HAIR TRANSPLANT NEWS
Hair has always been synonymous to healthiness, virility and seduction from the times of the Samson legend who maintained that the origin of his herculean force resides in his hair. Nowadays, one out of seven men suffer from baldness. There are multiple causes to baldness; including stress, nutrition, dietary deficiencies, and taking certain medication; but the main cause remains that of the hereditary abundance of testosterone (male hormone). The extraction of hair strips and their plantation in hairless sites described much of hair transplantation techniques for several years. However, the latter techniques were exceedingly painful, mostly unsatisfying and left visible post-operational scarring.
What are the factors that need to be considered when calculating hair grafts?
Hair loss is a concern that transcends borders, affecting people globally. Both men and women grapple with its psychosocial and psychological consequences. Understanding the factors contributing to hair loss is crucial in comprehending the subsequent need for hair transplantation.
Balding Patterns and Variations
Balding pattern varies from person to person. The extent and pattern of hair loss play a pivotal role in determining the number of grafts required. Individuals with minor hair thinning might require fewer grafts compared to those dealing with advanced baldness or specific conditions like traction alopecia. Celebrities, especially, have shed light on issues such as eyebrow and beard transplants, emphasizing the importance of these procedures in the entertainment industry.
Donor Area Availability and Health
The availability and health of hair follicles in the donor area significantly influence the success of a hair transplant. Individuals with larger, healthier donor areas generally have more flexibility in achieving their desired results. In 2022, hair transplant Turkey cost became a prominent keyword, indicating the growing interest in affordable yet quality hair transplantation procedures in the region.
Hair Characteristics and Calculations
The color, thickness, and texture of hair impact the number of grafts needed. Individuals with thicker or curlier hair may require fewer grafts for denser coverage. Calculations must be precise, and tools such as the Hair Graft Calculator aid in estimating the required grafts based on these characteristics.
The Role of Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale provides a systematic approach to assessing hair loss, categorizing patients into different stages. This categorization not only helps diagnose the stage of hair loss but also assists in estimating the number of grafts needed for specific regions such as hairline, mid-scalp, and crown. Understanding the Norwood Scale is fundamental for both patients and hair transplant specialists.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic expectations is paramount in the realm of hair transplantation. Patients, whether in Turkey, Canada, or the UK, must understand that FUE transplants are designed to provide natural-looking results, not a complete restoration of youthful hair. Hairline restoration is achieved subtly, enhancing overall appearance and confidence.
How do you calculate hair grafts for different areas?
The Norwood Scale categorizes different stages of male pattern baldness. Based on this scale, the number of grafts needed varies depending on the specific regions of the scalp being treated. For the hairline and temples, approximately 500 to 1,800 hair grafts are typically required. The mid-scalp area usually needs between 500 and 1,500 grafts, while the crown, also known as the vertex, involves 1,000 to 2,500 hair grafts. To achieve satisfactory hair density across the frontal, mid-scalp, and crown regions, an average of around 4,000 hair grafts is often necessary. It's important to note the actual graft count can vary based on individual cases and the desired outcomes of the procedure.
What are the techniques of hair transplantation?
Nowadays, the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique has been improved to give better results with minor dissatisfactions. The latter technique gave birth to FUSS (Follicular Unit Single Strip). It is somewhat similar to the first technique as both result in millions of good quality grafts from a hair strip of 1 centimetre by a few centimetres. The hair strip is cut into several fragments, and then into follicular units. Each follicular unit contains one to four hairs thereafter implanted in the small incisions on the hairless area. The new hairs will begin to grow after three months.
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) has also been improved; giving birth to FUE Ultra Fine through injection, which offers natural results without stitching, post-operational scarring, and rejection risks. The FUE technique separates each hair transplant in a follicular unit, which offers results that are more natural. The extracted mini-grafts are transplanted in the small incisions created on the hairless areas of the head. The FUE Ultra Fine through injection technique does not require incisions, which is more precise and discrete, and less painful.
FUE and FUT are reference techniques in hair transplant , both offer chances of success, yet have their disadvantages. The decision to opt for one of the latter techniques will be the subject of an agreement by the surgeon per se; because s/he is the more knowledgeable about her/his patient’s medical case and capillary specificities, and the degree and causes of alopecia.
What are the the future technique of hair transplantation?
A novel method, which is still being developed in Japan, promises to end alopecia definitively. The technique consists of cultivating hair follicle seeds and then transplanting them in hairless sites. The latter is believed to stimulate the growth of new hairs. Despite it being revolutionary for it requires no prior extraction or graft donor site, this method remains at the experiential phase and can only be applied on humans in a period of ten years.
