Saturday, 22 December 2007

Hair Transplant Surgery - The Procedure

When considering hair transplant surgery, it is important to understand what is involved. Having a general understanding of the procedure can help you select the right doctor for you. It will also help you communicate with your doctor once you have chosen one.

Hair transplants are the most common form of hair restoration surgery. Complications from the surgery are relatively low, and it is not a difficult procedure for experienced doctors. The surgery is permanent, so it is important to do your due diligence.

The surgery will start with anesthetic injections, which is actually the most painful part of the operation. This is done to numb the scalp, and once it takes effect, you will more than likely not feel a thing.

A small incision is made in a portion of the scalp where you are donating hair. The piece is removed and the scalp is stitched up. The donor tissue is then divided into groups based on the areas of the scalp that need the new hair.

The hairs are then grafted into place onto the scalp. This is the most important part of the procedure, and the reason why you must select an experienced and recommended doctor. A talented doctor can graft the hairs so that they look natural, and nobody can tell you had hair transplant surgery. An inexperienced doctor may graft the hair so that the procedure is obvious.

Once the surgery is completed, the hairs that were grafted may fall out. This is natural and is a normal part of your hair growth process. Hair growth moves through cycles, and it make take up to six months to actually see new hair growth from the procedure.

If a doctor wants to use plugs, you should run. A competent doctor will perform micro or mini grafts that will leave you with a natural looking head of hair. Depending on the person, it may take several hair grafting sessions to get the desired look and feel of your new hair.

An Overview of Hair Transplant

Advertisements in magazines and newspapers taken out by hair loss products and treatment centers often depict a person with a full crop of hair after the treatment. They claim miracle cures and fixes with a high chance of success. However, in reality, not everyone will find it easy to regain the hair that they lost.

If you find yourself in this situation and cannot bear the thought of living with a bald head or receding hairline, then there is always the surgical route by way of hair transplant. You should not worry about what others may think as hair transplant is now more acceptable as compared to previously. Even Elton John had hair transplant done many years ago!

Dermatological surgeons are the best people to consult with regards to hair transplant, as they will be taking into account of the reasons behind the hair loss, the severity of it, and also work out the natural hair line. They will also consider your expectations, situation and lifestyle.

Hair transplant has been in place since the 1950s but has advanced considerably. The process of hair transplanting refers to the process of relocating of permanent hair from the lower back and sides of the head, being transplanted into areas of thinning and balding along the top and towards the front of the head. After a short period of time, the hair that is transplanted grows.

The old method of plug grafting involves the transfer and relocation of plugs of about twelve hair roots. Nowadays mini-grafts are used. These help to create a more natural hair line and nicer looking appearance. By using the combination of mini and micro grafts, it is possible to obtain exceptional results that are hard for anyone to detect that hair transplant has been done.

During the old plug grafting procedure, as many as 600 grafts can be removed from any one patient, although it is recommended that only 50 grafts should be taken in any one treatment session. An instrument called a trephine is used. It has a circular cutting edge and the grafts it can take vary from 2mm to about 5mm in diameter. Nowadays though, the donor tissue is removed with a knife that produces long thin strips, although it would seem that single-strip harvesting now appears to be the superior method.

All these procedures are done under a local anaesthetic on the scalp. A strip of scalp is then removed about half to one inch wide and about four to five inches long. This is then divided up into individual grafts. Some grafts are to contain one or two shafts and others about three to eight shafts. The grafts are then implanted into tiny punctures into the skin in the required spaces.

The hair that exists on the back of the head where the donar strip is taken from will hide the resultant scarring.

You will normally need about three hair transplants to achieve a good head of hair. Obviously, the entire process is going to be more costly than using lotions and potions. It can also be a lot more dramatic as you can suddenly appear with a lot more hair after the hair transplant treatment. However, your dermatological surgeon can help plan such that the appearance of the hair on your head is more gradual.

Hair Replacement - Is a Transplant the Answer?

How do hair transplants work? We live in a society that is anti-aging. We go to great lengths to look younger than we really are, and a big part of that is finding ways to reverse the effects of hair loss. One such hair replacement solution that has gained popularity in recent years is hair transplant. Though it is a much more popular procedure than it was in the past, many of us still don’t know how it is done. Before making the call that a hair transplant is the right form of transplant for you, it is important that you understand how the process works.

First off it is important to know how hair transplants are used to make hair replacement a reality. The gist of it is that there is hair on your body, probably on the back of your head, which grows well and grows healthy. In a transplant, that hair is taken and transplanted into the places where your hair has fallen out or thinned down.

So how do they make that happen? The first thing that happens is that the surgeon will draw a hairline for you; he or she will draw a new hairline so you can see. The scalp is then numbered as part of the hair replacement process and the hair that is to be placed in those spots is shaved. Once those steps are completed, the skin that the hair being transplanted is attached to and is removed from your head.

The next thing that happens in this complex hair replacement process is that the scalp gets stapled back together. The hairs that are to be transplanted are turned over to technicians who remove each hair follicle. They then put them in a saline solution to await transplant. While those are in wait, small incisions are made in the front of the head where the surgeon drew your new hairline. In fact, a separate cut is made for each follicle to be transplanted, sometimes as many as 2,000 incisions.

Then the real hair restoration begins. The surgeon takes the follicles and starts to insert them. Your doctor will carefully place each one, trying to ensure that the hair is positioned to grow straight. Once everything looks the way it should, your surgeon will pronounce your procedure done.

It will take about a week for your incisions to heal and the scabs to fall off where the procedure was done. However, your hair replacement will be basically complete. For hair growth, however, you will likely have to wait as long as a year. Also, you may be prescribed a hair loss medication like Propecia to minimize the likelihood that you will need a future hair replacement surgery.

We live in a society that is anti-aging and obsessed with appearance. With that comes a need for ways to enhance looks and reverse the effects of aging. One of the most common effects, especially in men, is hair loss. There are a lot of remedies out there, but perhaps the fastest growing available hair replacement technique is hair transplant. It is a fairly complex procedure, but if you take the time to understand the entire process you can make a decision about whether or not it is a good procedure for you to look into more. Consult a doctor, however, before making your final decision.

Hair Transplant Repair Cases

It may be a shock to you, but 30% to 40% of hair transplants I perform are repair cases. These patients come to me, usually devastated, with the results of an inexperienced doctor's attempt at a hair transplant.

There are two types of repair cases – repair of the donor site and repair of the recipient site.

Donor site repair

Repair work in the donor site is essentially scar reduction. It occurs in patients who have had too much skin taken from their donor site, or their donor site was poorly sutured. In one in five of these donor site repair cases, I can surgically remove the scar and close the area again using the Tricophytic closure. A lack of loose skin in the donor area makes this procedure difficult with most patients. In these cases I perform an FUE transplant into the entire length of the scar. In this case I find body hair (from the chest, back, etc.) very useful. I will often put 200 to 300 body hairs using FUE into a scar, and they will grow and sufficiently hide the scar, allowing patients, if they so desire, to cut their hair short.

Recipient site repair

These cases involve the removal of plugs or large grafts on the hairline and/or moving back a hairline that has been poorly created, e.g. it is too low down on the brow.

Removal of larger grafts is usually done using the FUE technique. I am amazed at how many patients come to me, self-conscious about the horrible result of a past transplant, and how easily these large grafts can be removed. If there are a lot of grafts in the hairline, I can also take a strip out along the entire hairline, thus creating a new one, higher up on the forehead. I can then plant single hair grafts on and in front of the scar created by this surgery, creating a completely natural appearance.

The following is a letter from a repair patient that I received about a year ago:

I could not decide whether to scream or cry. What I had was not a bad hair transplant, but a horrible transplant. My gratitude to you will last forever. After surviving the war, I feel like have been given a third chance at life. My confidence is at an all time high. I got a huge promotion and my social life hasn’t been better. Before, especially at work, a stare at my hair line would simply disarm me; I couldn’t function. Thanks again!

Hair Transplant - The Real Truth!

Many people who are battling hair loss wonder if a Hair Transplant surgery is the answer to their problems and many are even afraid of the word "surgery". Most people have seen others with transplant surgery that look superficial and like a doll's sticking out for the world to see. Typical transplant questions and fears: "extremely painful", "It will look fake", "not my own hair", "transplant hair will not grow and last as I get older", "expensive". These are some the questions that many people have when they hear the term Hair Transplant Surgery. So are these fears true or false? Well, as a past hair loss victim and transplant patient let me shed some light for all who are wondering. On my blog, "Ask The Hair Loss Expert", I go in detail about my hair loss story and eventual redemption with before and after pictures, so I will not go into detail about my history here. To be brief, I started losing hair at the age of 22 and it progressed as I grew older. At the age of 35 I had my first hair transplant. I was so satisfied that I had another one at the age of 37, which I truly did not need. Now, I am 39 and I look younger than when I was 30. If you do not believe me, just visit my blog and see for yourself.

