be a good idea to keep expectations low, in order to avoid disappointment. For those who have tried every way to restore their hair, including the laser comb, and nothing worked, a hair transplant might be the last and final option.

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Hair Transplant Abroad: The Basic Facts

Posted on September 20, 2010

Medical tourism, which refers to traveling across international borders to obtain health or cosmetic care, has become more popular during recent years. And a hair transplant is definitely among one of the most popular procedures that people get done abroad, often as a way of keeping costs low and saving money.

Hair transplant clinics in countries that actively seek out American clients include Mexico, Brazil, Tunisia, India and Thailand, just to mention a few. While it is fully possible to travel to a country with the sole intention of getting a hair transplant, it is also possible to combine a leisure trip with a hair transplant, just to get the most out of the money spent.

Hair transplant costs abroad can be very competitive, so it is no wonder that a fair amount of people get their hair transplants done abroad. While low cost is a very attractive factor, it is important to be cautious and not be carried away by the low fees offered by some hair transplant clinic in a distant land. An absolute must is to find out the standards and regulations of the country where you consider being treated. Make sure to find out what will happen if something goes wrong during the procedure, and if you are protected in any way, either by their regulations or your own insurance.

Hair transplant procedures are usually more expensive in the US and in Europe than in the rest of the world. Though countries in the eastern part of Europe usually charges less than in the western part, for example, a hair transplant clinic in Poland or Hungary might charge less than one in England or Germany.

While it might be easy to assume that one who goes for a hair transplant procedure overseas is bound to have a poor result, it is not necessarily true. Times change and hair transplant clients who had their procedures done abroad can attest that some of the clinics are world class: large and impressive, with skilled and trained doctors, as well as excellent service. And the risk of something going wrong is not necessarily higher than in the U.S. That being said, finding a reputable hair transplant clinic overseas needs extensive research and preferably several strong recommendations from unbiased individuals.

Someone who only has a limited budget for how much they can spend on hair transplant procedures might get more for their money at a hair transplant clinic abroad. So if you are looking to have a hair transplant procedure, but can’t afford it in the area where you live, having it done in another country can be the answer you are looking for. However, while hair transplants might cost less abroad, it would be wise to use a great amount of caution and common sense. While it might be tempting to save money, a hair transplant is permanent, and you want to make sure it is done right.

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Will Anyone Notice I Had a Hair Transplant?

Posted on September 16, 2010

When considering a hair transplant it is understandable to be concerned with whether anyone will notice the hair transplant or not. Whether the hair transplant will be noticeable depends on many different factors, with perhaps the biggest one being the choice of method. Some procedures do cause more scarring than others. And scarring may or may not be visible depending on how the hair is worn. A scar from a Strip procedure can be more difficult to conceal, especially if there is no hair to cover it.

Regardless of chosen hair transplant procedure, following surgery the client’s recipient area will typically have tiny marks where the new hair was implanted, and it is possible for these marks to be noticeable at first, especially if there is no hair to cover them. And soon after, little scabs will form around the incisions, and these hundreds or thousands of tiny incisions will heal in the coming days and weeks, and the scabs will eventually fall off.

To conceal the fact that a hair transplant was done, clients can grow their existing hair before surgery to help cover scabs and scarring. It is also possible to wear a hat or a baseball cap when out in public. However, some doctors believe that hats or caps should be worn as little as possible, as they can restrict air and blood flow to the scalp and delay healing. Most clients feel comfortable being in public without wearing a hat about one week following surgery.

If undergoing a strip procedure, where a strip of skin will be removed under anesthesia, it is possible to experience some swelling on the scalp or around the eyes, which others might notice. Most doctors would advise to take a few days off from work, as this allows the client to adjust to his new situation. A strip produce usually requires more days off from work then an FUE, which is a gentler hair transplant procedure. Though each case is individual, it is usually ok to go back to work after 7-10 days, and friends and colleagues are not likely to notice the hair transplant. Wearing the hair in different styles in the coming months following surgery can also help conceal the fact that a hair transplant was done.

It takes a long time for a hair transplant to become final. In fact, it can take up to one year. During this time, the hair grows in so slowly and gradually that is unlikely for anyone to notice that the new hairs were transplanted.

Though a hair transplant is a highly personal and sensitive matter to some, it is good to know that they are becoming more common, and should anyone happen to notice that there was something done to the hair, it will probably not be a big deal.

Once the transplanted hair has grown into place, the overall look should be completely natural, even up close.

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Hair Transplant Facts: How Laser is Used

Posted on September 15, 2010

There are two main ways in which laser is used today regarding hair loss. One is as part of a hair transplant procedure: the laser can create the tiny slits where the new hairs will be transplanted. The other way is in form of laser therapy, which can reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

While the term “laser hair transplant” is sometimes used, it is important to know that the laser is only used to create the recipient sites for where the transplanted hairs will be inserted. The laser is not used in any other part of the hair transplant process. While a few doctors believe that laser can minimize bleeding, the majority of doctors prefer not to use the laser at all as part of their hair transplant procedures, as it has not been found beneficial. If laser assisted hair transplants truly improved the final result, more doctors would be using it.

