Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant 101: The Basics of Hair Restoration
The donated hair follicles, surrounding tissue and skin are called grafts . Each graft contains one or more hair follicles with accompanying hair, tissue, and skin. The art of hair transplantation is as important as the mechanics of this medical technique. It is important to remember that no two heads are alike, and each procedure should be looked at on an individual basis.

History of Hair Transplants
1950’s: In the 1950s, doctors began to experiment with relocating balding resistant hair follicles from the back and sides of the head to the balding scalp. They were interested in determining if these follicles would live forever, as they would have if they had never been moved. The results were positive! The term for this phenomenon is Donor Dominance. It is the hair follicle itself that determines longevity, not where the hair follicle is located or relocated to on the scalp.

Understanding Hair Transplants
At this point a hair transplant can only be performed by harvesting DHT resistant hair from the back of your own scalp, and then transplanting it into the balding areas, or hair can be transplanted between identical twins with the same genetic makeup. In general, it is believed that hair transplanted from one person to another will be rejected unless anti-rejection medications are taken for life. The risk of taking these medications far out weigh the benefits attained from the transplant, however, scientists are currently researching ways to transplant hairs from one person to another without rejection.

Are You a Candidate?
Hair replacement surgery can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but the results won’t necessarily measure up to your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your hair transplant surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for that hair.

Finding a Surgeon
In the United States any licensed physician can perform hair transplant surgery, it is easy to end up with unsatisfactory results so it is important carefully choose your hair transplant surgeon. Beware of seductive advertising brochures, always ask to see some real people whom the doctor has treated. One of the best ways to find a hair transplant surgeon is through a referral from a satisfied customer, but even then, you should be sure the doctor’s credentials check out.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
1. Can your hair transplant doctor provide you with a minimum of 10 sets of before and after photos taken at the same angle, the same background and the same lighting, to ensure that there is no possible discrepancies when looking at the cases. Be sure that the photos provide a clear view of the hairline, as well as the mid anterior scalp. If possible, ask your doctor to provide you with photographs of donor scars.

Hair Transplant Cost
Prices range from $3 to $10 per graft, the average price is around $5-6 per graft. Keep in mind that the price of the graft does not necessarily guarantee a better or worse outcome

Planning Your Surgery
Always keep in mind that hair replacement surgery is an individualized treatment. In your first meeting, your hair transplant surgeon will evaluate your hair growth and loss, review your family history of hair loss and ask about any previous hair replacement surgery. Your surgeon will also ask you about your lifestyle and discuss your expectations and goals for surgery.

Preparing For Surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your hair transplant surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. By following these instructions, you will help ensure that your surgery goes smoothly.

Find a Hair Transplant Doctor
All hair transplant surgeons listed here are members of the International Alliance of Hair Restorations Surgeons – a consumer organization.