subject: Hair Transplant Information Easy Read Facts Sheet by:Mike Jones [print this page] Here are 5 key points on hair transplant information, a must read for anyone considering this procedure.
Point 1: Hair transplant surgery involves taking DHT resistant hair from the sides and back of your scalp and then transplanting it to the balding areas of the scalp. Part of the hair transplant information you need to know revolves around the specialized vocabulary used:
Hair Density - the number of hair follicles per square centimeter of scalp.
Scalp Laxity - how tight or loose the scalp is. Hair extraction is much easier on a scalp that is flexible and loose.
Donor Sites or Stable Sites - the areas of the scalp not affected by DHT which are used to supply the hair for transplantation.
Point 2: Whatever hair transplant information you read to the contrary, you must understand that in most cases, hair transplantation is a procedure that works for men, not women. There is a marked difference between male and female hair loss. Men suffer with the infamous MPB (male pattern baldness) which results in a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head.
Women often suffer diffuse hair loss, that is, a general thinning of the hair all over the scalp. The front hairline is mostly unaffected, unlike men who experience a receeding hairline. A woman's hair can be affected by DHT, no matter where it is on the scalp. If hair at the donor site is affected by DHT, it stands to reason it can easily fall out once it is transplanted to another area.
Men however, have DHT resistant areas on the back and sides of the scalp, and it is these stable areas which provide hair for successful transplantation.
Point 3: Coarse hair or curly hair is the best for hair transplantation, offering the best coverage. There is a greater challenge for the surgeon when the candidate has fine or straight hair because this kind of hair lies flat and close to the scalp, thus providing only minimal coverage.
Another challenge is with persons who have a high contrast between the color of their hair and the color of their skin. A more natural looking hair transplant can be achieved on persons with dark skin and dark hair, or conversely, persons with blonde, light colored hair and fair skin. Individuals who do not fit this criteria need to search carefully for a highly qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.
Point 4: Much hair transplant information you read concentrates on the mechanics of the hair transplant procedure. In addition to putting emphasis on the mechanics of the transplant procedure, it is equally important to give consideration to the art of hair transplantation.
Each individual is different when it comes to the shape of the face, characteristics of the hairline etc. A skilled surgeon will take these individual characteristics into account and perform a transplant which blends in with the natural contours and shape of the client's scalp, head and face. A good surgeon will be aware of what is pleasing to the eye and what will look unnatural and false. Try and get to see first hand the results on previous clients, or ask for photographs of clients who have had the surgeon perform the procedure on them.
Point 5: Be aware that hair transplant costs can vary widely. Some sources say the costs can range between four and twenty thousand dollars. The cost of a graft can be between $3 and $8 with $5 being a general average. The number of grafts required and the number of sessions needed to perform the grafts will have a great bearing on the total cost.
It is therefore extremely important to have thorough consultations with your prospective surgeon so you have an accurate picture of what the financial outlay is likely to be.
In Conclusion: Hair transplant information varies widely. There are some procedures which were commonly practiced which are now not recommended at all. Some unscrupulous individuals may still be recommending them. Then again, some make unrealistic claims and false promises in the hope a client will readily pay in order to enhance his appearance.
The best protection when reading through hair transplant information is to question the source. Ask yourself whether the provider of the information has a personal agenda which could slant the information.
The best sources are usually government agencies or licensed and approved authorities such as the American Hair Loss Association. Proceed cautiously, carefully analyze and evaluate the hair transplant information you gather, and make an informed decision on whether you are likely to be a good candidate for hair transplantation.
