Treatments for Hair Loss (Hair Transplantation, Scalp Reduction & Flap Surgery)
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Although many people are unconcerned about hair loss, others are distressed and look for ways to remedy the condition. Hair pieces are a satisfactory solution for some, while others find them unnatural looking or difficult to maintain. New products on the market that claim to restore hair growth have had limited success. Today, however, several surgical procedures can provide a permanent solution for those who are bald or have thinning hair. Hair transplantation or grafting, sometimes done in conjunction with scalp reduction, is a procedure which produces very favorable, permanent results for many people. Flap surgery is another technique that has had good results.
The procedure
Immediately before surgery, the donor hair may be cut very short and cleansed with a special solution. A local anesthetic is applied to the donor site and a strip of skin containing hair and hair follicles is removed.
This strip is then cut into minigrafts,(5-7 hairs) micrografts (3-4 hairs) or single hair grafts which are used to refine the hair line. The recipient site is similarly treated and the donor grafts are carefully placed in a pattern that matches the direction of the original hair. The grafts are placed in such a way as to allow each graft to receive an adequate blood supply during the healing process. Sutures and/or bandages are removed 24 hours after surgery.
Following surgery
Following the procedure, the patient is required to wear a protective bandage overnight. Patients may experience a moderate amount of discomfort which is controlled with oral medication. Risks and complications are rare because only the outer layer of the skin is involved. Some swelling and bruising around the eyes may occur two to three days after surgery. Using eye compresses and sleeping in a semi-reclining position can minimize these problems. Numbness around the donor and recipient sites is common and will diminish within two to three months. Scabs may be present on the grafts for seven to ten days. Small scars remain but are hidden within the hair line.