Hair transplantation is a surgical procdure where the hair from one area of the scalp is moved to an area of baldness. A more youthful appearance is usually the conse¬quence of a hair transplant and many recipients experience heightened self esteem and self confidence. These changes are as enduring as the hair that is transplanted.
It depends on the patient's attitude toward his receding hair. It is not necessary to wait until complete baldness before having a transplant. It may begin with small transplant areas and as the hair recedes new areas of baldness may be filled in.
The surgeon needs to keep future transplants in mind when planning the removal of hair from the donor area.
Four surgical techniques are available to restore hair growth to the scalp .
Micro, mini and slit grafts
These are microscopic grafting techniques which have replaced the once popular punch graft method. The use of smaller grafts produces a more natural transition from thinning or baldness to increased hair growth. The tiny grafts do not give the clumped "doll's head" appearance after surgery that the punch grafting technique was famous for.
Scalp reduction
A strip of redundant bald skin is removed from the middle of the scalp and the two opposing edges are brought together and stitched. This is particularly useful for the posterior crown of the head where graft procedures are not as successful, and in cases where large areas of baldness limit the amount of donor hair available for grafting methods.
Strip graft
A strip of hair from the back of the head is transplanted into an area of baldness. This technique is commonly used for eyebrow replacement surgery.
Flaps
This procedure is used much less often than other methods. A flap of hair is taken from the side of the head and pivoted over the balding area on top of the head.