Now, let me answer some of the above fears or even questions that most people have regarding an Hair Transplant Surgery:

1. Is it Painful? Pain is a relative term. Each individual has a different tolerance of pain than the next. I have a low tolerance for pain and I can tell you that going to the dentist is more painful than having a hair transplant performed by the right surgeon. The keyword to remember here is "right surgeon". The surgeon has to be an expert in Hair Transplant surgery only. The cutting of the donor area is the most dramatic process during the entire surgery and it is here that some people in the past have felt great pain due to the surgeon's lack of skill. If the surgeon is skilled there is very minimum pain and discomfort. On my surgery day, I watched DVD movies back to back, had sushi for lunch, talked to my wife and the nurses all during the surgery so pain was not an issue for me.

2. Will it look Fake? Again if the surgeon is skilled, the answer to this question would be a strong "no". Before I had my surgery, I had a receding hairline and was going completely bald on top. After surgery and I swear by this statement, not one person ever knew or even asked if I had a hair transplant. It's so funny, when I run into people who I have not seen for a long time, they look at me from head to toe in amazement and their only comment is how younger I look and how I lost all the weight. The funny part is that I actually gained weight after my marriage, yet my transplant looks so natural that no one has a clue.

3. It is my own hair? Yes that transplanted hair is 100% your natural hair taken from your donor area.

4. Will the transplanted hair grow and last? Yes, absolutely. After surgery, I would suggest you take propecia every two to three days which stops future hair loss. I am approaching 40 and from the age of 35 when I had my first transplant I have not worried or seen any evidence of hair loss, especially from the transplanted hair.

5. Is it Expensive? Depends how many grafts you need and more importantly where you get the hair transplant performed. I could tell you honestly that a hair transplant is much more expensive in Los Angeles or New York than in Canada. I personally had my surgery done in Canada and would never even consider doing it here in Los Angeles where I live, not because of the cost but because of the surgeon. Luckily for me the cost of the surgery is considerably less in Canada than here which worked out perfectly.

Follicular Hair Transplants

The process involving follicular hair transplants is considered to be the most effective among hair restoration methods. In follicular hair transplant, the surgeon transplants hair from the permanent zone in the back of the scalp onto the affected areas.

The donor tissue is removed in one piece. This is to ensure that the follicular units being relocated from the back of the scalp are not damaged. An integral part of hair follicle transplant is single-strip harvesting as it preserves the follicular units. It also ensures that no damage is caused to the individual hair follicles.

Follicular hair transplant technique follows a well laid out pattern. Follicular hair transplants allow the surgeon to use small recipient site. During the surgery the follicular units that are removed from the donor tissue are minutely studied by a microscope. This stereomicroscopic dissection raises the yield of the absolute number of follicular units, and that of the total amount of hair as well.


Follicular hair transplant procedure

During follicular hair transplant the surgeon scans – under a microscope - the follicular units to be removed from the donor tissue. This stereomicroscopic dissection helps in protecting the follicular units. It also ensures a rich yield of both the follicular units and the total amount of hair that is restored.

Donor strip – In follicular hair transplants the donor strip is the hair strip that is taken from one part of the body and transplanted to the bald region of the scalp. In this technique the donor tissue is removed in one piece. This ensures that the follicular units being removed from the back of the scalp do not suffer from any damage.

Donor strip extraction – The donor strip is first taken out from the permanent zone in the back of the scalp. Then it is transplanted onto the areas of the scalp where there is no growth of hair.

The single-strip harvesting in follicular hair transplants ensures preservation of the follicular units and protection of individual hair follicles from possible damage.

Follicular units - Follicular units are a bundle of hair growing together. A follicular unit is usually formed of one to four terminal hairs. Every follicular unit is surrounded by one to two fine vellus hair, oil glands, a small muscle and a fine band of collagen. The follicular unit is the skin’s hair-bearing structure ensuring maximum growth. It looks like a well-formed structure under the microscope.

In genetic balding the transplanted hair is of smaller diameter and length than the hair replaced. It is highly advantageous to use individual follicular units. It facilitates the use of very small units. At the same time the amount of transplanted units is proportionately much large. Therefore a surgeon can place up to four hair strands in a tiny recipient site. It has tremendous implications for cosmetic surgery in general. This gives follicular hair transplant a considerable edge over micrografting. Transplantation of individual follicular units also gives a natural look to the transplanted hair.


Follicular transplant removal

In hair follicle transplant, individual follicular units are directly removed from the donor area. It means that this method is independent of linear incision. The surgeon uses a 1mm punch to make a small circular incision in the skin around the upper part of the follicular unit. It is then directly extracted from the scalp.

Very often follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are treated as two different things. It’s wrong. FUE is basically a type of FUT in which the follicular units are extracted directly from the scalp, instead of microscopically dissected from a strip that has already been removed. In follicular hair transplant the individual follicular units can be obtained either through single-strip harvesting and stereomicroscopic dissection or through FUE.


Follicular transplant preservation

In follicular hair transplants it is crucial to keep the individual follicular unit as it is. Neither the unit should be broken up into smaller units nor combined with larger ones. This is a ground-breaking development in the history of cosmetic surgery. Often hair transplant surgeons combine several follicular units or split them up.



Follicular hair transplant and mini and micro grafting

There is similarity between follicular hair transplant techniques and those followed in minigrafting and micrografting. However, follicular hair transplantation is different from mini and micro grafting. Both of the latter procedures use a multi-bladed knife to split the follicular units. This results in unacceptable levels of transaction of hair follicles. In follicular unit transplantation it is the nature that determines the graft sizes. In mini-micrografting the graft sizes are arbitrarily determined. The donor tissue is sliced to the size the surgeon considers fit. There is another difference between follicular hair transplant and mini-micrografting. In the latter neither the hair follicles are kept intact nor the follicular units are preserved. In mini-micrografting, speed and economy of the procedure are more important. The process entails using a multi-bladed knife to quickly generate thin strips of tissue.

Hair Transplants for Young Men?

Hair Restoration surgery has evolved tremendously over the past several years. In the hands of a qualified hair transplant surgeon, Follicular Unit Grafting (FUG) can provide natural, often undetectable results. Moreover, many physicians have adopted techniques that expand the donor area so that more hair follicles can be redistributed in a single surgical session. It should be noted, however, that performing hair transplants on young patients can be risky. While surgical results have improved enormously with new technologies, patients should remember that hair transplantation addresses a progressive disease. To date, there is no hair loss cure, only effective hair loss treatments.

Hair loss in young patients is a sensitive topic. A patient who starts doing hair transplants at young age may discover that his eventual hair loss progression surpasses his available donor hair supply. And, unfortunately, it is not easy to predict future hair loss for young patients. Hair loss suffers who get surgery too early in life often regret this choice as their natural hair continues to thin. In fact, some transplant patients wish they had not done surgery at all. Generally speaking, the younger the patient is at the onset of hair loss, the more hair they are likely to lose. Individuals with aggressive hair loss in their early twenties need to be educated about the long term ramifications of surgery, even with state-of-the-art procedures. Young men with less aggressive loss may be good candidates for restoration, but they too must be careful and the mindful of the potential for future balding.

Hair loss suffers should try addressing their condition with medical treatments before considering hair restoration surgery. Medications like as Propecia and Rogain can significantly slow down the progression of hair loss. These therapies can often halt the balding process long enough for patients to find the ideal solutions, surgical or otherwise.

How Hair Transplant Replacement Works

Hair transplantation – "hair transplant" -- is a surgical procedure that involves moving sections of scalp where hair still grows to a part of the scalp that is bald or where the hair is thinning.

History of hair transplantation

Hair restoration started in 1930, when Japanese doctors experimented to see if skin and hair could be transplanted from healthy parts of the body to parts that had been disfigured by injury.

In 1950, dermatologist Norman Orentreich wrote an article explaining how hair transplantation could be done. Although his studies were not embraced by the scientific community, he became even more determined to prove his theory "donor dominance," which states that even when hair is relocated to a bald area it will continue to grow as it did before. He is considered the father of hair transplants.

Hair transplantation is the most common elective surgery among men. The reason for its popularity among men is the fact that results gained from this procedure are much better compared to other similar hair replacement procedures. The hair transplantation of today is not really different from the hair transplantation Dr. Orentreich performed -- however, today’s hair transplantation involves graft or plug size.

The older method of hair transplantation is easily identified by its patchy appearance. This used to be the norm, until transplant surgeons critically examined the possibilities of using a different graft size. It was determined that better results would be gleaned from using grafts that were smaller.

What happens during a hair transplant?

As mentioned earlier, hair transplantation involves moving small pieces of scalp where hair still grows to a part of the scalp that is bald or where the hair is thinning.

There are five types of grafts, varying in size and shape. These are: punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts. Since this new method of hair transplantation makes use of smaller sizes of grafts, many surgical procedures are needed to fully covered a bald area, taking as long as two years. The number of large plugs transplanted during the first sessions of surgery varies with each individual, but the average is usually about 50. With mini-graphs or micro-graphs there may be up tp 700 plugs transplanted per session.

Hair Transplant Side Effects That You Need To Be Aware Of

There are some hair transplant side effects that you really need to be aware of before you decide to go forward with such procedures. Many people experience their hair becoming very thin. This is also called shock loss or shedding. It can affect both the transplanted hair and your other hair as well. Many people end up with bald patches in addition to the thinning. It is normal to shed about 50 to 100 hairs each day.

Be prepared for the new transplanted hair to fall out as the hair follicles move into the Telogen phase. In a couple of months they will enter Anagen where the hair starts to grow. The hair from the donor site will be thinner as well. Keep in mind that a hair transplant doesn’t give you more hair, it only relocates what you have.

