Hair transplant
Hair restoration; Hair replacement; Hair plugs; Follicular unit extraction (FUE)A hair transplant is a surgical procedure to improve baldness.
Description
During a hair transplant, hairs are moved from an area of thick growth to bald areas.
Most hair transplants are done in a doctor's office. The procedure is performed as follows:
- You receive local anesthesia to numb the scalp. You may also receive medicine to relax you.
- Your scalp is thoroughly cleaned.
- A strip of your hairy scalp is removed using a scalpel (surgical knife) and set aside. This area of your scalp is called the donor area. The scalp is closed using tiny stitches.
- Small groups of hairs, or individual hairs, are carefully separated out from the removed scalp, often done under magnification or microscope.
- In some cases, smaller areas of the scalp and groups of hairs are removed with other equipment or robotic assistance.
- The bald areas that will receive these healthy hairs are cleaned. These areas of your scalp are called the recipient areas.
- Tiny cuts are made in the bald area.
- Healthy hairs are carefully placed in the cuts. During a single treatment session, hundreds or even thousands of hairs may be transplanted.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
A hair transplant can improve the appearance and self-confidence in people who are balding. This procedure cannot create new hair. It can only move the hair you already have to the areas that are bald.
Most people who have a hair transplant have male or female pattern baldness. Hair loss is on the front or top of the scalp. You must still have thick hair on the back or sides of the scalp to have enough hair follicles to move.
Male
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men.
Female pattern baldness
Female pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in women.
In some cases, people with hair loss from lupus, injuries, or other medical problems are treated with a hair transplant.
Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...
Risks
Risks of surgery in general include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Other risks that can occur with this procedure:
- Scarring
- Unnatural-looking tufts of new hair growth
It is possible that the transplanted hair will not look as good as you had desired.
If you plan to have a hair transplant, you should be in good health. This is because surgery is less likely to be safe and successful if your health is poor. Discuss your risks and options with your doctor before undergoing this procedure.
After the Procedure
Follow the doctor's instructions about caring for your scalp and any other self-care measures. This is especially important to ensure healing.
For a day or two after the procedure, you may have a large surgical dressing or a smaller dressing that can be protected by a baseball cap.
During the recovery period after surgery, your scalp may be very tender. You may need to take pain medicines. The hair grafts may appear to fall out, but they will regrow.
You may also need to take antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines after surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most hair transplants result in excellent hair growth within several months after the procedure. More than one treatment session may be needed to create best results.
The replaced hairs are mostly permanent. No long-term care is necessary.
References
Avram MR, Keene SA, Stough DB, Rogers NE, Cole JP. Hair restoration. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 157.
Fisher J. Hair restoration. In: Rubin JP, Neligan PC, eds. Plastic Surgery, Volume 2: Aesthetic surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 21.
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
Review Date: 3/2/2023
Reviewed By: Tang Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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