Hair Transplant — Hair transplant 101

The Ultra Refined Hair Transplant: Main Advantages

Posted on September 3, 2010

Today, the ultra refined follicular unit hair transplant is considered the “gold standard” in the hair transplant industry. This modern technique is performed using minimally invasive tools in a safe, clean environment. Individual follicular units are gently removed with the use of microsurgical tools, and carefully redistributed to mimic the patients own hair, creating the most natural looking hair transplant possible.

A hair transplant doctor who employs the ultra refined technique uses smaller blades and is therefore able to make smaller incisions. This is key in creating a natural look, because it allows the doctor to “dense pack” certain areas with as many as 40 to 60 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter. The follicular unit grafts are placed much more closely together than previous methods, and results in a full and natural look.

Today’s micro surgical blades have become ever smaller, and are now the size of the hair grafts themselves. This enables the hair transplant doctor to make more tiny graft incisions than ever before. This graft density is as much as twice that of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure. Such high densities of transplanted hair typically produce the appearance of fullness even after only one surgical session. Patients also experience rapid healing and no visible skin distortions due to the tiny size of these incisions.

There are many advantages to the ultra refined method, with perhaps the biggest one being the ability to get exceptional hair density in only one surgical session. A few other advantages to the ultra refined hair transplant are faster healing time, no visible scarring due to tiny recipient sites, and an overall natural appearance of the transplanted hair.

While the ultra refined hair transplant cost more than older techniques, it is rightfully so. The ultra refined technique requires a significant amount of training, skill and precision. And in the hands of a highly skilled doctor and his staff the ultra refined hair transplant can achieve exceptional results that are so natural they are unnoticeable even under close scrutiny.  The ultra refined hair transplant is the refined and ultimate form of hair transplant surgery.

To find a hair transplant doctor who performs the ultra refined hair transplant you can contact a hair transplant organization such as the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

If you are considering a hair transplant, be sure to consult a hair transplant doctor to find out if the ultra refined hair transplant is the right option for you.

Photo via nicholas macgowan

Hair Transplant Terms: What is Mini and Micro?

Posted on September 1, 2010

Mini and micrograft hair transplants are both considered older hair transplant techniques, though they are still in use today. The mini and micro grafting replaced the older plug technique and became the standard hair transplant technique until the mid-90s when the FUE (follicular unit extraction) method took over. The main advantages of mini and micro grafting at the time were that it was faster, required less skill and gave a better result than previous techniques.

Minigrafts were popular mostly during 1985 to 1990 and consisted of 3 to 6 hairs. Micrografts were a significant progression, and contained 1 to 2 hairs. Micro grafts were mostly in use during 1990 to 1995.

Mini and micro grafting can be compared to follicular unit extraction, but is not as advanced. Both mini and micro grafts are removed from the donor supply without respect to the individual hair follicle. In detail, the mini and micro graft procedure involves removing donor tissue with a multi-bladed knife. The tissue is then cut into smaller pieces, often without the use a microscope. A surgeon who employs this technique might even just use a regular ruler. Mini and micro grafts contains more skin than an individual hair follicle. This might require larger holes in the receiving area, which can cause more wounding, and negatively affect the outcome of the surgery.

Typically the mini grafts were used to create fullness to areas behind the hairline while the smaller micro grafts were used primarily along the hairline. A combination of mini and micrografting was also used. Mini-micro grafting usually meant inserting larger grafts at the center and smaller grafts around the mini grafts.

Perhaps the most critical point is that mini and micro grafting leaves the surgeon with less flexibility when it comes to controlling the direction of each follicular unit. This is a major disadvantage, because the way in which the hair units are transplanted in the donor area will determine their final direction after the hair transplant. And angling the hair in the right direction is crucial for a natural looking hair transplant.

Micro and mini grafting has mostly been replaced by more up to date hair transplant procedures using entirely follicular unit grafts, such as the FUE method. Though an FUE method procedure requires more time, a better skilled surgeon and perhaps a bigger expense compared to mini and micro grafts, it can be well worth it.

Most hair transplant surgeons recommend that patients choose the FUE method over mini and micro grafting because it heals faster and results in a natural looking hair transplant.