It is common to experience swelling of the scalp, forehead, and the eyes after the procedure. It will only last a couple of days and your doctor can give you medication to help it. Itching is very common and in some cases it is extremely severe. The itching results as scabs start to form. Sometimes moisturizers can help as well. You can shampoo the scalp to relieve the itching or spray water on it from a bottle. Ask your doctor before you use any anti itch creams, oils, or lotions on your scalp.

It is not known why many people experience hiccoughs after a hair transplant, but up to 5% of people do. This is a minor annoyance but some people get them serious enough to make them uncomfortable. They can also disturb your sleep patterns. Your doctor should be able to prescribe something to help relieve them. They generally go away on their own in a couple of days.

Infections after hair transplants are extremely rare but they do happen. Antibiotics are given both before and after the surgery as a precaution. Make sure you take them as prescribed to prevent an infection. If you are getting a strip transplant then be prepared for scarring to occur. They will be noticeable if you keep your hair short. Cysts may form if the hair follicles have been damaged or they are too deep into the skin.

For anyone considering a hair transplant, make sure you understand the possible side effects and you are prepared for them. Your doctor can discuss these issues with you in advance. You may also want to talk to others who have experienced such side effects.

Use Hair Transplant Message Boards to Learn About Your Options

The decision to invest in a hair transplant or to simply adjust to losing your hair is a decision that will affect other aspects of your life. It can be a huge step to accept surgery as an alternative for restoring your hair. It is very important that you have the all necessary information to help you make an informed decision. You also need the information that you do read to be reliable and accurate.

Where should you start finding this information? The internet is one of the best options as it provides up to date information on hair transplants. The various message boards out there will provide you with amazing information. This is because many of the people posting to these message boards have had their own hair transplant. You will find what they have to say very interesting. If you are willing to share some information about yourself many of them will gladly answer the questions you have.

Many people considering a hair transplant like the privacy associated with the message boards. You will have a username and password for logging in, but you don’t have to provide your real name on the message boards. You also don’t have to share your personal information if you choose not to. You can simply follow the discussions that are taking place. Should you choose to disclose your own information you will likely find people who live in your area to build a relationship with, even if it is just for support through this issue.

If you are looking for a very reliable source of information about hair transplants, then take a look at some of the message boards. Other than the information you get from your doctor, what better source can you find than those who have been through the process themselves?

5 Steps to Hair Transplant Surgery

When an aging population lives in a society that is determined not to grow old, people will push the limits to appear younger than they are. For example, 30, even 20 years ago a procedure such as hair transplant surgery would have seemed bazaar at best, ludicrous at worse. However, today it is a fairly mainstream way for people, mostly men, to retain some of the youthful appearance they hold dear. While this procedure is a growing trend, there are still a great many people who do not know how it is done, the following information will explain the procedure and answer some questions.

1- As a man ages, he looses hair. There is not much that can be done to stop this from happening. There are topical and oral drugs that can be taken to slow the process, but if they are stopped, the hair loss resumes. A person can use cover ups such as toupees or hair weaves, but they really do not look very natural. Enter the hair transplant surgery. This surgery utilizes hair from the body (normally the back of the head) that is not programmed to fall out to replace the missing follicles. But how do they do it?

2- The first step involved in a hair transplant is for the surgeon to draw a replacement hairline for the patient. Then the scalp is numbed and the donor hairs, usually from the back of the head, are shaved. Once this is completed, the skin that the donor hairs are attached to is removed from the head.

3- The scalp then gets sutured or stapled together and the donor hairs are given to technicians. The technicians remove each individual hair follicle and place them into a saline solution where they will await transplant. In the mean time, the surgeon is busy cutting small incisions into the front of the head within the hairline that was drawn earlier. There needs to be a separate incision for every follicle that is to be transplanted. This number can be as high as 2,000 per transplant.

4- Once the surgeon has all of the cuts made, it is time to insert each hair follicle. This is done on an individual basis, very carefully, to ensure that the follicles are inserted in the right direction allowing the hair to grow straight. The doctor then examines the work that has been completed, when the desired result has been obtained, the hair transplant is finished.

5- In about a week or so, the incisions have started to heal, the scabs have fallen off, however, it will take up to a year for real hair growth to appear. In order to avoid further hair transplant procedures from needing to be performed, it is recommended that the patient use a drug such as Propecia. The continued use of this drug will help to minimize the need for another surgery.

Getting a Hair Transplant in Thailand - The Good and the Bad

It is commonly knowledge that many people travel to Thailand to been seen for plastic surgery and for hair transplant procedures. They are known for providing the very best in medical care so they are leading the industry in these areas. However, there are some good and bad issues to be aware of before you head off to Thailand.

Since Thailand offers such amazing health care services, they offer surgeons who have trained in Europe or North America. They are certified in specialty areas including hair transplants. Many of them belong to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. They offer the same types of hair transplant procedures as the United States. You can choose from FUE, micro or mini transplants, FUT, or a combination to get the best results. Thailand surgeons do take on other procedures that many United States surgeons don’t including beard transplants and body hair construction.

The process of scheduling a hair transplant in Thailand is very simple. You can fill out the paperwork and then soon be scheduled for the surgery. You won’t have to wait for weeks or months as you do in North America. Probably the most common reason individuals choose to have their hair transplant done in Thailand is the difference in the cost. Almost all insurance companies refuse to cover such procedures so the individual has to pay it on their own.

The cost in the United States ranges from $2,500 up to $10,000 depending on the procedure and the number of grafts to complete. If you chose to do it in Thailand, you can cover the surgery, your travel including hotel and still be saving a considerable amount of money. Many people choose to schedule a vacation in Thailand prior to the hair transplant as an added bonus.

The largest drawback to getting a hair transplant in Thailand is the distance you are from the surgeon should you experience any complications. It will be hard to schedule another trip so soon to see them if you need to. Most people are willing to take that chance though because hair transplants and cosmetic surgeries are safe, easy, and cost less than in the United States. If you decide to do this, make sure you take the time to do a reference check on the surgeon, get any questions you have answered before you schedule the procedure, and talk to others who have used that same surgeon. Try to schedule some vacation time in Thailand as well!

Preparing For New Hair: Hair Transplant Pre-op Preparation

If you are planning to have hair transplants, then you should be aware that you would be undergoing a surgical procedure. As with any transplant, you will be anaesthetised in order to successfully relocate some of the hair on your head with a view to reducing baldness. Also in keeping with the fact that it is a surgical procedure, you cannot just have hair transplants on a whim. Your decision should be carefully considered and thought out before you undergo any hair transplant pre-op preparation. If you already know all of the above then it is obvious that you have put a lot of thought into your decision and you are ready to move onto the next level, so read on for information on the hair transplant pre-op preparation.

The first step in hair transplant pre-op preparation is an initial consultation with a doctor specialising in hair transplants. Do some research on the various clinics that advertise their expertise before deciding which one you would trust enough to carry out the procedure on you. This will not only give you peace of mind that they do know what they’re doing, it will also encourage you to tailor their specific treatments to what you feel most comfortable with. Anything you can do to take the stress out of the situation is worth it. Only then should you book an initial consultation.

An initial consultation is an extremely important element in your hair transplant pre-op preparation. It gives a consultant chance to assess you hair loss, determine what form the transplants must take and provide you with a quote and expected date to go ahead with the procedure. Believe it or not, these consultations are not as daunting as one would think. Consultants are experts at putting people at ease, especially if they carry out delicate procedures like hair transplants. They realise just how much confidence can be lost and restored as a result of the procedure, and so the hair transplant pre-op preparation is largely designed to ensure that you are making the right decision and put you at your ease as much as possible.

There is some hair transplant pre-op preparation required the week before you actually have the procedure done. As with any surgical procedure, you are advised to avoid alcohol and medications of any kind for seven days beforehand to ensure that the chance of intraoperative bleeding are reduced, thus optimising conditions for the grafts to take. Obviously if you have to take certain medications on a regular basis it is best to tell the consultant as early as possible so he or she is aware of any potential complications. You may even be asked to take antibiotics before hand to prevent infections during the procedure.

Hair transplant pre-op preparation is designed to take the worry out of the procedure for you, but it is also designed to make sure that it has the best possible chance of succeeding. You are entitled to the help set out above, but make sure that you take full advantage of it. It will put you at your ease and reassure you, which is something that no amount of money can buy.

Hair Transplant For Women - Latest On Female Hair Loss

Woman hair loss has been the subject of many studies, treatment options for treatment of woman hair loss continued to be unclear. Although new techniques of hair transplant could be used for many women, there are many with hair loss that can not be successfully treated with hair transplant surgery for variety of reasons.

Women hair loss is characteristically different than men hair loss. Men with male pattern baldness usually lose their hair in the corners and front and sometimes crown area initially. Hair transplant could be effectively used for men with hair loss due to preservation of the quality of hair in the back of scalp so called donor area. This area might be unstable in many women with hair loss.

Hair loss in women is mostly seen with diffuse thinning without good donor area that could be used to harvest hair. Weak hair in donor area excludes many women from being a good candidate for hair transplant. A good microscopic examination by an expert can determine the rate of miniaturization or thinning of hair shaft in donor area. Significant number of miniaturized hair in donor area makes it unstable and improper for transplant purposes. Medical treatment of hair loss in women may be the only treatment for some patients.

