Here are some common questions and their answers concerning hair loss and hair transplants.
- What causes hair loss?
Although there are many factors the main cause is generally accepted as a hereditary genetic predisposition. It affects both men and women in different ways and it is a hormonal imbalance inherited from either of the parents. Women experience a thinning of the hair whereas men experience the much more severe receding hairline. In males this is caused by a miniaturisation of the molecules which is linked to the hormone dihydrotestosterone. The age of onset varies dependant on the individual and nutrition, general health and stress can be major factors in the acceleration of male pattern baldness.
- Do hair transplants really work?
The short answer is yes. They work on the same principal as any other transplant however the transplant is not rejected as the tissue is transferred from one part of the body to another. The hair is taken from a donor strip which is located at the back of the head and is genetically permanent hair which will grow back. The follicles are then surgically implanted in the recipient site and maintained by the constant blood supply to the scalp. All the characteristics of the patients hair will remain the same and continue to grow which is why an estimated 50 000 men have hair replacement surgery each year.
- What can be expected after hair restoration surgery?
Each patient in aftercare is treated individually and is required to adhere to any instructions provided in a care plan. There is no visible mark left from the donor area as the suture is hidden behind the existing hair, this suture can be removed approximately one week post-op. It is commonplace for the head to be bandaged over night and for there to be some small scabs for 4-10 days. Head cover can be worn one day post-op and it is essential that no physical exercise is taken for 5 days post-op. There may be some numbness about the recipient sites that will diminish after about 3 months. The donor hair should shed within 14-28 days and hair growth will commence in 3-4 months.
- Are hair transplants painful?
As with most minor surgery there is expected to be a certain level of discomfort. The anaesthesia is administered into the scalp so the actual procedure is pain free and a mild sedative is sometimes issued enabling the patient to relax and enjoy a favourite film or book.
- What will it look like after the procedure?
There will be no evidence of the donor area and minimal visible evidence around the recipient area. Small scabs will form that can potentially be concealed by the donor hair however the scabs will come off during short-term aftercare and it speeds the process if the area remains moist.
- When can I go back to work?
The standard period of time is five days post-op however, this will be discussed during the formation of your aftercare plan with your consultant.
- Are hair transplants expensive?
The initial outlay is higher than that of other solutions, such as using a hair-piece or wig. As the procedure is permanent over the course of time the procedure proves cost effective and obviously carries with it the psychological benefits of natural hair.
- How many sessions will be required?
This depends on the individual patients specific hair type and requirements. It can be discussed during the consultation and the specialist can assess the density of the patient's hair, the size of the restoration area and the number of grafts required to create a satisfactory look for the patient.
- After using Propecia® (finasteride) for a prolonged period, would cessation of use of the drug result in the same sudden rapid hair loss off all hairs that would have been lost without the use of the drug, like suddenly stopping use of Rogaine® (minoxidil)?
Although the drug is essential if the period missed is only short then it will have little or no detrimental effect on the growth. Without the drug hair will recede to the point where the patient would be having not had the surgery, however the loss would not be immediate.
- What are the possible harmful effects of Propecia and Rogaine? Especially in regards to women handling Propecia and/or a man taking the drug while trying to have a baby? Can the man cease taking the drug until he has fertilized a child?
As with all prescription medication the instructions must be followed. After extensive testing it has been found that Propecia has no effect on a man's semen so conception whilst using the medication puts the foetus at no risk. In the event of a pregnant woman ingesting the drug this could be harmful to the foetus however this can be avoided by following the relevant instructions.
- Is Propecia less effective in different races? Asian vs. Caucasian? Is it less effective for frontal vs. coronal pattern hair loss?
There is no evidence to suggest that the medication is less effective on different ethnic groups. Research has shown that it is more effective on the crown of the scalp as opposed the frontal or temple areas.
- What are follicular units and why are they so important?
Follicular units are the areas where hair grows from on the body. Anything from one to five individual hairs can grow from one follicle and hair cannot grow without a functioning follicle with constant blood supply. The specialist technique allows for follicles to be removed intact from the donor area and placed into the recipient area.
- How long will the transplants last?
The quality of the transplant dictates how long they will last which is why a reputable consultancy with a proven track record must be chosen. The success depends on the selection of the donor area and following the aftercare plan including taking prescribed medication. If all this is followed then the transplant should last a lifetime.
- How long before I can exercise again?
A definitive answer will be confirmed during the aftercare planning however light exercise such as walking can be resumed after two days, normal exercise after one week and swimming after two weeks post-op.
- How long does the surgery take?
Most operations take between 2-4 hours. We normally transplant between 500 and 2,000 grafts. This is exacting work and, therefore, requires considerable time - even though we have a good team.
- How soon will the hair start growing?
The recipient area will shed the donor hair within 2-4 weeks, but do not be alarmed. This is perfectly natural and hair growth will resume within four months however recent results show that some areas may take up to seven months to start developing.
- Hair loss and psychological well being
The major motivation for hair restoration is the emotional and psychological well being of the patient. Hair loss can cause an array of psychological problems such as body image dysmorphia, depression, stress and anxiety. Low self esteem due to hair loss can be corrected without the self-conscious solution of wearing a wig by this non-invasive procedure. An estimated 50 000 men a year have hair regeneration surgery not only to look better but more importantly to feel better.
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