Photo via konstantin sutagyin

Hair Transplant Mistakes: What to Avoid

Posted on August 30, 2010

Although today’s hair transplant technology have come along way, it is crucial to get it right the first time around, and try to make sure a corrective hair transplant will not be needed. Though hair transplant standards have been raised significantly, it is still possible to get a less than successful hair transplant, and there are a few mistakes that need to be identified. Because getting another hair transplant to fix the first one is an exhausting, frustrating experience that must be avoided at all cost.

Perhaps one of the most common mistakes a hair transplant doctor can make is to attempt to cover an area when there is not enough hair to do so. The doctor needs to make sure that the patient has enough hair that can be transplanted to the balding areas. The area from where the hair is taken is referred to as the donor supply, and is of utmost importance. A low donor supply will not allow for sufficient coverage and can leave important areas too thin. Enough hair must be reserved for future surgeries, as they might be needed if balding continues. Also, spreading the grafts out too far apart doesn’t provide enough coverage and will result in an unnatural look.

Scalp tightness is another problem that some doctors fail to identify. A tight scalp will limit the total amount of donor hair that can be transplanted. Also, taking out a donor strip that is too wide or placing the donor incision too low puts stress on the patients scalp and can result in a more obvious scar. In addition to complicating future hair transplants, the scar itself can become a cosmetic problem.

A hair transplant doctor trying to save time may use a multi-bladed knife for collecting donor tissue. However, using a multi bladed knife can cause unnecessary damage and should be avoided.

Dry or injured grafts are not optimal in the hair transplant process. Grafts are delicate and prone to injury and must be handled with care, as well as be kept in a special solution until they are transplanted into the receiving area of the scalp.

Angling the hair in the wrong direction is a mistake that will undoubtedly look unnatural. In order for the transplant to look natural, the patient’s own hair direction must be closely followed. Placing the hairline too low or too broad is another mistake. Proper placement is just as important with today’s refined hair transplant methods.

It is also important not to get surgeries that are too close in time, as this will not allow a clear view of the final result.

Though most hair transplant doctors do not use the older methods anymore, it is still important not to assume that any doctor can give you the natural hair transplant you are looking for. Find a skilled, experienced surgeon who uses the FUE method (follicular unit extraction) and you are more likely to have a successful outcome.

Photo via OECD

Tips for Choosing a Reputable Hair Transplant Clinic

Posted on August 27, 2010

Choosing a reputable hair transplant clinic will require time and research and rightfully so. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure, and the final result is something you have to live with, perhaps for the rest of your life. So it is important to look for a hair transplant clinic with experienced surgeons who can leave you with a natural looking result. A bad hair transplant is not easy to fix. So it is important to find a hair transplant clinic that can give you a quality outcome the first time.

Ask how long the clinic has been in business. If the clinic has been in business for many years it is a good sign, and usually means they have plenty of customers. Try to find out what reputation the clinic has. You could check with the better business bureau or state medical board for any complaints brought against the clinic. Make sure that hair transplants are the primary focus of their practice. An experienced clinic performs hair transplant surgery on a regular basis. Look for a hair transplant clinic that uses the newest follicular grafting or micro grafting, also called mini or ultra refined.

Ask the clinic to provide several detailed patient before and after photographs. Examine the results, and determine whether those are the type of results you’d want for yourself. Also ask if they have patients who are willing to speak with you about their experiences.

Check if there is any information about the hair transplant clinic on internet discussion forums. Many patients participate in forum discussions and post their experiences and photos.

Ask if you will be meeting the surgeon at least once prior to the actual surgery. It is important to talk to the surgeon conducting the hair transplant. Although nurses may help out with the procedure, the surgeon should be present.

When it comes to the hair surgeon he or she should be well trained and have extensive experience in the hair transplant field. Find out how many hair transplant operations the surgeon conducts in a week. The hair transplant surgeon should have been successfully performing this type of procedure on a regular basis for many years.

Find out what qualifications the surgeon has. And whether he is a member of a professional hair transplant organization, such as the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery or the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons.

While it can be an extensive task to find the right clinic to do your hair transplant procedure, do not give up anytime soon. There are plenty of highly regarded hair transplant clinics with skilled surgeons who can perform these procedures well. You just need to conduct the proper research and you will find a hair transplant clinic that is right for you.

Photo via BradleyGee

Non Surgical Alternatives to a Hair Transplant

Posted on August 25, 2010

While a hair transplant is undoubtedly one of the best ways to restore hair, there are many non surgical solutions that you can try before considering one.

