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FrançaisThe Ultimate Guide to Hair Transplant for Men: Benefits, Procedure, Complications, Healing Process, and Aftercare Tips
Hair Transplant for men
Hair transplant for men is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which involves harvesting of the follicular units from the safe donor area of scalp (back and side of the head) or body hairs followed by their transfer to the recipient area or the desired bald area. Hair transplant for men can improve your hairline and almost completely eliminate signs of hair loss. The results of a hair transplant are visibly long-lasting and are considered to be permanent solution to male pattern hair loss.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. Male pattern baldness involves hair loss that starts at the hairline above the temples and leads to a receding hairline. This is followed by hair loss on the top or ‘crown’ of the head, leaving behind a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair. While it is commonly seen in older men, male pattern baldness can affect young adult men as well.
According to the Hamilton-Norwood scale, there are seven stages of male pattern baldness:
Male Pattern Hairloss Stages
There’s little or no hair loss or hairline recession. The original shape of the hairline is preserved.
Solution: If the patient is concerned about hair loss, topical or oral medications can be taken; alternatively, PRP hair treatment can be done to maintain the density. 0 to 1000 grafts might be implanted if the hair loss is stabilised to reshape the hairline.
There’s slight hair loss near the skin between the ears and forehead (temples).
Solution: If the hair loss is stabilised, 1000 to 1500 hair grafts can be transplanted to achieve the desired hairline. If not, the density can be maintained by using topical/oral medications or frequent PRP hair treatment sessions.
The hairline at the temples is severely receded and may have the shape of an “M” or “U” depending on the genetics, .
Solution: The patient may start considering a hair transplant operation at that stage as medications cannot be enough to maintain the hairline. 2000 grafts may be sufficient to obtain a dense and natural hairline. PRP hair treatment sessions and medications can be beneficial to keep the density of the crown area.
You have a very deep recession of the hairline and hair loss on the top of the head (crown).
Solution : 1500 – 2000 hair grafts for the hairline and 500 – 1000 hair grafts for the crown area, overall 2500 – 3000 grafts, may be sufficient for this type of hair loss. Medications and PRP can be used to protect existing hair and to support hair transplant.
The recession of the hairline joins the bald spot at the crown.
Solution: This stage requires a minimum of 3500 grafts for a strong front line and 4000 grafts for full coverage. If the donor area is healthy and strong, 5000 hair grafts can be transplanted to achieve a natural and dense look. Ongoing medication and PRP hair treatment can be used to support transplanted hair.
The hair between the temples and the crown thins or falls out. A large bold area at the top of the head can be observed.
Solution: This stage requires a healthy and strong donor area and a minimum of 4500 grafts to achieve a natural front line. The patient should be realistic about his expectations and may consider drawing the hairline slightly higher to achieve natural and dense results. Up to 6000 grafts can be transplanted in 2 sessions for full coverage. Ongoing medication and PRP hair treatment are recommended.
You have no more hair on the top of your head. Only sparse and weak hair left on the side of your head.
Solution: Minimum of 7000 grafts are needed for full coverage however getting more than 6000 grafts is not suitable for all patients. The second operation can be conducted at least one year after the first one.
What are the causes male pattern baldness?
Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it’s more common in men.
Male pattern hair loss is mostly inherited (genetic) condition in which some of the hair on the scalp reacts to certain male hormones. Currently, there is no genetic test that can predict whether you will suffer from male pattern hair loss.
Other types of hair loss can be caused by the following:
- hormone imbalances
- autoimmune diseases
- infections
- radiation therapy
- emotional stress
These factors do not usually cause male pattern baldness, but if they occur together with male pattern baldness, you may lose more hair more quickly.
Can I prevent male pattern baldness?
Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is not preventable. However, by paying attention to your diet and lifestyle, you can optimise your overall health, including the health of your hair.
Some treatments for male pattern baldness are more effective when hair loss is still mild. If you are concerned about hair loss, it is better to ask for information and advice from your doctor sooner rather than later.
How is male pattern baldness diagnosed?
The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline. The hairline gradually moves backward (recedes) and forms an “M” shape. A circular area on the back of the head (vertex) often thins and expands in size over time. Eventually the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, and creates a U-shaped (or horseshoe) pattern of hair around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head.
Male pattern baldness is easy to recognize, so you don’t necessarily need a healthcare provider to diagnose it. However, your healthcare provider can confirm it. He will examine your head and scalp, especially the areas where the hair is thinning. He will also ask you questions about your general health, your hair loss and any hair loss in your family. In most cases, no special tests are needed to diagnose male pattern baldness. In some cases, your doctor might perform a detailed examination (dermatoscopy) or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
• Your hair loss occurs in an atypical pattern, including rapid hair loss, widespread shedding, hair loss in patches, or hair breakage.
• Your hair loss occurs with itching, skin irritation, redness, scaling, pain, or other symptoms.
• Your hair loss begins after starting a medicine.
• You want to treat your hair loss.
What treatments are used to treat male pattern baldness?
Many men are comfortable with hair loss as they get older and do not seek treatment for male pattern hair loss. However, there are treatments available for those men who wish to slow down hair loss, stimulate hair regrowth or disguise hair loss.
Medications
Currently, the most effective treatments for male pattern baldness are two FDA-approved medications: finasteride and minoxidil. Research also suggests that minoxidil and finasteride get even better when combined.
Platelet-rich plasma
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp.
There hasn’t been enough research to prove if PRP is an effective hair loss treatment. However, PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It’s been used for problems such as healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Hair transplant
Hair transplantation — sometimes called hair restoration — is an outpatient procedure that uses micrografting technology to donate your own hair follicles to other areas of your scalp that are thinning. A hair transplant can improve your hairline and almost completely eliminate signs of hair loss. Like other cosmetic surgeries, a hair transplant can be highly effective. The results of a hair transplant are visibly long-lasting and are considered to be permanent. The procedure is also time-consuming and does involve a healing and recovery process.
Scalp micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can change the pigment of your scalp, creating the appearance of small, short hairs and a fuller head of hair. Simply, it’s a cosmetic tattoo that conceals hair loss. Just remember: it doesn’t treat anything and, like all tattoos, will fade over time.