Causes hair loss in women

Causes of female hair loss are different and might be related to other medical conditions suchashormonal, immunologic and other systemic disorders. Some women may genetically have hair loss similar to what is seen in men. Women with genetic hair loss limited to front, corners and top could be treated with hair transplant successfully of they have stable hair in donor area. Other surgically treatable causes of female hair loss are:


Women with high forehead who need hair transplant to lower their hairline.
Women with scar and hair loss from face lift or brow lift procedures.
Women with chronic traction alopecia.
Women with hair loss in eyebrow and eyelashes.
Hair transplant surgery has been transformed greatly in the last ten years. Surgical hair restoration with hair transplant has been around for almost a hundred years with different levels of success and precision.

In 1939 a Japanese dermatologist invented a technique for transplant of skin containing hair to the burned area on the scalp. The goal was to create some hair coverage for the area. That procedure could probably be called the first ancestor of today’s refined hair transplant. At about the same time, single hairs were transplanted by the Japanese for eyebrow filling.

The concept of transferring skin or hair was adopted by Dr. Orentreich in 1952 in America for treatment of male pattern baldness, which is extended for female hair transplant as a treatment for women hair loss later on. This is the beginning of the era of plug surgery.

These plugs created islands of skin with high density hair and the balding areas were progressively filled in, eventually eliminating the visualization of the bald scalp. Many of the patients, treated with these techniques, had to have repeated surgery to hide the unnatural plugs.

As the techniques evolved in the 1980s, smaller size mini and micro-grafts were eventually used. These smaller grafts produced a more natural look. The discovery of Follicular Units was the inevitable final refinement, first coming to use in the early 1990s for hair loss treatment in man and woman.

Follicular Unite Transplant (FUT) set a new standard in hair restoration surgery. FUT has made the dream of natural looking hair transplant, a reality. Women with hair loss could be candidate for follicular unit transplant as it is currently the standard of care in hair transplant surgery.

Other advances in techniques and instruments for hair transplant made larger surgeries possible for more sever hair loss for men and women and facilitated the transplant of a maximum number of grafts in only one session. The emphasis on natural looking surgery and elimination of noticeable scars advanced the techniques further.

Medications such as minoxidil could be used along with hair transplant for women. Minoxidil can help thicken miniaturized hair in many patients, prevent or slowed hair loss in women in early stages of hair loss. Minoxidil may be synergistic with hair transplant in preserving and/or reversing hair loss.

The future is bright with the promise for hair multiplication over the coming years. The idea of producing unlimited numbers of hair from a single hair follicle is being researched and could be an option for women with diffuse hair loss that surgery is not a good option for them at this time, but it is in the future and not expected to happen in the next 7 to 10 years.

Expansion in knowledge of human genome and the advancement of technology for gene expression may locate a cure for female pattern balding. You may be eligible for hair transplant surgery. If you are a candidate, restoring your hair and youthful look of today could be as easy as a visit to the dentist’s office. To learn more on modern techniques of hair transplant visit USHairRestoration.com.

How to Stop Hair Loss in Its Tracks!

Coming to the realization that you are losing your hair and you are starting to go bald can be devastating. Most people think it only happens to men, when in fact, a large percentage of women lose their hair as well. The good news is there are a number of great hair loss solutions and remedies that can help the fight against thinning hair and baldness. Hair loss in most cases is caused by genetics and it is the hardest to combat. But if your hair loss is not genetically related, it may be a result of poor diet, stress, alopecia or lacking certain vitamins and minerals. If that’s the case, immediate actions can be taken to stop your hair loss.

When you look in the mirror, you will likely notice your hair thinning at the top of your head and possibly at the hairline. Most often, male pattern baldness starts with a receding hairline and it just continues right across the top of the head until there is only a fringe of hair around the head. Unfortunately there is no drug available to cure or stop male pattern baldness. The most popular form of hair loss solution in this case is hair transplant. Most of us remember those awful hair plugs, well things have gotten a whole lot better since then. Technology has made some remarkable advancements and hair transplant surgery has improved dramatically over the past 10 years. It is a hair loss remedy that both men and women are using.

The downside of good hair transplants is that they can be expensive. You can opt for a less expensive alternative which would be a hair piece or toupee. If transplant surgery isn’t for you, speak to your doctor about Rogaine which has been proven to start hair regrowth. You apply Rogaine directly the scalp. You will see new hair growth but it may take up to 6 months before it happens. It is important you speak to your doctor about potential side effects and how long new hair growth lasts once you stop applying the cream. Hair loss can be embarrassing, but today, you have more options than ever before.

Latest on Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is one of the branches of cosmetic surgery that has been transformed in the last ten years. Civilizations search for a cure to balding has a long history and as far as we know it goes back to the era of Ancient Egypt. Hair transplant using surgical techniques has been around for almost a hundred years with different levels of success.

In 1939 a Japanese dermatologist invented a technique for transplant of skin containing hair to the burned area on the scalp. The goal was to create some hair coverage for the area. That procedure could probably be called the first ancestor of today’s refined hair transplant. At about the same time, single hairs were transplanted by the Japanese for eyebrow filling.

The concept of moving skin or hair was adopted by Dr. Orentreich in 1952 in United States for treatment of male pattern baldness. The technique for hair transplant he defined allowed surgeons to move hair and skin from the back (permanent hair) area of the scalp and implant it in the frontal balding area. This surgery thrilled the balding people who proudly showed off their plugs of hair in the frontal area that made their balding area less noticeable.

These plugs created islands of skin with high density hair and the balding areas were progressively filled in, eventually eliminating the visualization of the bald scalp. Many of the patients, treated with these techniques, had to have repeated surgery to hide the unnatural plugs.

As the techniques evolved in the 1980s, smaller size mini and micro-grafts were eventually used. These smaller grafts produced a more natural look. The discovery of Follicular Units was the inevitable final refinement, first coming to use in the early 1990s.

Follicular Unite Transplant (FUT) set a new standard in hair restoration surgery. FUT has made the dream of natural looking hair transplant, a reality and it is currently the standard of care in hair transplant surgery. To learn more on new techniques used for hair restoration see USHairRestoration.com

Hair transplant surgery has gone through an evolution from very larger hair grafts from 1959-1989 (era of plugs), to mini and micro-grafts 1989-1994 (smaller groupings of hair) and eventually follicular unit transplants since 1995. FUT allows harvesting of hair grafts in their natural occurring groups and it can produce normal results that are not detectable by the naked eye.

Other advances in techniques and instruments for hair transplant made larger surgeries possible and facilitated the transplant of a maximum number of grafts in only one session. The emphasis on natural looking surgery and elimination of noticeable scars advanced the techniques further.

Pharmaceutical discoveries with the drugs finasteride and minoxidil, grew new hair in many patients, prevented or slowed hair loss in younger men and when used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery became synergistic in preserving and/or reversing hair loss.

The future is bright with the promise for hair multiplication over the coming years. The idea of producing unlimited numbers of hair from a single hair follicle is being researched and could be an option for patients with limited hair supply in the future.

Expansion in knowledge of human genome and the advancement of technology for gene expression may locate a cure for balding. So, if you looked into mirror one morning, and felt you don’t recognize the balding figure you see, you should not panic. Restoring your hair and your youthful look today is as easy as a visit to the dentist’s office.

Best Male Hair Loss Products

The worse part of getting older is joint aches and loss of hair. Chances of getting bald are more if you are a male and your age is more than 45. Alopecia or male pattern baldness is genetic in character. Medical hair transplants are used by many people every year with surprising results to over come this problem. But hair transplant is the last solution of hair loss problem. Some hair loss remedies are available in the market for hair loss prevention. Moreover, you can stop hair loss with the use of best hair loss products (allopathic). With the use of hair loss products, you can simply stop hair loss, no new hair growth will occur.

Alopecia or male pattern baldness is not a scalp related problem. Alopecia occurs as a result of chemical reaction between oil glands found in the hair follicle and testosterone. When testosterone (male hormone) transforms into DHT, reaction causes follicle to shrink. But there are hair loss products available on the market, which works against the production of DHT. You must buy a hair loss product, which contains ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, saw and palmetto zinc. These kinds of hair loss product are designed to keep your hair on your head.

If you want to stop hair loss, you are recommended to use hair loss products like Propecia and Rogaine. These hair loss products are available at drug stores and you can even order Rogaine online. If it is already late and you are bald or have significant thinning, then you must think for a hair loss treatment. Medical hair restoration will be the best option for your problem. Results will be full head of natural hair. This process is not painful, but you will feel some swelling and discomfort. Your dermatologist will help you to select a hair loss product or hair transplant process, which will meet your expectations.

Getting Ready For Hair Transplant Surgery

Just like any other kind of surgical procedure there are several things that you need to do to get ready for hair transplant surgery. Do not confuse this with the less invasive procedures like laser hair transplant and such. They are nothing like the standard hair transplant surgery. This kind of procedure involves the actual cutting of the scalp area to transfer the hair in one place to another. So you will need to follow some simple instructions to ensure that you are not in any danger when it comes to this kind of medical procedure.