The first step is to determine whether you are leading a healthy life style or not. An unhealthy lifestyle can be responsible for your hair loss. Improve your overall health by exercising, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and taking supplements. It is also important to reduce stress, since stress can worsen hair loss. Give yourself a daily scalp massage to increase blood flow to your scalp, and try supplements such as omega oils, biotin, ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, green tea or royal jelly to help the hair growth. Eating the proper amounts of protein and iron can also reduce hair loss.

There are many products available on the market promoted to stop hair loss and promote hair growth. Some of these products have side effects and it is important to consult a doctor specializing in hair loss before taking any medication of any kind.

Finasteride, sold as Propecia and Proscar, is a prescription hair loss treatment that inhibits follicle killing DHT. The only proven way to stop the hair loss process is to lower DHT levels and Finasteride can accomplish this. It works well for both men and women, although pregnant women cannot take it. The American Hair Loss Association recommends Finasteride for men wanting to treat their baldness.

Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine or Loniten, is another medication for hair loss and is rubbed directly onto the scalp and also works for both men and women.

Low androgen birth control pills, as well as estrogen and progesterone pills can be used to treat hair loss. Ketoconazol, which is available as a topical treatment by prescription, can also be used to help treat hair loss. Nizoral shampoo contains Ketoconazole. And alopecia areata can be treated with steroid injections such as triamcinolone. Other medicines that can treat hair loss include Spironolactone sold under the name Aldactone, Cimetidine also known as Tagamet and Dutasteride marketed as Avodart.

While there are a variety of medications to choose from, it is important to understand that drugs work by stopping hair loss and re-growing hair, but when you stop taking them the hair loss resumes. A hair transplant is the only solution that will keep the new hair for life.

Consider trying wigs or hairpieces as they are an alternative to a hair transplant. A hair piece should look natural and blend with your existing hair. Or you can try laser therapy to reduce hair loss, as it can stimulate the hair follicles.

Be sure to consult a doctor specializing in hair loss to determine the underlying cause to your hair loss, and whether any of the aforementioned solutions might be right for you.

Though there are many non surgical alternatives to try, a hair transplant is the only permanent solution to restoring the hair.

Photo via Hair Transplant Seattle

Hair Transplant – a Solution for Those With Trichotillomania?

Posted on August 23, 2010

Whether a hair transplant is a good idea for someone who has suffered from trichotillomania is a complex question with no simple answer. Trichotillomania is a compulsion disorder in which the sufferer pulls their own hair from the scalp as well as other areas of their face and body. Trichotillomania often results in severe hair loss in form of bald patches. This behavior is very difficult to stop and usually requires professional help.

Men and women with trichotillomania live normal lives but usually try to hide the fact that they are suffering from this disorder. And they typically have bald spots on the scalp that they try to cover in different ways. This can be an exhausting way of living, and explains why sufferers start to consider ways of restoring the hair, including getting a hair transplant.

For some, trichotillomania is mild and can be controlled, while other sufferers need habit reversal training along with medications. In either case, early treatment of trichotillomania must not focus on stimulating hair re-growth. Trying to restore the patient’s hair while he or she continues to pull it is not a constructive solution.

Patients with trichotillomania might be tempted to get a hair transplant. But even if the patient were to re-grow hair, there is a strong possibility that he or she will continue to pull their hair out. Patients with trichotillomania therefore, must be treated at the cause of the disorder.

Patients who have suffered from trichotillomania for years might have damaged the hair roots to the point where non-surgical hair re-growth is impossible. This is a devastating fact that sufferers of trichotillomania learn too late. Systematic hair pulling can lead to permanently bald patches on the scalp where there will never grow any new hair again. This is why many sufferers of trichotillomania consider various forms of hair restoration including hair transplants. Surgical hair transplants may be an option for trichotillomania patients whose hair roots are too damaged to produce new hair on their own, but it is not the first solution to look at.

Hair transplants can certainly restore the hair, but the main concern is that a person with trichotillomania who has not been treated will most likely just pull the hair out again. The solution is to address the trichotillomania and solve the underlying problem. Once the trichotillomania has been successfully treated, a hair transplant may be considered.

A hair replacement specialist can provide a solution that covers just the bald patch or a full head wig. However, some patients will pull on their hair replacements, too.
Most experts would agree that a hair transplant should only be considered for patients who are no longer suffering from trichotillomania. And a wise doctor will not recommend a hair transplant until the patient shows no sign of trichotillomania for an extensive period of time, usually several years.

