GUIDE TO HAIR TRANSPLANTS

What You Need to Know

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01

Introduction

02

Reasons for Hair Loss

03

Options for Regrowing Hair

04

Who Can Get a Hair Transplant?

05

Hair Transplant Myths & Facts

06

Transplant Procedures

07

What to Expect After a Transplant

08

Long Term After Surgery Care

09

Risks and Costs

INTRODUCTION
The average person has roughly 110,000
hairs on their head alone. This number may
dier by a persons nationality or physical
characteristics. Starting at birth we go
through a constant process of regenerating
hair. As our follicle develop so does hair.
Daily we lose about 50-100 strands just
through normal growth process.
Old strands fall out new ones growin. But
what happens when that number increases? Having a full head of hair is part of our
every day vanity. Hair loss is not to be taken
lightly. This is a condition that can happen
to anyone. No one is immune. Both men
and women suer from this condition.

The

eects from hair loss can be devastating to some people. Hair is often a big
part of a persons identity. Coping with hair loss can be very hard on some people. Often at
times hair loss can lead to depression or stress. Sometimes this contributes further to the
condition.

Women see hair loss as a major factor in condence levels, self esteem and overall beauty.
Most men usually dont worry too much about hair loss as do women. Some consider it part
of growing old and accept it as it comes. The next step is to try and repair the damage and
stop the hair loss. Fixing a hair problem such as hair loss isnt as easy as covering a blemish
with makeup. You need to do research and nd out what is contributing to the hair loss.

REASONS FOR HAIR LOSS

There are many probable causes for hair loss. Some cases are more severe than others.
Each case stems from one or more of these four areas: Heredity, Medical Conditions, Hormone Changes and Medications.
Heredity or family related baldness is the most common form of hair loss. This is the
number one type of hair loss amongst men. However female hair loss can stem from this
as well. It usually starts with thinning hair loss or the receding of a hair line. Genetic hair
loss can almost be predicted based on older family members. If your grandfather was bald
and his son was bald, chances are it will happen to you as well. Heredity hair loss is usually
predictable from an early age and is a slow gradual process.

Hair loss from hormone changes is primarily a condition of women. The onset of menstruation, pregnancy, child birth, menopause or even daily stress can aect hair loss. While it may
only be temporary any hair loss is major to women. A womans hormones can uctuate
greatly. This sometimes aects the thyroid gland which can cause a myriad of problems
including hair loss.
There are a few medical conditions that cause hair
loss. The number one is Alopecia. There are many
forms and states of Alopecia. This condition causes
patchy hair loss on the scalp. It is caused when the
bodys immune system attacks the hair follicles. This
leaves the skin with smooth bald spots. Other
medical conditions such as Lupus and some cancers
will cause permanent hair loss.
Ringworm, which invades skin, can cause temporary
hair loss as well. It is treatable though with medication. Hair growth can then resume
to a normal status. Another lesser known condition is
called Hair Pulling Disorder. This is usually a condition
of women. Suerers tend to constantly pull out hair
on any part of the body. If left untreated, this
condition can lead to permanent hair loss.

edications are a common source of hair

loss in both men and women. People who
take medication for cancer, arthritis, blood
pressure, birth control and depression may
suer hair loss. In most cases the hair loss
may be temporary. Another medication may
be prescribed to counter act the eect of hair
loss all together.
A major hair loss contributor is radiation
chemo therapy. Patients will lose some if not
all of their hair through these treatments.
Hair may grow back but it may change f
signicantly.

Excessive hairstyling such as constant dying,

hair pulling styles such as braiding and the
use of hot treatments can make people lose
hair as well. Hot irons tend to damage hair
over time. Major life events such as surgery,
family death or even weight loss can also
create hair loss.

OPTIONS FOR RE-GROWING HAIR

epending on what type of hair loss you are having and what the causes are, treatment will vary. People have tried all kinds of options for hair re-growth. In the old days hair
loss was treated by home made hair masks, certain diets and vitamins. Through modern
medicine came the use of internal medications and specialty shampoos. Severe cases of
hair loss may need a combination of treatments. One form of treatment gaining in popularity is a hair transplant.

