The 411 on Hair Transplantation

Although hair transplantation is not a new process, the procedure has evolved immensely and by using the latest technology and methods, people are able to get results that look and feel very natural. During an initial consultation, there must first be a thorough hair loss analysis in order to determine what the person’s hair loss condition is.

In order to determine the best course of treatment for your hair loss, the hair transplant physician first needs to determine what the factors are that led to the hair loss and what the classification is. In doing so, it will ensure that the best treatment options will be presented in order to correct the hair loss. This consultation will also include the patient receiving information about what the procedure will entail and what the recovery period will be like.

Hair loss classification is used in order to determine the pattern and establish how severe the hair loss is. A standard scale is utilized in order to find the size and find out which type of hair transplantation procedure will be best to give the patient the look they want. The size of the procedure means how many hair grafts will need to be harvested and transplanted during the procedure. The scale that is used to determine hair loss patterns is different for men and women, and men’s hair loss patterns are classified through the Norwood Scale and women’s hair loss patterns are classified through the Ludwig Scale.

There are many different patterns of hair loss that both men and women experience. The donor area for hair transplantation will usually come from the back and the sides of the head, since those areas generally will have the most healthy hair growth. Individual hair follicles will be taken from the donor area and will be used to fill in the thinning areas to provide the most natural looking results.

Hair quality is a very important factor that contributes to how successful the hair transplant will go. The elements that comprise hair quality include:

• Density
• Growth pattern
• Thickness of hair follicles
• Volume

For most patients, the denser the donor hair is, the better the outcome is for their hair transplant procedure. The physician will need to determine the quality of your hair to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure, which is why you will need to have an initial consultation. Your initial consultation will also provide the physician with the necessary information they need to be able to give you an accurate quote for the cost of the transplant.

During the actual procedure, the hair or follicular units will be individually harvested or punched from the back of your head or the sides of your head by the physician, using the FUE technique. The donor hair will be identified and selected based on the DHT resistance of the hair. DHT is the hormone that is the cause for hair loss in the majority of people who experience it. In choosing hair that is DHT-resistant, it ensures that once the hair is transplanted, it will grow and give the fullest and most natural looking results for the patient.

You need to feel confident with your hair transplant physician and should discuss what your goals are for the outcome. You will also need to gather information about how to care for your hair after receiving the hair transplant. It is important to ask questions and feel comfortable that you have all the necessary knowledge of how the procedure will work. Contact Dr. Yates in order to schedule your free consultation and discuss hair transplantation further.