Hair Transplants
The only permanent solution for hair restoring hair is hair transplantation. The process involves hair being removed from an area of the head that is genetically programmed not to fall out. This area is called the donor hair and is usually found on the sides and lower back of the scalp. A strip of hair is removed and then sutured together to form a thin scar. The scar generally will be undetectable, as the existing hair will cover over this area. The strip of hair that has been removed is then dissected into micro grafts and follicular units. Micro grafts are 1-3 hairs and follicular units are groups of hair that grow naturally together. Both are very small. The surgeon makes tiny incisions on the scalp into which the dissected hair follicles are then inserted. Since the scalp is so vascular, a tiny blood clot is formed around the hair follicle, feeding it and allowing the healing process to begin. The hair then ‘takes root’ in its transplanted area on the scalp and will begin to grow after a few months. Since this hair is genetically programmed not to fall out the hair is permanent.
More than one surgery is needed to achieve the desired result. These procedures can take from 2-5 hours to complete per surgery. The transplanted hair will continue to grow throughout the life of the person. The cost for the surgery can range from $2500- $10000 nationally (or $3.00 - $10.00 per graft). |
