Balding or thinning hair is a natural process that can profoundly affect men's, and occasionally women's, appearance and self-confidence. The condition is typically brought on by aging or shifts in hormonal levels. Hair transplants cosmetically disguise this process by moving healthy hair to the balding or thinning areas of the head. Men with a reasonable amount of hair on the sides and back of their head can expect hair transplant procedures to provide them with a more natural looking, fuller head of hair.

The Procedure

There are a number of different hair transplant procedures, the most common of which involves the use of grafts (small sections of healthy hair). The surgeon removes healthy grafts from the scalp (which range from 2 to 40 strands of hair) and transfers them to thinning or balding areas. A surgeon typically performs an average of 50 hair grafts per session. Many doctors combine grafts with tissue expansion. This latter procedure involves inserting a balloon expander under the skin of hair-growing areas. Over the course of seven to ten weeks, the expander is gradually filled with saline solution, causing the hair-bearing portion of the scalp to expand and create new skin cells. A subsequent procedure allows the surgeon to gently stretch the newly expanded skin over a larger portion of the head.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery has been performed on men for over two decades. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a strip of bald scalp and replaces it with a strip of hair-bearing scalp. The advantage here is that 1 strip equals hundreds of punch grafts.

Scalp Reduction

A final approach is termed scalp reduction. This procedure involves making incisions in the bald or thinning areas of the head and removing a small section of scalp. The healthy sections of hair are then brought together and sutured. This approach is ill suited for replacing the front hairline but is ideal for filling in the top and back of the head.

After the Surgery

After the surgery, the scalp is cleaned off and covered in gauze. Many patients are fitted with a bandage to protect the sutures and hold the new sections of hair in place. Some patients experience aching, throbbing, or tightness. Prescription medication can reduce this discomfort. Patients can usually start washing their hair after a few days but should avoid rigorous activities for several weeks. It is important to note that hair from relocated grafts falls out within six weeks and does not begin to grow back for up to a month. Stitches are usually removed in one to two weeks.

Health Concerns

As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, excessive bleeding, scarring, and a reaction to the anesthesia. The most common problem involves skin plugs dying before any new hair has a chance to grow. Should this occur, your surgeon will have to re-plant plugs in a subsequent operation. Occasionally, the plugs will leave small bumps on the scalp, although these are undetectable beneath hair. If you smoke, your surgeon will advise that you stop two weeks prior to and following the operation. Because different procedures exist, it is crucial to spend time searching for an experienced physician who is up-to-date on the latest hair transplant techniques. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.