Transplanting hair grafts and scalp flaps are 2 of the more innovative and modern surgical procedures for hair replacement being employed today.  Both of these are extremely effective where replacement of lost or thinning hair is concerned and have become extremely popular over recent years.  There is a recovery period and certain precautions to be aware of once you have had a surgical hair replacement procedure performed.  You want to be sure and follow these recommendations and the recovery should proceed smoothly.

Take a baseball cap to wear after the surgery is done – do not use a fitted one.  It must be adjustable.  The cap will help you avoid any damage to the affected scalp areas and help to prevent any infection from occurring.  Although the surgical hair grafts will be clearly visible after your surgery, you’ll want to keep the cap a bit looser than you would normally wear it, because if it is too tight, it will restrict blood flow which will eventually damage the hair grafts.

Take all medications as instructed – your hair replacement surgeon is going to prescribe specific medications for you to take once the surgery is completed, including:

• an antibiotic for fighting infection
• a mild steroid to prevent swelling
• a pain reliever

Make sure you follow the physician’s instructions on each of these medications.  This will ensure that they work properly and there are no complications.

Leave your hair alone for up to 2 days – this includes shampooing it after you have had the replacement surgery performed.  After a couple of days, it should be alright to shampoo the hair but you want to be careful for the next couple of weeks as well.  Be gentle when you are shampooing and try to refrain from normal scrubbing like you would have done prior to the procedure.

Keep the scalp protected and covered for up to 2 weeks – you want to avoid direct sunlight and covering the hair will help with that.  You also want to stay fairly inactive for the first 2 weeks after the surgery.  Normal chores and shopping are okay but no strenuous exercise is allowed.

Leave the scabs alone – grafted areas are always going to scab over after the hair replacement surgery and they will inevitably start to itch.  This is a good sign that the surgery is healing properly.  They should start falling off within 1 to 2 weeks, but if they don’t, shampoo your hair a little more vigorously.

Laser hair replacement is now one of the more innovative and recent technologies being used for the treatment of hair loss.  It is currently being viewed as a very effective hair replacement technique.  When it is used during the replacement process along with taking Propecia or applying Rogaine, it is producing some outstanding results for the individual who employs either of these methods.  In some instances, loss stoppage as well as pronounced re-growth of thicker hair has been documented.

Currently, there are different types of this hair replacement procedure available in the market today.  When you are consulting with your replacement surgeon, they are going to be able to accurately determine which these methods will best target your personal needs.  The following is a list of information that will educate you as to the different laser methods or techniques that you currently have to choose from.

Laser Combs – the laser comb is a device that you can employ at home for hair replacement therapy.  Your hair loss specialist or surgeon may recommend this along with the in-office replacement procedures that are performed.  When the device is brushed through the hair and over the scalp, additional therapy is applied to enhance your results that you achieved at the surgeon’s office.  Always consult with your hair replacement surgeon for any recommendations as there are a number of these types of products now available.

Laser Luce LDS 100

One of the more effective laser hair replacement techniques currently available which promotes up to 70% re-growth in many cases is the Laser Luce LDS 100.  The procedure is performed while your head is placed in a dome-shaped device that accommodates your head’s shape.  Intermittently flashing laser lights line the dome and they operate at low energy levels.  This low energy laser light is absorbed by the scalp and then stimulates the deeper tissue and the blood supply to the balding areas.  Several of these treatments may be necessary in order to achieve optimum results.

Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT

The LLLT or Low-Level Laser Therapy is a general term that describes any type of laser phototherapy or treatment that does not cut into the skin.  It has also been referred to as a low-power, “soft”, or therapeutic laser and has proven to be effective in improving the hair follicle health while stimulating the hair replacement process.  On an interesting side note, the underlying principles of this process are very similar to those employed with pain reduction, tissue healing, and wound healing.

Laser hair replacement is one of the newer surgical replacement methods currently being used today in the industry.  This particular replacement technique increases the scalp’s blood flow and assists in re-growing lost or thinning hair.  The surgical procedure has shown to thicken hair in many of the recorded cases and is now a very popular procedure as a result.  However, people are still asking the question “does this surgical technique really work?”

How laser hair replacement works

Laser hair replacement surgery involves removing a donor strip of scalp tissue containing hair follicles that are DHT-resistant.  These follicles are typically removed from the back of the scalp.  DHT is the hormone that builds up in the hair follicles and causes baldness where both men and women are concerned.  The hair grafts used can be transplanted anywhere on the scalp or a person’s skin and there is minimal risk that they will fall out.  The laser punches small holes in the balding areas of the scalp and the grafts are then transplanted into them.

