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Hair grafts

Hair transplantation is the most widespread surgical hair replacement treatment. Hair transplantation is the surgical elimination of hair grafts from donor sites on the side and the back of the head, places where balding men still have plenty of hair. These hair follicles are not inhibited by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) because they lack the genetic directions to be inhibited by DHT. They remain healthy lastingly. Hair grafts from these DHT-resistant hairs are re-implanted into the balding and thinning areas of the scalp. This provides lasting hair since the donor grafts have healthy hair follicles which are genetically programmed not to shed.

Refinements in hair restoration surgery, such as modified scalp reduction procedures and improved mini and micro-grafting methods, such as angling of grafts, have resulted in better cosmetic results.

Women are increasingly having hair transplant operations. But in general, women are less suited to transplants than men because their hair loss tends to be more of thinning than hair loss in a specific area.

Best candidates for Hair Transplants and the cost involved

The very best candidates for hair transplants are men in their 40s who have black, wavy blond, or gray hair, who have balded slowly, and whose relatives experienced only limited hair loss. Men who are in their 20s are more difficult to treat since the future pattern of hair loss is unfamiliar. But there are no age limitations for receiving transplants.

The most critical factor in getting a transplant is the patients's expectations. Re-establishing the hairline of a teenager is difficult and the reserve for hair transplants is restricted. Financial concerns are also important. Men in their late 30s or 40s are as a rule more financially stable. In almost all cases, 3 to 5 transplant sessions will be required, with the cost running from $5,000 to $15,000. Wavy and curly hair looks denser and requires less transplants to achieve a cosmetically acceptable look.

Micrografts and Mini-Grafts

After deadening the hair donation scalp site, a strip of scalp about ½" to 1" wide and 4 to 5" long is detached. Since the scalp is very elastic, the resultant gap is easily pulled together and sutured shut. The hair on the back of the head hides the small thin suture line. The surgery team then divides the donor hair strip, which holds thousands of hairs, into individual "grafts”. Micro-grafts each contain 1 or 2 shafts of hair. Mini-grafts contain 3 to 8 shafts of hair per graft. With these techniques, the surgeon transplants as few as 1 or 2 hairs at a time, which generates a more natural look rather than the "toothbrush" or "plug" effect.

These hair grafts are then rooted into recipient sites in the balding area. Micro-grafts are put in into tiny punctures in the skin and mini-grafts are inserted into extremely small (0.5mm to 2mm) openings. This attains a more natural look and is an improvement over previous techniques, where transplants were inserted into slits in the scalp. This often resulted in an abnormal, compressed hair.

The cosmetic effect of the placement of the grafts, the insertion angles, and the combinations of grafts are reliant on the skill and “artistry” of the transplant surgeon. The shape of the patient's face and predictions of areas of future hair loss must be considered carefully for best aesthetic consequences.