LLLT, which stands for Low Level Laser Therapy, is believed by some to stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding. LLLT is a non surgical method which can be used in both men and women, and appears to stimulate the hair follicle by increasing energy production. And increased circulation increases the nutrient supply that makes the hair grow. LLLT can be an alternative for those who are not hair transplant candidates or those who simply would like to wait before they opt for a hair transplant. LLLT devices do not burn the skin as they are not powerful enough to do so, and there are no known side effects.

It is possible that LLLT would have a small benefit to hair loss, and be a hair transplant alternative. However, there are many doctors who believe that laser therapy do not have any kind of benefit, while there are many other doctors that do. And then there are patients who can attest that laser therapy in deed worked and gave them fuller hair. For the skeptical, there are studies that show that laser therapy does increase the fullness of the hair.

LLLT can be used together with hair loss medications such as Rogaine, and the client can still decide to get a hair transplant at any time. Some clients find LLLT to be a non invasive and therapeutic solution. Though every hair clinic has their own procedures, a LLLT session typically lasts about half hour, and is repeated a couple of times per week for about 6 months, from where after occasional maintenance sessions could be needed.

While a number of laser devices have been approved by the FDA for treating hair loss, the long term effectiveness of these devices have yet to be determined. If you are interested in receiving laser therapy to see if it works in your case, your best option is to consult a well respected hair loss or hair transplant clinic to see if they have any options available.

Photo via Dr_Alan_Bauman

Hair Transplant Costs: Why is an FUE More Expensive?

Posted on September 13, 2010

Those who consider a hair transplant usually compares different methods to see which one might be right for them. As people compare different hair transplant methods they often notice that an FUE is considerably more expensive than other hair transplant methods, such as the Strip procedure. There are several reasons why an FUE is more expensive.

An FUE procedure means that each hair will be individually removed from the scalp. The doctor will extract hair follicles one by one from the donor area. This means that FUE grafts take a long time to harvest. The follicular units are removed in a difficult process called “direct extraction”. This procedure is technically demanding, requires an exceptional level of caution, and thereby becomes very time consuming. After the hair follicles have been separately removed from the donor area, they are placed directly into the recipient area. This makes an FUE much more labor intensive and thereby more expensive than other methods. In comparison, a Strip procedure can harvest a large number of hair follicles by simply removing a strip of skin from where after hair follicles will be dissected. Strip grafts are not individually removed from the scalp, which saves time and makes it less expensive. An FUE is not as time efficient, takes longer and is therefore more expensive than a Strip.

Overall, an FUE procedure is very labor intensive and requires a highly skilled team who specializes in FUE’s. A typical strip surgery takes about 3 to 4 hours, while a typical FUE procedure takes much longer, up to 8 to 12 hours, and the doctor and his staff must be compensated for this extra labor.

The cost of an FUE hair transplant procedure varies from one clinic to another, though an FUE can often be twice as expensive as a Strip. Though each clinic has their own fees, it is not uncommon for an FUE to run close to $10 dollars per graft, while the cost for a Strip procedure is about $5 dollars per graft. The price per graft sometimes reduces if the client chooses to transplant a large number of grafts. Due to time constraints, there is often a limit to how many hairs can be transplanted with an FUE procedure. Price is also determined by the total number of grafts needed. The exact price of an FUE is unique to each doctor who performs it, which means the price changes depending on the doctor you choose, as some doctors are more expensive then others. That being said, FUE prices are more expensive in the US and Europe than the rest of the world.

Though an FUE hair transplant procedure is more expensive than other methods, and often requires more sessions, clients who choose this method are usually very satisfied with their choice.

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Hair Transplant Terms: FUT explained

Posted on September 10, 2010

FUT, which stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, is a hair transplant method where hair is transplanted in groups of 1-4 hairs. These follicular units are mainly obtained through two different methods: taken from a single donor strip, sometimes called the strip harvesting technique, or extracted from the donor area, which is called an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). In short, FUT hair transplants can be done with different methods. And the FUE method and the Strip procedure are both two different forms of FUT.

What can be confusing is that FUT is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Strip procedure, when in fact, the Strip method is a form of FUT. The biggest difference between the FUE and the Strip is in the way follicular units are obtained. The insertion of the extracted hair follicles is similar, though tools and techniques vary greatly between hair transplant doctors.

The Strip method, which again, is a type of FUT, is a technique where the hair transplant doctor will remove a thin strip of hair bearing skin form the back of the head. The doctor sutures the wound and the strip is then carefully dissected under microscopes to harvest hair follicles that will be inserted into the receiving area. The doctor uses either stitches or staples that will be removed in about 10 days. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to a Strip is the formation of a scar. Most surgeons use a special closure technique to minimize the visibility of the scar, however, this procedure does create a scar, no matter how thin. A positive fact is that this scar can be concealed with surrounding hair.

