a guide to cosmetic enhancement
cosmetic surgery guide
hair loss & replacement
There are two major reasons individuals seek hair replacement surgery: to repair injuries resulting from burns or other accidents, or to replace hair lost from normal aging processes and family history.
What is hair replacement surgery?
Hair replacement surgery is a procedure designed to replace the hair follicles on the head. Baldness can be caused by a number of factor, including aging and family history of baldness. With hair replacement surgery, the hair is replaced by using small grafts of hair from areas of the head that are not bald.
Who should have hair replacement surgery?
Because hair must be taken from other areas, those seeking hair replacement surgery must have normal hair growth on the back and sides of the head. Both men and women are candidates for hair replacement surgery as long as there is dense, healthy hair growth on other parts of the head.
It is important to keep in mind that in many cases, hair replacement surgery cannot restore appearances to pre-hair loss ideals. Instead, the procedure will help to minimize and mask the appearance of baldness.
Is it safe?
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, including hair replacement therapy. The most common complication is infection from the incisions made during the procedure. Scarring is possible, and tightness in the scalp is also possible. For the most part, however, hair replacement therapy is a very safe procedure that carries minimal risk. Your physician will review the most common potential complications prior to the procedure.
What to expect after the surgery
There is always the possibility that the grafts of hair taken from other areas of the head and transplanted to bald areas will not take correctly. In these instances, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Most individuals report experience some pain, throbbing, and discomfort following the procedure. Pain medication can help alleviate any pain or discomfort. Swelling, bruising, and drainage are also possible.
Bandages will usually be removed after a day, and stitches should come out within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two or three weeks following the hair replacement surgery. Always be sure to carefully follow the physician's instructions in order to reduce the potential for complications.
A few final thoughts ...
In many cases, the hair that has been transplanted to the previously bald area falls out within two months following surgery. Do not panic! In most cases, this is temporary, and the hair will grow back in those areas.
Minor touch-up procedures may also be required to fill in gaps in hair and to ensure the best possible results. Hair replacement surgery, though, can provide an enhanced level of life for those individuals who have suffered from baldness and hair loss.