The first step is to let the doctor know any and all medications, both prescription and over the counter, that you are currently or have taken in the past three months. This is probably one of the most important parts of this instruction. The doctor will need to know if you are taking anything that could interfere with the medication that will be administered during the surgery. There is the possibility of a harmful interaction between different types of medications and only the doctor is qualified to make this determination. He/she may tell you to discontinue a certain medication prior to the surgery.

If you are taking blood thinners, for treatment of a stroke or heart condition then you will be required to cease taking them for about a week prior and during the surgery. The blood thinners will make you bleed in a big way and can cause danger during the surgery. This can include aspirin and other prescribed blood thinning medications. Your doctor will advise you of this procedure prior to the date of the surgery and will discuss the best course of action for you to take.

Make sure that you have a ride from the hospital after the surgery. There are times when the procedures will take about three hours and that means you will have at least that long in recovery. If the hair transplant surgery goes well you will go home the same day but you will be in no condition to drive. For this reason all people who undergo hair transplant surgery should be ready to have some to take them home following the procedure.

As with any hair transplant procedure you should ask all the right questions prior to the day that you undergo the procedure. This will help to give you peace of mind and know that you will not be surprised when the day arrives.

Taking care in the planning of the days leading up to and the day of the hair transplant surgery will ensure a smooth procedure for you and the doctors that are involved.

Hair Transplant Cost - What's The Cost Of A Hair Transplant

With the advent of new surgical techniques and much more natural looking results, more and more people today are choosing to have a hair transplant.

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair on one part of your head that is not prone to balding (like the sides and back) is taken and transplanted into a balding area.

Generally, most of this transplanted hair will continue to grow for the lifetime of the patient. Hair transplants are thus a popular way to address the problem of premature balding and hair loss.

If you are considering a hair transplant, one of the most important things you'll want to ask is:

What's the cost of a hair transplant?

When you're reviewing hair transplant costs you'll find that prices vary across the board. The cost of a transplant depends on factors like the surgeon you choose, location of the clinic, extent of hair loss, how many grafts are needed to achieve the look you want and what type of procedure you select.

Some hair surgeons charge per graft and other will assess your needs and give a flat fee cost.

While you won't know for sure what kind of cost you're looking at until you've interviewed several surgeons, here are some things to keep in mind about Hair Transplant Costs:

1) Make sure you get at least 3 quotes (or more). You might be surprised at the variation in prices. You'll also get a good idea of what each surgeon can do for you and what they each recommend for your situation. (Again, you may be surprised at the variation in opinions!)

2) Never decide on a hair transplant doctor based on cost alone (i.e. because he's so much lower than anybody else). This is one area where you don't want to take a chance.

3) Average costs for a hair transplant vary however many are dependent on the type of surgery you decide to do (for example, the cost per graft of the FUSS method is generally cheaper than the cost per graft of the FUE method.) They are also dependent on the number of grafts you have to achieve the hair density you want.

4) Repair work (where you've had a previous surgery done but were not happy with it) will sometimes cost more depending on your situation (which is one reason why you don't want to take a chance - see #2 above). Repair work may include scar repair (i.e. from a previous surgery) and/or hairline or density repair.

5) If you've done your research, interviews and comparisons and are satisfied with your choice of hair transplant surgeon - ask the surgeon if he will cut you a deal on the cost.

Information on Laser Hair Transplants

Consumers have many options to help them if they are experiencing hair loss. Technology has lead to many types of hair transplants. One common method involves using lasers but before you jump on the chance to have this procedure done take the time to get all the information on it that you can. Laser hair implants are the most invasive as well as traumatic for individuals of all the options out there. Even though many people choose this method, you need to make sure it is right for you.

Start by discussing the various hair transplant options with your doctor. The laser hair transplant involves undergoing several procedures that are about two hours long per session. There is medication that has to be taken after each session to prevent swelling and additional hair loss. There is a risk of developing an infection so make sure you take all your antibiotics as prescribed. Your skin may become damaged so you may feel some pain and discomfort. This is generally mild in nature, similar to a basic sunburn and so it is treated in the same manner. It is more annoying actually than painful.

During a ser hair transplant your hair will be attached to follicles with the use of radiation and heat from a laser. This is designed to offer the right amount of energy so the hair is fused to the follicles. This promotes the growth of new hair from the roots. The procedure is quite time consuming as each hair is grafted and placed into the new location one at a time. During each session up to fifty hairs can be grafted. Time has to elapse between sessions to allow the scalp to heal.

Make sure you discuss all aspects of laser hair transplant with your doctor. While it works well, some people just aren’t up to the process involved. Make sure you understand everything about the procedure before you agree to it.

Get Reliable Hair Transplant Information

If you are looking for reliable hair transplant information, then chances are you have been thinking about getting something done for your hair loss. You want to make sure you have the very best information so that you get quality results. This isn’t a decision you want to rush into. For most people, it comes down to two options – take a chance with getting a hair transplant or live with the hair loss. Some people find the various options available to them just aren’t worth the cost or the risk.

You can find hair transplant information in many places, but you need to make sure it is reliable and accurate information. The internet is a great place to find all the information you need. While you can’t trust all you read on the internet you can spend your time reading the information written by the experts in the field.

Using reliable internet sites, you won’t have to settle for something that someone wrote to promote a particular product as a marketing ploy in disguise. This isn’t the kind of hair transplant information that is going to give you answers. Look for information that has been written by doctors or other professionals who aren’t trying to sell anything.

It is also a great idea to schedule a consultation with a doctor who performs such procedures. Most are willing to provide such consultations at no charge to you. This is the best opportunity you will have to get your questions answered. It is also a great way to put your mind at ease about the various procedures.

Where to Find Hair Transplant Information You Can Trust

There are certain things in the world where one needs to get the best and most information in the shortest amount of time. This comes into play with the hair transplant information that one would seek out if they were considering such a procedure. After all, hair transplant and the coming transplant information need to be of the best quality in order to give the person peace of mind that they are making the right choice when it comes to the matter.

This can all come to a head when a person is out of options and needs to have a hair transplant or simply do without hair. This is one of the more common occurrences when it comes to the hair loss population. Many times people are finding that the treatment options that are available are just not effective when it comes to growing of hair. So they are in a corner and have to make a decision on whether or not to get a hair transplant or not.

Hair transplant information is not all that hard to come by. If you are looking at a situation where you are doing nothing more then some simple independent research to get some baseline knowledge then you cannot beat the internet. Sure, you may not be able to trust everything that you read on the net, but there are those sites out there that will provide you with some very good knowledge and be written by some of the foremost experts in the field.

The best method for mining hair transplant information on the web is too stick with the most reputable sites. Never settle for something that was written by someone on a personal site or what have you. This is not the kind of information on hair transplants that you are looking for. The kind that you are seeking was most likely written by a doctor or some other professional in the field who does not have a hidden agenda to sell you some product.

Of course the very best hair transplant information that you are going to find will come directly from the doctor. You should find a doctor that performs this kind of procedure and ask for a consult. Most of the time this will not cost you anything. When you arrive air out all the questions that you have regarding this kind of procedure. The doctor will be more then happy to answer all of the questions as they relate to the issue and help to set your mind at ease.

All About Hair Transplant

Men and women our days suffer from hair loss. Hair loss is not appealing, especially in women, and makes the person feel bad with his or her appearance.

There is variety of solutions offered in the market for those who are starting to lose hair and want to fix it but what about those who had already lost a massive amount of their hair? The common hair loss products won't do any good to them; they need to restore their hair.

Once again even for those who want to restore their hair there is variety of solutions offered in the market, one of them is a hair transplant surgery. Before we talk about hair transplant a little further, let's first understand the reasons for hair loss.

Hair loss is caused by the masculine hormone DHT which destroys the hair follicles in the center and front areas of the men's head.

Women have the DHT hormone as well but when they are younger they have more estrogen which balances the amount of DHT and therefore are not affected by it.

When women get to their menopause age the amount of estrogen gets lower and the DHT starts to affect the follicles and destroy them. Not like men, the women's baldness occurs on every part of the head and not just the front and center, which gives them thinner hair look.

The DHT hormone in men does not demolish the follicles on the side of the head and the back of the head and therefore it is possible to use the remaining hair in these areas in order to transplant a person's own hair and restore its fuller hair appearance, not as it was before but better then it is.

There are a few techniques to perform the hair transplant:
1. Removing tiny skin implants from the back and side of the head and transplanting them in the bald parts.
2. Removing hair follicles and transplanting them in the bald parts.


Both procedures must be performed by a highly skilled professional plastic surgeon.


When suffering from loss of hair the most important thing is to consult a doctor or a specialist to make sure the loss of hair is not caused by something else like hormonal imbalance.

How Hair Transplant Surgery is Performed

Are you starting to bald? Are you thinking about having a hair transplant performed, but you don't know enough about it? If you are, you are not alone. More and more people are electing to have this treatment performed every year. For those who are interested, but need more information, the following will provide what you are looking for.

The scalp then gets sutured or stapled together and the donor hairs are given to technicians. The technicians remove each individual hair follicle and place them into a saline solution where they will await transplant. In the mean time, the surgeon is busy cutting small incisions into the front of the head within the hairline that was drawn earlier. There needs to be a separate incision for every follicle that is to be transplanted. This number can be as high as 2,000 per transplant.