Photo via Dr_Alan_Bauman

What To Expect After a Hair Transplant

Posted on August 20, 2010

Every hair transplant clinic has their own set of detailed instructions to follow during hair transplant recovery, and you should take their advice.

Guidelines will differ depending on whether you have undergone an FUE, a STRIP or another hair transplant procedure, but they do have much in common.

Following the recommended steps carefully is important because your new hair grafts will be sensitive to external damage for a few days until they heal.

There might be a mild to moderate amount of pain or discomfort associated with your hair transplant surgery. This can be eased with pain relievers.

If you have been given a sedative, arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure.

The first night is the most important. Avoid touching the grafts and try to sleep in a semi-upright position, by using pillows to elevate your head and reduce swelling.

If you are a smoker, avoid smoking for 2 weeks after surgery, as it will slow healing.

Do not take any aspirin 2 weeks after your surgery and avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours afterwards.

Most clinics advise that you can return to work the day after your surgery. Avoid bending or lifting heavy things for one week. After one to two weeks you may return to all normal activities. Leave the transplanted area open to the air as much as possible, but avoid sun exposure.

You can start to gently shampoo the scalp the day after surgery, and a blow dryer is recommended to dry the hair rather than rubbing with a towel.

Sutures should be removed in 10-14 days.  You can comb your hair the next day, just be careful not to brush the comb over the grafts.

Don’t go swimming or apply hair coloring for at least one month after surgery.

The doctor might provide you with a spray for use at home. Spray the solution as instructed.

Remember to take your medications as indicated by your doctor and contact him immediately if you notice any discharge from the incision, fever or increase in pain.

The procedure may or may not be visible depending on which hair transplant procedure you chose. But it is possible to cover any scarring simply by wearing a hat or a baseball cap, or cover with surrounding hair.

The graft sites will scab following your surgery which means they are healing. Do not pick on the scabs. Doing so can cause infection. The scabs will fall out in 10 days. Some hair in the grafted area may also fall out. This is a completely normal process and nothing to worry about. Even if the hair falls out, the follicle remains.

Patience is one of the most important factors in hair transplant recovery, as the patient waits for months to see the positive results of the procedure. About one year after the procedure, the final result can be seen, and most hair transplant clients agree that it was well worth it.

Photo via Earl – What I Saw2.0

Things To Keep in Mind Before a Hair Transplant

Posted on August 18, 2010

While it is understandable to be excited about receiving a hair transplant, it is also important to follow pre-operative instructions in order to achieve the best result possible.

Pay close attention to the instructions the doctor gave you in order to prepare for your hair transplant. They are crucial to the success of the transplant.

While each clinic differs greatly in their procedures and requirements, there are some general guidelines as to what to keep in mind.

If you are a smoker, it is recommended to avoid smoking prior to surgery. Smoking will slow down healing and increase the chances of wound infection and scarring.

Your doctor might ask you to take special medication in the days prior to your surgery, and it is important to let him know if you are allergic to any medicines. If you take vitamins B, E, or herbal products it is advised to stop one week before your surgery. Such vitamins could enhance bleeding. Also, do not take Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications 7 days prior to your procedure. Many medications should be avoided. Let the doctor know if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medicines. If you are unsure about anything, ask your doctor.

If undergoing a STRIP it is recommended by some to massage the scalp 1 week before surgery in order to increase the skin’s elasticity. Also, don’t shave or cut your hair as you can use some of it to cover the area of extraction after your procedure. During the STRIP you will be receiving medication that might make you drowsy, therefore you should not drive afterwards.

Wear comfortable clothing the day of your hair transplant procedure. And it is better to wear a button shirt, rather than clothes which require pulling them over your head, in order to minimize irritation of the scalp.

The morning of your procedure, remove any hair pieces and wash your hair using regular shampoo. Do not apply anything to your hair and don’t put the hairpiece back on.

Do not drink any alcoholic or carbonated beverages in the days before your hair transplant procedure. They might increase your sensitivity to medications used during the procedure. It is a good idea to eat something before the surgery, to avoid nausea or dizziness, but only if you will be receiving local anesthesia. Many doctors do not recommend eating before being put under a sedative.

No matter what specific recommendations your hair clinic has, it is always wise to limit activities and allow yourself to rest in the days after your procedure.

While there are a few things to remember in order to achieve the best result possible, the most important thing is to relax and look forward to your new hair.

