Hair Transplant Facts
Hair transplants are outpatient procedures that involve taking healthy hair from a part of the scalp not affected by baldness and transplanting or grafting it surgically to another part of the head. Because the procedure involves using healthy skin cells that are still able grow hair, hair transplants often result in permanent hair growth in the newly transplanted area. Does this Spark an idea?
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Candidates
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Hair transplant candidates are often affected by male or female pattern baldness, which begins in one area, usually the frontal hairline or crown, and leaves the hair on the back and sides of the scalp relatively intact. Having a healthy area of scalp that continues to grow hair is a prerequisite for successful hair transplants.
Procedure
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The procedure is usually done in a dermatologist's office or outpatient clinic. The operation may take anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the amount of hair being transplanted. A flap of scalp with hair is removed from the rear of the head and set aside. Strands of hair with the follicles intact are systematically separated and inserted into the balding areas of the head.
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After Surgery
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Individuals should limit activities for several days after surgery and avoid disturbing the newly transplanted hair for several weeks. Antibiotic ointments are often prescribed and should be used to help avoid infection. Some individuals experience thinning or shedding of the newly transplanted hair a few weeks after surgery. This is a normal skin reaction due to shock, and the hair will grow back.
Results
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It usually takes several months to start seeing the hair growth benefits of transplant surgery. If the hair growth is uneven or less than expected, additional surgery may be recommended to ensure optimum results.
Risks
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As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Infection is the most common side affect, but following after-care instructions and taking antibiotics will usually prevent or correct the problem. A small amount of bleeding is common after surgery, but if the bleeding is excessive or won't stop, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
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