In about a week or so, the incisions have started to heal, the scabs have fallen off, however, it will take up to a year for real hair growth to appear. In order to avoid further hair transplant procedures from needing to be performed, it is recommended that the patient use a drug such as Propecia. The continued use of this drug will help to minimize the need for another surgery.

The first step involved in a hair transplant is for the surgeon to draw a replacement hairline for the patient. Then the scalp is numbed and the donor hairs, usually from the back of the head, are shaved. Once this is completed, the skin that the donor hairs are attached to is removed from the head.

As a man ages, he looses hair. There is not much that can be done to stop this from happening. There are topical and oral drugs that can be taken to slow the process, but if they are stopped, the hair loss resumes. A person can use cover ups such as toupees or hair weaves, but they really do not look very natural. Enter the hair transplant surgery. This surgery utilizes hair from the body (normally the back of the head) that is not programmed to fall out to replace the missing follicles. But how do they do it?

Looking Into Permanent Hair Transplant Methods

Let us say that you have thought it over, slept through it and turned it over and over again and decided that permanent hair transplant is the way for you to go. But you still cannot decide which method to choose. There are a lot of factors to consider: your comfort zone and threshold, your budget, what is available and best for your condition. It is an excellent idea to talk to a surgeon, and if you are up to it, compare surgeons and services even. Permanent hair transplant is no light subject; after all, it will shape and redefine not only your hairline but also the way you will see yourself in the mirror everyday.

Some of the permanent hair transplant methods include mini-grafting and micro-grafting, slit grafts, and strip grafts. Micro-grafts have one to two hairs while mini-grafts have three to four. Mini-grafting and micro-grafting transplant hair and have lower metabolic requirements because of its size, and are also able to grow over scarred areas as well. Also, the chance of success is high, about 85% on scarred tissue and 95% on non-scarred tissue. There are also slit grafts and strip grafts. Slit grafts differ from strip grafts in that they contain four to ten hairs. These are used on areas away from the edges. Strip grafts, on the other hand, are larger and may contain thirty to forty hairs. The hair surgeon combines these four methods – mini-grafting, micro-grafting, slit grafts and strip grafts – to recreate an authentic head of hair.

Budgeting For Hair Transplant Costs

It can be very expensive to pay for hair loss treatments but you can budget for them if you work with a reputable company and doctor. The exact cost of the treatment is going to depend on the type of transplant and how much hair is involved. Individuals with lighter shades of hair take more time to transplant so they cost more. The final cost depends on the number of grafts that have to be done in order to get great results. Almost all hair transplant resources are happy to provide free consultations.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to talk with the doctor about the various hair transplant procedures as well as what you wish to accomplish by them. They can also discuss the different financing options available. Bosley is the most recognized hair loss treatment center in the world. They work with the financer Cosmetic Fee Plan, featuring a very fast and easy application process. You can even do it online. You will know your eligibility status in only a few days time. After you have been approved they will send you paperwork that you can take to your doctor.

The financing offered by Cosmetic Fee Plan can be a maximum of $25,000. They offer 100% financing if you qualify and the monthly payment arrangements are very reasonable as well as set at a fixed rate. Other great hair transplant financing programs are offered CareCredit, AestheticFunding.com, HealthReady.com, and CapitalOne.com. You can also talk to your personal bank to find out if they lend money for such expenses. Some people choose to refinance their home to pay for the procedure.

The cost of hair transplants aren’t cheap, but take a look at the life time cost of using other products for hair loss on the market. They can help your hair look better but they won’t be able to prevent it from getting thinner and your hair isn’t going to grow in those areas again. With a hair transplant, you are offered a permanent solution for hair loss. The various financial options help make it an affordable decision that fits into most any budget.

Hair Transplantation Surgery

Proper hair transplant information is important before going for a hair transplantation surgery. Hair transplantation is the process of transplanting hair-bearing portion of the scalp onto the bald area. Recent technological advances have made the operation more convenient, affordable and effective.

Some basic hair transplant facts

Hair transplantation operation involves several steps like pre-surgery care, post-operation care.

Pre-surgery care - You are supposed to follow certain pre-operation precautionary measures. For example, you need to follow the list of dos and don’ts provided by the surgeon. These dos and don’ts include abstaining from alcohol and medicines not prescribed by the surgeon.

Post-operative care - You have to take certain precautions after the transplantation. For example, you must not expose the operated area to sunlight for some days. Shampoos and chemicals are also to be shunned.

You may experience falling of displaced hair from the recipient zone. It is a perfectly normal phenomenon.

Hair transplant cost - The hair transplant cost depends mainly on the clinic and the surgeon’s fees. The required number of grafts, that depends on the balding area size, also matters in this regard.

Hair transplantation is the most effective way to deal with pattern baldness. The process entails removal of the scalp’s hair-bearing portion and transplanting it onto the bald patch. Recent technological advances have enhanced the convenience and affordability of the surgery, making it most popular method of medical hair restoration.

Follicular unit transplantation

A discussion offering basic hair transplant information is incomplete without a special discussion on follicular unit transplantation. This process is considered the most effective among the various hair restoration methods. The surgery involves transplanting hair from the permanent zone in the back of the scalp onto the affected areas.

The donor tissue is removed in one piece to ensure that the follicular units being relocated from the scalp back are not damaged. An integral part of follicular unit transplantation is single-strip harvesting. It ensures that no damage is caused to the individual hair follicles.

Hair Loss Treatments for Men

Hair loss can be a real disappointment for men. It can make you look older than your years, and maybe even worse, it can detract from your appearance. If you've been worried about your hair loss and wondering what you can do, there are a number of choices. See stop-your-hair-loss.5x1.net for more information.

Some men choose to try surgical hair transplants. That seems like the permanent fix to many guys. The problem is that it often takes more than one round of transplants. That first transplant surgery will leave you with noticeable scabbing and swelling for at least a week. And then when the hair does come in, it can look artificial. I've seen hair transplants where there are areas that are too spotty or unnatural. Those results leave a guy with a hairline that screams "hair transplant". That can be worse, you know, than the look of the thinning hair before the transplant.

Men who are considering a hair transplant need to be aware of that possible outcome. It takes a year before a second transplant can begin to fill in the bad spots, and even then a third procedure might be needed. That's the downside to transplants. You go in hoping it will solve the problem quickly, and then you get a result that is noticeably a transplant and it takes years and multiple surgeries to correct. The problem seems to happen more often to guys with lighter colored or thinner hair.

One tried and true choice is to try a wig or a hair weave. That's a club that many guys just can't bring themselves to join. It's way too noticeable and women especially seem to react poorly to it.

Another choice is to address the body chemistry that is bringing about the hair loss. Drugs such as Propecia are an example of this choice. For many men this avenue of treatment is preferred. It's less noticeable and maintains the natural hair a man started with. Not losing the hair in the first place is a great solution.

Carefully consider the options for hair loss treatment. A good choice will make you feel better about yourself.

Advancement in Hair Transplantation

A standard hair transplantation procedure involves the removal of donor strip of hair from the back of the head from where the follicular unit grafts are dissected under a microscope. These grafts are then preserved in saline and are then transplanted on a bald patch on the crown area of the scalp.

Given the time consuming and tedious nature of this procedure, a hair transplant surgeon is often able to transplant only about 500 to 600 follicular unit grafts per day. However, thanks to the recent hair transplant advances, this technique is often replaced by the follicular unit extraction (FUE). The cost per graft of FUE is typically twice the cost of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure discussed above but it is comparatively faster and minimally invasive.

Some hair transplant advances

In a typical FUE procedure a small round punch is made in the donor area to directly extract 1, 2, 3 and 4 hair follicular unit grafts. The follicular units extracted using this process is typically referred to as "blunt dissection" where a punch is made to envelope the entire follicular unit separating it from the surrounding soft tissues.

Once the underlying follicular unit is separated from the surrounding tissues, it is easily extracted using a small forceps. The small holes left behind after the follicular unit extraction gradually heal over the next few days and are not detectable to the naked eye once the patient's hair grows out. The healing time is much less than the donor strip extraction procedure.

While the FUE procedure has been adopted by most hair transplant clinics, the standard strip excision method is still the most popular hair transplant procedure because it is more economical than the FUE.

Moreover, due to some recent hair transplant advances such as the use of trichophytic closure technique, the linear donor scar created by the strip excision procedure is now often rendered almost undetectable to the naked eye. This advancement in the hair transplantation technique has made FUE procedure relatively less appealing.

Hair transplantation research

Besides the hair transplant advances in the transplantation procedures, a lot of research is also underway to clone the hair. If the hair transplantation research is successful it will be possible to make several copies of donor hair in the laboratory. The application of this technique would be used in the form of hair transplantation. In the traditional procedures, the biggest limitation is often the donor which is not able to meet required density. However, hair cloning promises to overcome this problem by having the amount of hair required to be grown in a laboratory from a single donor hair and then implanting it into the scalp.

Hair Transplant Surgery - Will Your New Hair Grow As Long As You Want It To?

The most frequent question that is asked by people who are about to undergo hair transplant surgery is:

"Will I be able to grow my hair long and if so, will it still appear natural?"