WHO CAN GET A HAIR TRANSPLANT

Nearly 90% of men who suer from major hair loss
are good candidates for a transplant. Given that
gure it would seem tting that the same applies to
women. However that is not always the case. Hair
transplants involve using hair from the sides or
back of the head. Those are known as donor sites.
On men hair usually thins out or recedes in the
crown area of the head or frontal lobe area. The
donor sites usually do not thin or fall out. That is
actually where hair is the thickest. This makes it
easy to use that hair for transplants on men. When
a womans hair thins out, it does so equally all the
way around the head. Men dont have this problem.
Depending on the condition of the hair using donor
site hair can be problematic for women. The transplant may not hold. This is not to say that women
cant have hair transplants.

s long as the hair isnt in a state of severe thinning or balding, then a hair transplant
can be an option. However the numbers of women allowed to undergo a procedure are
small in percentage. You should also be in good health if planning to undergo a procedure.
It is not recommended to have a hair transplant if you are ill in any way. If you are taking
any medications, your doctor should be told prior to surgery. Please check with your doctor
to verify you are in good medical condition prior to any procedures.

Hair Transplant Myths & Facts

Before you decide to undergo a hair transplant procedure there may be a lot of questions
or concerns you may have. Of course there will always be some untruths oating around
regarding hair transplants. It is always best to review all the information available to you
rst. Here are some myths and facts about hair transplants.

Hair transplants are for men only

Transplanted hair looks like plugs or doll hair

While women do suer hair loss almost as much as men do, a hair transplant may not be the best option for women. A womans hair thins dierently than mens hair. So they may not have viable hair to use.

When transplants rst began, they used procedures that involved using
plugs of hair. Those plugs did have an unnatural or wig like look. However
modern technology has changed all that. Hair that has been transplanted
looks and feels natural as it is your own hair.

New hair requires extra maintenance

You can test out hair transplants rst before you commit

It is better to transplant a large number of grafts all at once

Once youve undergone a transplant you dont have to do anything more

to your hair than you did before. You can maintain your hair in the same
old ways. That goes true for washing and styling.

A hair transplant is basically a form of surgery. So it is a permanent procedure. Testing it out is always an available option. However once it is done
it cannot be reversed without another surgery.

While this is possible during a procedure, it is not the best way to go.
Moving a large portion of hair grafts is possible. However it may mean
that you may end up with hair in an area where no transplant is necessary.

A doctor can tell my hair density by just looking at me

This is not true. A doctor must perform a density test using a special
meter. He must also check for laxity on the head. This is done by actually
touching the hair and scalp.

Hair transplants are better done on younger people

People will be able to tell if Ive had a hair transplant

Doctors now use a technology with grafting that virtually requires no bandaging after surgery. So no one will ever notice you have had a procedure done.
The hair grows back slowly over a few months. By then it would be blended
in with the rest of your hair. No one will ever suspect you had a hair transplant.

Just the opposite is true. Hair transplants are better on older people. Younger
people with hair loss are usually not good candidates for a transplant. The
hair loss they experience may be irregular for a while. On older people it is
more stable and you can get a better sense of where the donor areas are. On
younger people this may change over time.

Hair transplants fall out over time

This is not true. A hair transplant is meant to be a permanent process.
Hair follicles are living when they are grafted onto the scalp. They will
continue to grow hair over time naturally. Your hair will remain in place
and become fuller.

10

If youre not happy I can have my hair transplant easily removed

11

Transplants are painful

A hair transplant can be removed. However it is not an easy procedure.

Another surgery would have to be performed to remove the grafting.
Some areas of hair may grow back patchy. Another surgical procedure
would be recommended to x it as opposed to removing it.

Yes there may be some discomfort during the procedure and after. But it
is not severe enough to cause serious pain. Through the use of modern
technology and anesthesia discomfort and pain are minimal. Your doctor
may prescribe medication to help with your recovery if necessary.

12

Hair Transplants are expensive

Depending on the doctor or clinic you choose this can be an expensive
process. This is not always the case. There are several deciding factors that
must be weighed before you are given a cost quote. Some doctors have
plans that anyone can aord to have surgical procedures like this done.
Some insurance companies may also cover the costs as well. Some may
not. This is dependant on the need for surgery. There are also some companies that oer special nancing. Do your research rst.

The Transplant Procedure

Once youve made the decision to have a hair transplant procedure done, the next step is
nding a doctor. The best doctors usually have hair transplants as a specialty. The clinics
they use are dedicated to hair care procedures with a full sta of specialists. These doctors
and clinics are far and few so do your research prior to choosing a facility.

In the weeks prior to surgery it is highly recommended to stop smoking if possible.

