Learn exactly what is involved in a hair transplant, why its done,
how its done, where the hair goes and where it comes from.
Information provided courtesy of the New
Hair Institute, taken from "The Patient's Guide to Hair Transplantation"
William R. Rassman, MD and Robert M. Bernstein, MD.
The basic concept of hair transplantation is straightforward and
easily understood. The hair growing on the sides and lower part of the
back of the head is permanent in most people. It persists even in advanced
degrees of male pattern baldness because follicles in these locations
are not subject to the deleterious affects of the hormone DHT, a byproduct
of testosterone. The characteristics of the individual follicles move
with them when they are transplanted. Therefore, permanent hair will remain
permanent regardless of where it is transplanted, a phenomena termed "donor
dominance." This is the basis of hair transplantation.
In the process of hair restoration surgery, permanent hair is redistributed
to cover the areas of the head where the hair has thinned or has been
lost. No new hair is actually created; existing hair is just moved around.
Therefore, there is never a "net" increase in total hair volume.
In spite of this, a skillfully performed hair transplant procedure can
make a person "look" as though he or she has more hair, often
considerably more.
The process of hair restoration is an aesthetic exercise as well
as a technical feat. Re-distributing hair on a person's head is like painting
a portrait. The physician should attempt to create a natural looking result
that is consistent with the hair supply, the specific hair characteristics
of the patient, and most important, the patient's goals.
As with other forms of cosmetic surgery, the art is at least as
important as the surgical technique. The hair transplant surgeon must
have a thorough understanding of human facial anatomy; good basic surgical
skills and a thorough knowledge of different hair transplant techniques.
The physician must know the physiology of hair in depth, and understand
basic medical conditions that affect the scalp. He must be aware of, and
be able to critically evaluate, new developments in the field. Finally,
the specialist must study each patient carefully and tailor each procedure
to the patient's unique attributes and needs.