Since men typically have higher instances of going through hair transplant surgery than women, they are usually the ones to ask this question. And the answer is: Yes! You can grow your hair is long as you like and it will remain completely natural, just like your the rest of your original hair.

Where Does The New Hair Come From?

During hair transplant surgery, your doctor will take hair follicles from other parts of your scalp, typically the back and side areas where the average person has thicker hair, and will graft each individual strand by little incisions on the balding parts of your head.

Once these new follicles have been successfully transplanted, the hair growth that occurs from this location will grow naturally. The only way that these new hair strands could be removed is through some sort of head injury or having your hair cut or pulled out on purpose.

How Does The New Transplanted Hair Grow?

When an individual undergoes hair transplant surgery, the doctor uses your old hair to replace the bald spots on your scalp. This new hair is literally attached exactly the same way in which your normal hair is connected.

The bond is strong and once a successful hair transplant surgery has been completed, this hair is guaranteed to grow just like your original hair, with real follicles providing nourishment needed to continue long-term growth.

Once Healed From Hair Transplant Surgery, Will The New Hair Grow As Fast As Normal?

Although the new hair that is micrografted from your operation will grow as long as you want it to, while looking totally natural, the speed at which it grows will not be as fast as your original hair. However, the good news is that the average person will experience at least 1/2 an inch of new hair growth on a monthly basis. This will allow you to look radiant, confident, with hair is growing like the rest of your scalp.

Once Hair Transplant Surgery Is Complete

After the completion of your micrograft operation, the doctor will have you come back to the office for a routine checkup. The nurse will then take a close look at your scalp to make sure that the follicles which were transplanted to your balding areas are growing as they should be. As long as everything looks good, and you are healthy, then the sutures from the back of your head (the donor area) will be removed.

Planning your Hair Transplant So You have Hair for your Wedding

For anyone who is considering a hair transplant so they have hair for their wedding, they really need to make sure they are aware of the hair transplant timeline. If your dream is to have a full head of hair then make sure you plan it well so it can happen. You need to understand the process of hair growth so you can understand the timeline.

Hair goes through three stages of growth. Anagen is the phase where hair actually grows. It can last from two up to four years and the length of time is different for each person. This is why some people are able to grow long hair and others just can’t. On average, hair grows about ½ inch per month in this stage.

The next stage is Catagen, lasting from two to four weeks. In this stage the hair doesn’t grow but it is still attached to the follicles. However, the hair follicles will shrink. Telogen is considered a resting stage. Hair doesn’t grow in this stage and the follicles rest. This results in hairs detaching form the follicles. This stage also lasts from two to four months.

It is normal for 10% to 15% of your hair to be resting at any given time. Once the Telogen stage has ended, the Anagen phase starts again so you grow new hair. This pushes the old hair out of the follicles. Each person loses from 50 to 100 hairs per day.

After a hair transplant, the shock of the procedure results in your hair shifting from whatever stage it is in to Telogen. This is why many people experience their hair falling out after a hair transplant. It will be two to four months before it starts to grow again. This new hair will be fine and thin, but it will generally get thicker as time passes.

Keeping all of this in perspective, you can expect your hair to fall out after a transplant. During the next four to six months it will slowly start to grow again. It will take about another six months for it to become full and thick. It is safe to say it is going to take you at least a year after a hair transplant to have a full head of hair that has grown out a few inches. It can take longer for some people to get to this point. If you want a full head of hair for your wedding then it has to be planned for at least a year after the transplant. Keep in mind it may take you longer so plan accordingly.

Hair Transplant Surgery - Do You Need It, Do You Want It?

Hair transplant surgery is very common these days. As hair loss is such a big problem for so many people, and as hair transplant surgery becomes more and more effective, it is more in demand.

However hair transplant surgery is usually the last in the list of things that you need to consider if you are suffering from hair loss.

For those who are suffering from some degree of hair loss there are some steps you need to take before you consider hair transplant surgery. Hair loss is not necessarily permanent, and the very first thing that you need to do is to consult your doctor and find out a specific cause.

Hair loss can be temporary. For example there are various medical conditions and medical treatments which can cause hair loss and once these conditions have been treated or the treatments stopped the hair recovers. No need for hair transplant surgery there.

And where you have a diagnosed hair loss condition that may well be permanent, such as male pattern baldness, or permanent hereditary hair loss, there can still be some other options to consider.

The first option is to do nothing. Don’t laugh. Hair replacement treatments, and particularly hair transplant surgery, can be exceedingly expensive. They can have some side effects and can be unpleasant. Sometimes they don’t work, or are unsuitable for your particular condition. Doing nothing about it is a very viable option and one that any proficient professional should counsel you about.

Baldness is becoming fashionable. Perhaps it started with Yul Brinner, who knows, but there are some who deliberately shave their heads as a fashion statement. You don’t need to go that far, although you could also consider that, but you certainly could consider living with it.

Work out how much effort and money you are prepared to expend on doing something about it. Hair transplant surgery is very expensive and hair loss is not really considered a disease so government or private medical funds may not cover the cost. Check that out.

Next find out about the pharmaceutical hair replacement products. There are several which do work, although not for everybody. Check them out. Find out more. They also have their drawbacks, but you should educate yourself about all options.

But for many this process still leads them to hair transplant surgery. There is no doubt that if you have hair transplant surgery done by a reputable hair transplant centre it can be very effective.

There are positives and negatives to hair transplant surgery. As previously stated, it can be expensive. It is a long process, over many months, requiring repeated visits, and it is surgery, with the normal, though low, risks attached to any surgery. And it doesn’t suit everybody, depending on the nature of your problem.

On the other hand hair transplant surgery, once it is over, is very effective in most cases. You end up growing your own hair and the result is permanent. The final effect, which takes around 12 months, can be extremely effective.

There are various types of hair transplant surgery available at various hair transplant centres. If you have spent some time thinking about your options and have finally come to the conclusion that hair transplant surgery is for you then take the next step.

Before You Get That Transplant

Hair transplantation is on of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. The technology has developed to the point where a procedure can be undetectable and quite good. In fact, I have personally performed thousands of transplant procedures with excellent results. Many of my patients have come back for second and even third procedures and the results have been fantastic.

On the other hand, not everybody with hair loss will benefit from having a surgical procedure for treating hair loss. For a number of reasons, you may not be a good candidate and it would not be smart to undergo a transplant. In my experience, often times the most eager candidates are actually the worst candidates. For instance, a young man in his late teens or early twenties may be noticing his hair loss for the first time and is devastated. Due to the aggressive marketing for hair transplantation, he may find himself lured into the procedure anticipating wonderful changes. Unfortunately, this may be the greatest pitfall of hair transplant as the future hair loss is completely unpredictable. While the hair loss may run in the family, one can never known which genetic factors influence the dynamic condition of the hair and scalp.

Another group of people who may inappropriately be led down the primrose path is women who for some reason are experiencing rapid, temporary hair loss. Because each hair actually falls out after several years of growth, it is a very normal process for everybody to lose hair. However, if the hair loss is somewhat synchronized, then temporary hair loss may occur and this “shock” loss may be very unnerving. Again, in this instance, a hair transplant may not be indicated. In fact, a transplant may accelerate the temporary hair loss.

For these reasons and many more, it is very important to have a complete hair and scalp analysis, examination and history. You may not be the best candidate for a transplant. Plus, if you are a good candidate, it may be better to either wait a while until your pattern of loss may be more clearly defined or, it may also be prudent to condition your scalp for several months ahead of time. That way, you will benefit the most from the transplant. After all, we all want happy hair, don’t we!

Hair Transplant Techniques

People are always conscious of their appearance. No one prefers a bald head so modern technology has introduced different methods of hair transplant The success of hair transplant surgery depends upon the type of hair transplantation procedure one adopts during hair restoration surgery.

Gradually hair transplant has taken a new turn in the span of time with single follicular hair being the standard unit of hair transplant surgery. The hair transplant procedure has now become standardized. A long string of hair transplant starts with the harvesting of donor’s hair. It begins with the excision of 1cm and 20cm long strip of hair from donor site. The strip is tapering at end to facilitate easy removal.

The dissection of strips is the next step. After the strip is excised from the donor site it is handed over to the surgical assistants. Then he cuts the strip into many fine strips with the use of stereoscopic microscope. This process of transplantation of donor strips into many strips is technology termed as silvering.

Earlier most of the hair restoration surgeons used to take help of multi blade knife for cutting the strip into silvers. However after the introduction of stereoscopic dissection of microscope the use of single blade has gained much acceptance. After the completion of slicing of strips, the next hair transplant procedure consists of dissecting of these silvers into categories of grafts again with the use of dissection microscope. In case of dissection of one –haired follicular unit it is called follicular unit graft, in case of two –haired it is called micro-graft, in case of three haired follicular units it is called mini-graft.

Making slits on the recipient site is the next procedure after micro-grafts and mini-grafts and follicular unit. This is one of the most important procedures. The natural direction of the hair plays an important role in the surgery. The size of the slit is also of immense importance. The size of slit and size of graft to be transplanted should be same. Different sizes of blades are used for different kinds and sizes of follicular units and groups of follicles.

