Success rate | Hair Transplant.org

Hair Transplant Surgery – What Are The Risks?

Posted on February 16, 2011

A hair transplant is generally a low risk procedure, but as with any other surgery, there is always a small risk that there can be some kind of complication. The likeliness of any small problems is highly dependent on many different factors, such as the exact method chosen and the skill of the doctor who will be performing the procedure. The reason why the method chosen makes a difference is because the two major hair transplant methods, the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method and the Strip surgery, have clear differences, for instance, one involves the removal of a strip of skin which will add a few additional risks.

Overall, a hair transplant is a safe procedure, especially if being treated by an experienced doctor but there is always a small possibility that something can go wrong or that the surgery will not lead to the best possible outcome. Most hair transplant procedures requires local anesthesia, which carries only a very small risk, but in healthy people there is nothing to be concerned about. Another small risk is Continue reading →

FUE or Strip Hair Transplant: Which Method Takes Longer?

Posted on February 14, 2011

A hair transplant is a complex and time consuming process that will require the client to stay patient for a long time, up to one year, before final results can be seen. But when it comes to the hair transplant surgery itself, it can be done in one day, unless the client needs several sessions. The exact time it will take to transplant the hair is impossible to predict, because it relies on so many different factors, but it can take anywhere from a couple of hours up to an entire day.

One of the most important factors when trying to estimate how long the hair transplant surgery will take is the choice of method. It is mainly the extraction process, the manner in which the hairs are harvested, that differs between the two major techniques. The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method almost always takes longer than the Strip, unless there is a very small area that is receiving the hair transplant. The reason why the FUE takes longer is because Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Without a Scar?

Posted on February 12, 2011

head scar The long linear scar that can be the result of certain hair transplant procedures have been highly discussed in recent years. Especially the Strip hair transplant procedure, which removes a strip of skin from the back of the scalp, the scar can become a big concern. And while there are individuals who are ok with having a thin scar, there are those absolutely do not want any type of scar as a result of hair transplantation.

The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant method is known to produce much less scarring, but clients should be aware that this method can result in tiny, pimple looking marks, as many as hundreds or thousands, depending on how many hairs were transplanted. These small marks may never be visible to anyone, but the client should be aware that they can occur. But over time, there is a possibility that they will fade. And while the FUE can certainly result in some very minimal scarring, it absolutely does not Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Effectiveness

Posted on February 10, 2011

A hair transplant can be done on various parts of the face and body but most commonly involves removing hair from the back and sides of the head and transferring it to areas of the scalp that are thinning. As the majority of hair transplant doctors will only use the client’s own scalp hair for transplantation the hair is not considered foreign tissue and will not be rejected by the body. For most clients, the process of hair transplantation is slow, but the hair eventually grows in. Overall, a hair transplant is a very effective way of restoring hair to the scalp, but several factors should be considered.

A hair transplant is the only way to add hair to the scalp which will be permanent and remain in place for the rest of the client’s life. A variety of hair transplant techniques have been around for many decades, but thanks to new technology, excellent methods which are less invasive and that use tiny tools have been introduced in recent years. Older hair transplant methods such as scalp reductions and scalp flaps are no longer Continue reading →

The Best Candidate for a Hair Transplant

Posted on January 30, 2011

As with most other cosmetic procedures, a hair transplant is not for everyone. Some people will make better candidates than other. Being a fine candidate for a hair transplant procedure most likely means that the outcome will be good and that satisfaction will be met. But by being the best candidate possible, the outcome will be as good as it possibly can be. However, hair transplant surgery is complex and excellent candidacy will depend on many different factors.

While the best candidate for a hair transplant procedure will absolutely depend on the individual opinion of the doctor, it is usually someone not younger than 30 years old. Someone in their thirties, forties or even their fifties can be a very good candidate for a hair transplant. The reason for this is because a more mature client will most likely have an established pattern in which the hair is thinning. This pattern will make it much easier for the doctor to know where to transplant the hairs. When the client is young, the hair loss might just have started and the pattern is unclear. Transplanting hair to a client where the hair loss pattern has not been confirmed can be quite counter productive and result in an unsatisfactory look. Continue reading →

How to Ensure a Successful Hair Transplant

Posted on January 8, 2011

Most people have seen or heard of less successful, or even bad, hair transplants. In fact, the kind of hair transplant that was not so well done can easily be spotted. And this is by far one of the biggest concerns that those who consider a hair transplant have: that the outcome will not be successful or that anyone will be able to spot the hair transplant. While bad hair transplants are becoming much less common, mostly thanks to newer techniques, there is still a possibility that the hair transplant will not lead to the best outcome possible. Luckily, there are a few steps one can take to ensure that the hair transplant will be as successful as possible.

