Hair Replacement Surgery
Background
Hair loss is a part of the aging process that affects many men and women every year. Typically caused by a combination of hormonal changes, genetics, and growing older, hair loss can be detrimental to one's self-image and confidence. Fortunately, cosmetic surgeons have developed operations to treat this condition. Thanks to recent developments, people who suffer from hair loss can now appear younger, seem more energetic, and regain the confidence of their younger years.
Best candidates
All surgical hair replacement procedures involve taking existing hair and using it to fill in bald patches on the head. Therefore, the best hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and the sides of the head. Candidates also must have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished through surgery.Uncertainty and Risk
All surgery has a certain level of uncertainty and risk. Fortunately, hair replacement surgery has been practiced for decades and is normally very safe when performed by a qualified and experience plastic surgeon. Your doctor will provide you with a customized analysis of any uncertainty and risk during your consultation.Planning for Surgery
Hair replacement surgery is an individualized treatment, and it is important to find a doctor who you are comfortable working with and who has experience performing all types of replacement techniques. Your plastic surgeon will help you plan for the operation by evaluating your hair growth and loss, reviewing your family history of hair loss, asking about your lifestyle, and finding out if you've had any previous hair replacement surgery. Your doctor will also explain anesthesia, his or her treatment plan, and other essential information during your consultation.Preparing for your Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your hair replacement surgery. Guidelines will be provided on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain medications and vitamins. It is imperative to carefully follow the instructions given to you buy your doctor so that you can ensure an effective procedure and a comfortable recovery. Additionally, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery.Where the surgery is performed
Thanks to the modern techniques used, hair replacement surgery rarely requires a hospital stay. Instead, your plastic surgeon will likely perform the operation in his or her office facility or in an outpatient surgery center.Anesthesia
Hair replacement surgery is usually performed using a local anesthesia with sedation. This helps patients become relaxed and comfortable during the operation and insensitive to pain.How the surgery is performed
There are several different methods of hair replacement surgery. These include hair transplantation, tissue expansion, flap surgery, and scalp reduction. Although the techniques may vary from procedure to procedure, the general approach is the same-small pieces of hair-bearing scalp grafts are removed from a donor site and relocated to bald or thinning area. Hair replacement typically requires more than one surgery, depending on the goals of the patient and the technique selected. Hair replacement surgery is an individualized treatment, so it is important to discuss your needs and expectations openly with your doctor so you can devise the most appropriate treatment plan together.Post-op
Due to the individualized nature of hair replacement surgery, the recovery time following the procedure is highly dependent upon the extent and complexity of the treatment. For some patients, doctors will utilize bandages to aid with the healing process. Pain medication is prescribed for all patients to avoid unnecessary discomfort. To ensure proper healing and long-lasting results, your plastic surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments for some time after your hair replacement surgery.Hair Replacement Methods
Although there are many so-called "cures" for balding in existence around the world, four surgical hair replacement operations are recognized and commonly in practice by certified physicians. These include hair transplantation, tissue expansion, flap surgery, and scalp reduction. It is important to know that the adoption of any of these techniques is highly dependent upon the patient.In fact, it is not uncommon for two or more of these methods to be combined so that a desired amount of coverage is achieved. Your surgeon will work with you to evaluate your needs and together you will select the most appropriate method to treat your thinning or balding hair. You can reverse the aging process and rejuvenate your appearance. Speak with a plastic surgeon about the different hair replacement surgery methods today.
Hair transplantation
Hair transplantation is really "hair redistribution". It is a form of hair replacement surgery that involves the relocation of healthy hair to another part of the head. The surgeon removes small pieces of scalp from the sides or back of the head where hair is plentiful. These scalp grafts are then transferred to the bald or thinning area of a patient's head, transplanting existing hair into less bountiful areas.
Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion is practiced by plastic surgeons with impressive results. In this procedure, doctors place a device called a tissue expander beneath a hair-bearing area of the scalp that is right next to a bald area. By placing these small balloon-like bags under the scalp and inflating them over a period of weeks, doctors can stretch the scalp to cover bald areas. An additional operation is then required to move the newly expanded skin over the bald spot.
Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is an operation used by surgeons to cover large balding areas of the scalp. During this procedure a section of hairless scalp is removed and a "flap" of hair-covered scalp is sewn in its place. Flap surgery is one of the most successful hair replacement surgeries and may be an effective solution for patients suffering from major hair loss on one area of their heads.
strong>Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction is a form of hair replacement surgery that covers the bald areas at the top and back of the head. This technique involves the removal of hairless scalp sections and the pulling together of nearby hair-covered sections to fill in a bald area. Scalp reduction allows plastic surgeons to take advantage of the elastic properties of human skin.
Hair Replacement Surgery Statistics:
-95% of male hair loss is due to genetic reasons.
-Male pattern baldness is though to occur in varying forms in about 66% of adult males at some point in their lives.
-40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35.
-By age 50, 50% of American men are affected by hair loss.
-By age 60, 65% of men have noticeable hair loss.
-In the year 2000, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery found hair transplantation to be the most commonly practiced form of surgery for men, with over 177,000 procedures performed.
-Although not as common as male hair loss, 25 million women suffer from women's hair loss in the United States alone.
Hair Replacement Q&A
Am I a good candidate for hair replacement?The best candidates for hair replacement have healthy hair growth on the back and sides of the head. These are the donor regions that will be used to replace bald or thinning spots of the scalp. To be a good candidate, you must also have realistic expectations regarding what can be accomplished through a hair replacement operation.
How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for hair replacement?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a full evaluation during your consultation. This will include an assessment of your family history, lifestyle choices, and individual needs. Hair replacement surgery is tailored for each patient, so your plastic surgeon will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
When will I learn about the cost of surgery?
During your initial consultation your plastic surgeon will provide you with information regarding the expenses of hair replacement surgery.
Where are the hair replacement incisions placed?
Hair replacement incisions are placed where the hairline is desired to be restored. Trained and certified surgeons will make the incisions based on discussions with the patient to ensure satisfaction with the final result.
How is my plastic surgeon able to restore my hair?
There are several different hair replacement methods currently practiced by plastic surgeons. These include hair transplantation, tissue expansion, flap surgery, and scalp reduction. Each of these procedures takes small pieces of donor scalp and relocates them to an area that is bald or thinning. Your plastic surgeon will help you decide an appropriate treatment plan during your consultation.
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more?
Fortunately, hair replacement surgery is very safe and highly effective. However, all surgical procedures have some amount of risk. These risks are often dependent on the patient, with each person having a different set of needs and background information. Your plastic surgeon will explain all of the potential uncertainties regarding your hair replacement surgery while planning the operation.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Your doctor will provide guidelines for you to follow when preparing for your hair replacement surgery. These guidelines will include instructions on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications. Your plastic surgeon will also provide information on what to expect and the surgical procedure itself to ease any uncertainties you may have about your treatment.
What will the day of surgery be like?
Before your operation, you will be given a local anesthesia along with sedation. This will make you insensitive to pain and allow you be relaxed during the operation. The duration of your hair replacement procedure will be based on the complexity of your case. However, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery so you can avoid operating a vehicle while under the influence of anesthesia. Because every person’s needs and operation are different, your plastic surgeon will provide with detailed instructions on what your day of surgery will be like.
How will I look initially?
Some patients may experience some aching or swelling immediately following their hair replacement surgeries. Over time these sensations will disappear. Although the new replacement hair looks good initially, it is normal for it to fall out after several weeks and for new hair to grow and take its place over the following months. At this point, you will be on your way to having a youthful full head of hair again.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Depending on how active you are, you may be able to resume normal activities after several days. However, patients who partake in strenuous activity are discouraged from vigorous exercise and contact sports for at least three weeks.
How long will the results last?
Hair replacement surgery is almost always permanent, although some patients require “touch-up” procedures to maintain results that appear natural. Your plastic surgeon will explain the long term effects of your operation during your consultation. Set an appointment to regain your vigor and discuss hair replacement surgery with your doctor today.