Photo via daughter of chaucer

Does a Hair Transplant Look Natural?

Posted on August 16, 2010

Many who consider a hair transplant are concerned with whether it will look natural or not, and rightfully so. It is not long ago that a hair transplant was easy to spot, due to its “pluggy” appearance. What this means is that the doctor used larger grafts to transplant the hair. This practice looked unnatural and often resembled the look of a doll’s head. Good thing is this technique is not accepted by today’s aesthetic standards within the hair transplant industry.

Those who have undergone a hair transplant that resulted in an unnatural look, can today, with the help of a skilled doctor, improve the overall look of their hair. Large grafts can be taken out and “recycled” into smaller grafts that are then re-inserted.

With today’s refined technology it is possible to have a hair transplant that looks completely natural. A skilled doctor will do his best to create a natural look, as well as try to recreate the hair the client once had.

Though hair transplant techniques have improved drastically in recent years, it is smart not to assume that any doctor can create a natural appearance. It is important to do research and find a reputable doctor, or the right clinic with a good reputation. It is also important to ask questions in regards to whether the hair will look natural or not. The doctor will be able to tell you if a complete restoration is possible or not. It is especially important that the doctor recreates a natural hairline and does not place it too low or too high. This is because the hairline is the first thing many people see when they look at your hair.

Ask to see before and after pictures of previous hair transplants that the doctor has performed. This should give you an idea of whether the doctor can create a natural look or not. Some clinics might even give you contact information of past hair transplant patients who are willing to share their experiences.

It is important that the doctor uses micro grafts, meaning no more than 1-4 hair follicles per graft. Any more than that will probably look unnatural.

Many experts believe that the FUE method is able to create the most natural look, as there is no visible scar involved with this method.

It is also important to follow the after care instructions that the doctor gives you, to allow the grafts to heal properly and increase the probability of an entirely natural look.

It might be wise to consult a doctor who is a member of a well respected coalition, as membership is usually granted based on their skill levels and ability to perform refined follicular unit grafting.

A well performed hair transplant will not be detectable by anyone, not even a hair stylist or a barber, and this is the goal to reach for, and is completely achievable today.

Photo via retrophotouk

The STRIP Method Explained

Posted on August 13, 2010

The STRIP method is one of the most common hair transplant methods available on today’s market.
While the STRIP method is time and cost efficient, it leaves behind a scar and can also cause numbness in the same area.

While each hair transplant clinic has their own specific procedures, the STRIP method involves a linear incision where a strip of hair-bearing skin will be removed from the donor area, where after the skin will be sutured together, aiming to achieve the smallest possible linear scar. The patient is under a sedative at this point. Hair follicles are then removed from that strip of skin and transplanted into the receiving area. The doctor creates a significant amount of tiny openings, as many as hundreds or thousands. This is where the new hair follicles will carefully be placed under magnification, one by one.

A quality doctor will make an effort to restore the hair the patient once had, mimic a normal hairline and try to create a natural look. The surgery is completed in a few hours and the patient can leave the hospital the same day. Afterwards, the patient might see some small scabs in the receiving area. These scabs can be compared to pimples and will fall off in a week. Stitches are removed after about ten days and a thin scar will form at the donor area. This scar can be hidden by surrounding hair, which can cover it to some extent. Keeping the hair short increases the visibility of the scar. In addition to a scar, there is a risk of temporary or permanent loss of feeling in the donor area, where the strip was removed. The new hair will grow normally and continue to do so.

The main advantage of choosing STRIP as your hair transplant method is that more hair can be transplanted in a shorter time, and the procedure will be less expensive than other methods.  While some individuals are fine with having a scar, there are many who feel regretful, as the scar becomes more visible over the course of time, as hair loss continues.

After a STRIP the client should avoid exercise for about 30 days, and the skin needs to heal for about 12 months before a new operation can be done.

Though the STRIP method involves surgery and usually leaves behind a visible scar, it is a faster and more cost effective solution than other methods. And a successful STRIP procedure is carefully performed and difficult to spot.

Consider the STRIP method if your goal is to treat hair loss with a large number of grafts in a shorter amount of time. A hair transplant doctor will offer a consultation where hair loss is evaluated and a specific plan is discussed. It is only during a consultation that the doctor can tell you if the STRIP method is right for you or if you should consider a different approach.

Photo via hairtransplantcenter