The most critical part to a successful hair transplant is selecting the right doctor. Researching the internet to see which hair transplant doctors seem to be the most popular and well respected is a good place to start. After that, going on several consultations would be a wise choice; in fact, getting a second or even third opinion can be very helpful when making a decision of this type. Not falling for pushy sales people is also important, as a hair transplant is a permanent procedure and corrective procedures should be avoided at all cost. Continue reading →

Hair Transplant After Injury

Posted on January 6, 2011

While a hair transplant certainly is a cosmetic procedure, not everyone who undergoes it is subject to thinning hair. This means that a hair transplant can be had for reasons other than a balding scalp. The absence of hair can sometimes be due to other conditions, such as a variety of injuries. While hair can be transplanted to nearly any area of the face and body that has been injured, the most common request is to restore hair to parts of the scalp that has been damaged, and become subject to loss of hair.

A burn injury can be one type of injury where there is no longer any hair and where clients are looking for a way to restore the hair that was once there. But there are also many other types of injuries and causes of hair loss, such as chemical burns, radiation burns, inflammatory diseases, surgery and self inflicted injuries. The hair loss can be complete or patchy, but for many individuals with injuries, the quest is just to look as normal as possible again, and that can be accomplished with hair transplantation. While the individual may never look like they once did, a great improvement can usually be had, especially when it comes to hair loss on the scalp. Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Facts: Why Adequate Donor Supply is Critical

Posted on November 1, 2010

When it comes to hair transplants, having an adequate amount of donor supply is critical. Donor supply refers to the amount of hair that the client has available to transplant. This hair can be transplanted to other areas of the scalp, such as the crown and frontal hair line. With a limited donor supply, the doctor can only do a limited hair transplant. It is not possible to achieve full coverage when there is not enough donor supply.

Everyone has a unique amount of donor supply, and the exact amount depends on hair density as well as other factors, such as scarring. Only an experienced hair transplant doctor can tell exactly how much donor hair is available for transplantation. However, nobody has an unlimited donor supply. And a hair transplant doctor cannot magically grow hair, but only redistribute hair that is already on the patients scalp. Using any other hair is usually not an option. Continue reading →

Do Hair Transplants Really Work?

Posted on October 4, 2010

Though hair transplants have come a long way, and are constantly improving, it is fully understandable to question whether they actually work. Considering the amount of time and money a hair transplant client dedicates to have the procedure done, it is only valid to be concerned with how successful hair transplants really are.

During a hair transplant, hair in the form of a graft or follicle is extracted from one part of the scalp, called the donor site, and then inserted into another part of the scalp, the recipient site. The doctor will use microsurgical, often custom made, tools to create tiny slits where the transplanted hairs will grow. The body will “accept” this transplanted hair as it is the body’s own hair. Transplanted hair is not likely to be rejected as it is not foreign, and will remain its original characteristics, including color, thickness and quality. Eventually, the transplanted hair will function and grow just like any other hair on the scalp. To increase the chance of a completely successful transplant, clients should use only their own scalp hair and not hair from other parts of the body, as is not likely to grow as well.

Though rare, there is a tiny risk that the transplanted hair will not take root in its new location, and this is often due to dry or injured grafts. It is possible for grafts to dry out or get injured between extraction and insertion. An experienced doctor will take steps to minimize any injury to the grafts, and insure that as many grafts as possible are being used to their full potential.

Other factors that will affect the success of a hair transplant include following pre and post operative instructions given by the doctor. These instructions are very important and should be followed closely. Doing so will have a positive effect on the overall outcome of the hair transplant. Taking an oral hair loss medication such as Minoxidil or Finasteride, before, during or after a hair transplant can also positively influence the results, and slightly increase the amount of hair.

Though a hair transplant is an efficient procedure that most definitely works, results cannot be expected immediately. In the initial weeks and months following the hair transplant procedure, patience is needed, as the surgical incisions are healing and the transplanted hair might shed. The hair follicle itself remains and will produce new hair. It can take several months, sometimes up to one year for the hair transplant to reveal its final result. Until then, patience and positive thinking is needed. While it is safe to say that the vast majority of hair transplants do work, it is wise not to assume that any doctor can do the job. To ensure a successful hair transplant it is of utmost importance to choose a highly regarded hair transplant doctor with many years of experience.

Photo via Dr_Alan_Bauman

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.

Photo via steaktaco