Laser hair transplant is another method. It has proved to give much natural results. In this process a laser beam is used to vaporize a narrow slot in scalp for implanting hair graft. It is capable of transplanting hundreds of graft dramatically and thus also reduces the time of hair transplant surgery.

Could A Hair Transplant Be The Best Hair Loss Cure?

Hair loss cures are many, and are saturating the market these days. Everybody has their own idea concerning a hair loss cure – but which is really the best one? There are the medication cures such as Rogaine and Propecia, herbal cures such as saw palmetto and green tea, and also to be considered is hair transplanting. Could a hair transplant be your best hair loss cure?

Benefits

The most obvious benefit to having a hair transplant is that you will have your full head of hair back. Another benefit of having a hair transplant is that it is permanent. Once your hair transplant is complete, it is there forever. Also, the transplanted hair will grow in just the same way as your normal hair did, so you will still need to get haircuts and buy styling products. Last, but not least, hair transplants are the only everlasting cure for a hair loss problem.

Drawbacks

However, there are a number of drawbacks to take into consideration when using a hair transplant as a hair loss cure. The most important of these is the fact that hair transplant procedures are surgery, and this always involves some risk. There is the also the possibility of bleeding, scarring and infection, which must be taken into consideration when making a decision to have hair transplants.

A third drawback is the cost. Hair transplant surgery can be very expensive, so if you are on a tight budget this may not be the best hair loss cure for you. Hair grafts can range between $3 and $10 per graft, and since generally people need between 500 and 2000 grafts this is always going to be quite costly.

The Physician as Your Hair Transplant Specialist

So, you’ve weighed the benefits and the drawbacks, and have still decided to get a hair transplant - now what? Now it’s time to carefully select your hair transplant specialist. When choosing your hair transplant specialist it is of paramount importance that this individual is an actual practicing physician.

There are any number of reasons why this is so, one of which is that a physician has an educational background in medicine, surgical training, and then he/she has additional specialized training in hair transplants as a hair loss cure.

Using a physician as your hair transplant specialist may very well cost you extra, but in the long run it will certainly help to reduce the number of mistakes that might be made by an individual who does not have the same training and years of experience.

Hair transplant surgery is just one of the many options available to you as a hair loss cure. However, the facts that it is permanent, and that the new hair grows just like your own, makes it one of the leading and most popular options today.

Hair Transplant Surgery, Is It An Option For You?

Are you considering undergoing hair transplant surgery to seek a cure for your hair loss problem? The skill and techniques of hair transplant methods vary widely, as do their perceived results. If you are undergoing hair transplant treatment, you may consider learning about the technique that actually works for you. If carried out correctly, a hair transplant surgery can bring wonderful results on your balding head, which are lifelong and so natural that even the most seasoned hair stylists cannot detect the surgery. Hair transplant could be very critical as by not choosing a right procedure, you may even damage your scalp.

To undergo a successful hair transplant procedure, you will need to study some basic procedures which are essential for the entire process. As a basic step you may want to know more about the procedures themselves! Currently, if done right, hair transplant surgery can restore a full head of hair which is natural and good looking. Such procedures need not be cumbersome or painful. You will need to learn about the surgical procedure, the performing surgeon, their reputation and track record.

You may preferably seek advice from those patients who have undergone surgery previously, just to learn about their experience and opinions. You can even join live forums on the internet or a self help group in your town to discuss about the problems and remedies. The most important pre surgery activity, however, is conducting a good research to select a qualified surgeon who is not only experienced but also possess a hands-on-experience in the field of scalp surgery. The skill, talent, concern and experience of hair transplant surgeons do vary widely, as do their results and customer satisfaction surveys. It is very important that you choose your physician carefully, as your results will last a life time without any hassles.

Female Hair Loss: Hair Transplant

Female hair loss is often overlooked as hair loss seem to afflict more males than females. Many people believe it just doesn’t happen, but it does. The effects on a woman are devastating. Much emphasis has been placed on the physical looks of a woman that when she begins to lose her hair, it is traumatic to her self esteem. There are some good options to help a woman who is losing her hair. Most of the treatment methods are just for hair loss remedy and prevention. In certain cases, these hair loss remedies may not be effective. Many women in these situations would want to get back the hair they have lost. No one likes to wear a wig everyday. That is where the option of surgery comes in.

In a hair transplant surgery, there are two ways hair is replaced. Depending on how the hair is lost, the methods can be follicle transplant or larger area transplant. In a follicle type, transplant individual hairs are transplanted to the thinning areas. In the other method, flaps of skin containing live hair are transplanted. Each method ends with the same desired result of replacing lost hair.

It is important to find out if hair transplant can meet your needs and be the answer to your hair loss. If you lose hair mainly from the top of your head then you have experienced the correctable form of hair loss. This is because the areas where you have not lost hair can be donor areas for the hair to be transplanted with little worry that they will grow once transplanted. The second type of hair loss is a thinning throughout the entire head and this way can not be corrected through surgery.

Hair transplant surgery is not always the answer for everyone. Some may have to have multiple surgeries to get the desired results. Deciding if you are a candidate for hair loss should be discussed between you and your doctor.

Finding a Hair Transplant Specialist to Reduce the Effects of Hair Loss

There are many people who struggle with hair loss. Hair loss is a common component of aging. The first signs of hair loss are usually a receding hair line or a bald spot on the top of the head. For most men hair loss can lead to self-consciousness and anxiety. If you are experiencing hair loss you probably have tried several products on the market and have found little success. There are shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that all guarantee hair growth but may not produce the results you were looking to achieve.

Hair loss is not a discriminatory ailment. All skin types and skin colors and people of all ages can suffer from hair loss. For many years, there were few measures that could be taken to reduce hair loss and the products that were on the market had disappointing results.

Fortunately, you no longer have to suffer from hair loss. Currently, there are many treatments that are readily available and affordable and which can help you fight hair loss. One of the common procedures is a hair transplant. A hair transplant procedure can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem. However, you should be sure to have your hair transplant procedure performed by a trusted and respected surgeon.

You need to be sure that the doctor that you choose is very experienced and knowledgeable. Skilled hair transplant doctors are well trained and have satisfied customers with successful results. Getting referrals from patients of particular doctors is helpful.

If you or someone you love needs the services of a hair transplant doctor, be sure to take the time to do the research. Dr. Sword is one highly reputed doctor who specializes in hair transplants. To learn more visit SwordMedical.com.

Hair Replacement - 10 Things You Need to Know When Considering a Hair Replacement

Hair replacement is becoming more and more popular in the recent years among people who suffer from hair loss. Due to the advance of medical technology, hair replacement became more common – its prices got more reasonable and its outcome got better. If you consider having a hair replacement, read the following first:

1. Permanent hair transplant surgery is not new. Actually, the first hair transplant surgery was held over 30 years ago.

2. Hair replacement transplant uses only your existing hair. That’s why in order to get a hair replacement transplant you must have hair in good condition at the sides and at the back of your head (“The donor areas”)

3. If you have almost no hair left over your head, hair replacement could not help you. There are different techniques of hair replacement transplant according to the ratio of hair fullness required.

4. Hair replacement is not only for men – It could be a good solution for female hair loss in some cases.

5. Hair replacement surgery is usually safe and has no side effects. However, in some cases there could be infections like any surgery.

6. Hair replacement surgery is normally performed using a local anesthesia; you should little or no pain at all.

7. Hair replacement process requires several sessions with an interval of a couple of months between them. All the process can take up to two years.

8. You will be asked to refrain of any sport activity after each hair replacement session.

9. Make sure that your physician has performed a lot of hair replacement processes and that he knows and has an experience using all the different techniques.

10. Hair replacement is a completely individual process. You must ask the physician how your hair will look after the process.

Hair replacement is a legitimate hair loss solution. However, it is an extreme one. We strongly advice you try other hair loss solution before trying this one.

Carefully Scrutinize The Hair Transplant Cost Before You Commit

Hair transplant cost is quite high so before you commit to anything, make sure that this is want to you want. Surgical techniques can be painful, so you also have to keep this in mind as well. Because hair transplant costs are considered to be plastic surgery, it is not included as a normal cost in your health plan. You will have to have your own money to cover the cost.

The average cost for hair transplants for hair grafting is generally on a per graft basis. The total hair transplant cost depends on how many of these hair grafts you want to have. Surgeons will be able to give you an average cost based on each graft, but they will need to really examine you to determine how many grafts you will need to cover your bald spots. There are too many factors involved in determining the hair transplant cost for a doctor to give you a quote over the telephone.

Average costs for hair transplants could be anywhere from $3500 to $9000. This cost is for the transplant of hair follicles from a part of the head where there is hair to a spot where all the hair is gone or where it is thinning. Some doctors charge by the session rather than the number if hair grafts they have to perform, but the hair transplant cost is just as high. This type of procedure is often the best one to choose because you can get the maximum number of grafts that you need included in the hair transplant cost. The consultation with the doctor is usually free, but you need to check on this before you make the appointment.

The hair transplant cost is also usually cheaper for women than for men, ranging from $4000 to $7000. This is because women do not often need as many hair transplants as men do because the balding area is not as large or as prominent. The average costs for hair transplants often do not include the follow up visits that may be needed to ensure that everything is going smoothly and that you are not having any problems. You should also ask the doctor if you get a refund if the hair transplant procedure is not successful.