FUE, which stands for Follicular Unit Extraction, and is also a form of FUT, is a hair transplant method in which the doctor extracts one follicular unit at a time, leaving little to no scarring. With FUE the follicular units are obtained in what is sometimes referred to as “direct extraction”. This means that the hairs are extracted one by one from the donor area, before being placed in the receiving area.  The main advantage of FUE is no linear scar, but there can be some minimal scarring in the form of tiny, pimple looking marks.  There is also much less pain and discomfort involved with an FUE, though it is a more time consuming and expensive choice.

Both forms of FUT have advantages and disadvantages, with a Strip being less expensive but leaving a scar, and an FUE not leaving any noticeable scars but often requiring more sessions over time. Some doctors advocate the Strip procedure, as they think this method is the most efficient, while other doctors firmly support the FUE as they believe it is a more gentle approach to a hair transplant.

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Hair Transplant Surgery: Possible Complications

Posted on September 8, 2010

Today’s hair transplant techniques are improved to the point where any complications are unlikely, though it is still possible for them to occur.

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure. And any surgical procedure carries a risk of complications, no matter how small. The overall health of the client will have a great affect on the number of possible complications. A client that smokes, drinks alcohol, has an illness or takes medications poses a greater risk of complications.

Bleeding is a possible complication, and taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or vitamin E, will increase the risk. Infection is another possible complication, but can be prevented and treated by taking antibiotics before and after the procedure. Though not a serious complication, it is also possible to experience swelling in the head or face as a result of the hair transplant surgery. The swelling will last a few days and go away on its own, and sleeping on a tilted pillow can help. As a preventative step, the doctor can give the client cortisone to minimize any swelling.

If undergoing a strip procedure, a thin linear scar is expected, however, scalp numbness or tenderness is another possible complication. If the doctor does not take great care while harvesting the strip, or if their closure method is poor, it could result in a sore, painful scar.  Any soreness or numbness should disappear a few months following surgery; however, it is possible to have permanent numbness, especially if nerves were damaged. Permanent numbness cannot be reversed.

Shedding of the hairs in the following weeks after the surgery is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. The hair follicle remains in the scalp and will grow new hair in the coming months. A more serious complication would be what is called shock loss, and refers to a temporary loss of the transplanted hairs, as well as the hairs the client had before the hair transplant. This happens because of the “trauma” to the scalp during the procedure. This occurs only in a small percentage of male patients, with the risk being slightly higher in female patients.  Good thing is that the hair that was lost during a shock loss will most likely grow back after a few months. An experienced doctor will take steps to minimize the risk of excessive shedding as well as shock loss.

Another unlikely complication of a hair transplant is the possibility that the hairs will grow poorly or not at all. Poor growth can occur for different reasons including damage to the hair follicles when harvesting or implanting the hairs, dry grafts, and for other unknown reasons.

Though it is possible to experience complications as result of a hair transplant, it is important to understand that the majority of clients do not. Consulting a skilled doctor with many years of experience, as well as following pre and post operative instructions will greatly increase the chance of a complication free hair transplant.

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Hair Transplant Repair

Posted on September 6, 2010

The majority of unsuccessful hair transplants were performed with older methods such as the punch or plug technique, before the onset of more sophisticated options. Today, hair transplant repair work has advanced to the point where it is possible to turn a failed hair transplant into one that cannot be detected. Hair transplant repair is becoming more and more refined with the advancement of technology.

However, hair transplant repair work is a complex process from beginning to end. The doctor must not only instill trust in the client but also assess whether a successful outcome is even possible. Bad hair transplants usually present great limitation to the doctor.

The client should have a lengthy consultation with the doctor before deciding to repair an old hair transplant. It is of utmost importance that the doctor is completely clear on what is of concern to the patient. It is not always possible to achieve all of the client’s wishes but some improvement is usually possible.

There are two commonly used repair methods. One if called camouflage and uses follicular unit grafts from other areas of the patients scalp, and the other method is called removal and re-implantation, which simply removes the large grafts and re-inserts them as follicular hair units. A “pluggy” look can definitely be improved by removing and re-inserting hair from the too large grafts. In other words, camouflage is where donor hair is obtained from various parts of the scalp and transplanted into the recipient area, with the goal of improving the overall look. Camouflage can also be used to place follicular hair units in front of or between the larger grafts. Re-implantation refers to when donor hair is obtained from existing grafts.

Camouflage is an efficient method in hair transplant repair work. Existing grafts are left to provide density to the hair, and smaller grafts are inserted to create a more natural look. Camouflage is the preferable method since removal and reimplantation will require more procedures and can delay the final result. However, camouflage will not work if the grafts are too large, the hairline does not look natural or is in the wrong direction, or when there is not enough donor hair. When camouflage will not improve the overall appearance, removal and reinsertion is the only option left.

While there are many people who have been left with unsuccessful hair transplants; luckily, these individuals now have a great chance in repairing their previous hair transplant and achieving a natural look.

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