Smoking should also be stopped days prior to surgery. Smoking can inhibit blood
ow to the skin and interfere with healing time.
Do not cut your hair in the weeks before your surgery. This ensures that you have
enough hair in the donor areas and coverage. Dying is also not recommended.
24 hours prior to surgery do not consume any alcohol, aspirin or blood thinners as
they can cause unnecessary bleeding during the procedure.
The day of your hair transplant be sure to shower and wash your hair thoroughly. Do
not use any extra hair products such as styling sprays or gels. The hair and scalp
must be clean.
Photos may be taken prior to your surgery to help document the extent of hair loss
prior to surgery.
The initial procedure itself starts with the doctor injecting you with a local anesthesia.
Once the numbness on your head has set in the grafting can begin.

The doctor will cut into a donor area rst. A 3-4 inch strip of your scalp with hair on it
will be removed. Once the strip is removed, the incision is closed up with stitches.
Existing hair will quickly cover up that area leaving it virtually unnoticeable that hair
was removed.
Next the doctor will take the piece of removed scalp and divide it into tiny sections
for grafting. Each piece will contain several to a few hair strands. The amount of hair
needed on the grafts depends on how much hair needs to be replaced in certain
areas.
The next step is the actual grafting. The area to be grafted is cleaned and numbed
rst.
Tiny holes or slits are made with a scalpel or needle where the grafts will be set into.
The hair grafts are gently placed into the holes or slits made.
The whole procedure takes about 4 to 8 hours depending on how much grafting is
needed. You will have some down time while the graft sections are created.

What to Expect After a Transplant

Depending on the type of anesthesia you
were given you may feel numbness or tiredness after your procedure. This may last a
few hours. So it is suggested you bring
someone with you to assist with walking or
driving home. There may also be some
discomfort or tenderness on the scalp. The
doctor may prescribe mild pain killers to
ease the discomfort. Antibiotics or anti
inammatory medications may also be prescribed as a preventative precaution.

Ice packs or compresses may also be used to

help reduce discomfort or potential swelling
to the donor area and forehead. You will be
required to wear a surgical dressing for a
day or two afterwards at the least. You
might have some redness or swelling. The
discomfort level is equivalent to a mild sunburn on your head and is no need for worry.
You will be able to return to a normal work
or school routines within 2 to 5 days after
the procedure.

Long Term After Surgery Care

The days and weeks after your surgery are just as critical as the hours after surgery regarding long term care.
Your doctor may recommend that you sleep with your head elevated for a few days. You
may have some scabbing where the cuts were made. This is normal and will go away in a
few days. Do not wash your hair until you have been instructed by your doctor as to how
and when you can do so. More importantly do not use a hair dryer if possible. If you must
use one, use the cool setting only. Warm or hot air on the grafts may cause minor bleeding.
If this happens use a gauge and apply light pressure to stop any bleeding.
A follow up doctor visit will be required so they can check your healing progress. More
photos may be taken to document progress. In the days and weeks after surgery do not
engage in major physical activity. Activities such as running, weight lifting or group sports
could cause injury to the head. Bleeding is possible from the added blood pressure build
up. This could cause loss of the grafts and swelling around the eyes and forehead areas.
Bending over and excessive heavy lifting is also discouraged for a few days.

Do not bathe or swim in chlorinated water for at least 14 days after surgery. The chlorine
may cause irritation to the graft areas as they may still be healing. Swimming or bathing in
salt water is ok though. Sun exposure is not recommended for long periods of time. If you
must go out in the sunlight be sure to wear a hat or scarf for coverage.
A few weeks after the surgery you may notice some hair falling out from the grafts. That is
completely normal. That hair will be replaced with new permanent growth over the coming
weeks and months. Within 6 months roughly 60% of hair will be re-grown.

Risks and Costs

As with other surgical procedures there are always risks involved or possible. After the
procedure you may experience bleeding or skin irritations. Infections or inammations on
the scalp are possible with new hair growth. This is normal and treatable with antibiotics or
compresses. There may be some scarring or unnatural looking new hair growth. Transplanted hair may also fall out due to shock loss. This too is normal and not permanent. Hair
will re-grow back in the area over time. If your hair continues to fall out you may need
additional procedures to cover it. Be sure to consult your doctor immediately.
The overall costs of a hair transplant can range from $3000-$15000 depending on how
much work needs to be done. The doctor will look at various factors prior to giving you a
quote. They need to assess how much hair loss youve had, characteristics of your hair,
how much grafting is needed and what your desired end results are. Doctors will vary in
cost so you may want to get a second or third quote. Some insurance companies will not
cover hair transplants as they are considered to be cosmetic procedures. Discuss this with
your insurance company rst for details. Private nancing is always an option as well
through your bank other creditor. While the initial cost investment is high, you will benet
from the results long term.