Post-operative recovery and care

Your hair replacement surgeon will advise you of certain “do’s and don’ts” that you need to pay attention to once the surgery has been performed.  Most importantly, you don’t want to wash your hair for up to 2 days and also make sure that there is no scratching of the scalp during this period.  Try to avoid bumping or hitting your head as this can interrupt the growth of new hair.  you are probably going to notice that some of the new follicles are falling out about 2 weeks after you have had the surgery.  This is attributed to shock and is considered normal so there is no cause for alarm.

At this two week point, you can start caring for your hair as normal since the replacement process is now completed.  About 60 to 90 days down the road, you should start noticing significant re-growth and you should not be able to distinguish the difference between your existing hair and the new growth.  Following your physician’s advice precautions is very important if you want a successful outcome.

Possible side effects of laser hair replacement surgery

There will always be the possibility of different side effects occurring with this type of hair replacement surgery.  The most common include:

• itchiness
• pain
• swelling

Infections occasionally occur and your physician can prescribe medications to take care of this.  Scabbing is also normal.  Leave the scabs alone and let them fall off naturally.

There are numerous nuances of hair replacement procedure that you are curious to know about but do not know where to ask. Most of the individuals contemplating the surgical operation have many questions such as:

Where will be the surgery done?
Are there different types of anesthesia that the surgeon will use?
What will happen during surgery?

To begin with, most of the hair replacement surgeries are held in the surgeon’s facility or as an outpatient based center. Only in rare cases, it might require hospitalization. Irrespective of the technique used, all of the replacement of hair procedures are conducted under local anesthesia and may require sedation for higher relaxation. Even though you may not feel the pain, tugging and pressure can be felt during the surgical operation. However during flaps and advanced surgical grafting procedures, general anesthesia is given.

The most anticipated phase of the replacement procedure is the surgery and transplantation procedure. The complete process needs to be understood as it happens in differently in a variety of procedures.

The punch grafts have 10-15 hair follicles. Mini graft has 2-5 hair, while micro grafts have just 1 to 3 follicles. In the slip graft procedure, slits are made in the scalp and tiny slit grafts are inserted, each with 4-10 follicles in it. While the longer versions are the strip grafts that have about 30-35 hair and are long thing segments of skin tissue that is grafted on balding patches.

Additionally, this is not just one-session procedure and your surgeon will let you know how many times the hair replacement procedure will need to be repeated to get the desired effect. The other key considerations that will decide the number of sittings are the color and texture of hair and the amount of coverage. It has been seen that coarse grey or blond hair has better and faster coverage than finer dark colored hair.

In the common punch graft technique, the surgeon uses a round steel tube like instrument to punch the grafts out and replace it on the balding areas close to the frontal hairline. Each of these round grafts has 8-10 hair. Then the donor areas are stitched and bandaged for healing which takes about a week. Numerous sessions are done and there are intervals of a few weeks to a few months to see the progress. The total time to actually see the full results of the hair replacement treatment can span from 18 months to 2 years.

As with any surgical procedure, hair replacement surgery entails numerous risks that must be clear to you before you actually go ahead with the procedure. The chances of things going wrong can happen during and after the hair replacement operation and includes infections, scarring and failure of the surgery.

The worst that can happen is that the complete procedure can fail, deemed as an unsuccessful surgical process. Well, it entails quite many things such as complete fallout of hair follicles or the transplanted hair follicles die. In other words, it means that the balding spots will remain as no new hair will grow there. Additionally, failure of hair replacement surgery is also termed when there is irregular growth of new hair due to patchy transplantations. Thus, to remedy the unsuccessful surgeries, another hair replacement procedure will be needed. The fact remains, the more surgeries you get done, higher are the chances of scarring and infections.

The other complications associated with replacement surgeries include:

Infections

Any post surgical care requires constant monitoring for infections. Even though surgeons and doctors take all care for proper sterilization and after care procedures, infections are common occurrences. The main reasons for this is weaken body and fresh sutures which make the area susceptible to infections. As in any other operation, hair replacement surgical infections are serious as they are on the scalp and in close proximity to the brain. Any spread of such infections can be a serious health hazard.

Linear Scarring

Another disadvantage of this surgical procedure includes mild to major scarring in the areas where the health hair follicles were harvest from and the area were they were transplanted. Having these scars can ruin the look of a perfect hair enhancement procedure. Additionally, to fix the scars may need better cosmetic surgery which in turn would lead to more complications, just like hair replacement surgery.

Precautions to limit risks of scarring and infections

These are just risks involved with hair replacement surgery and need not deter you for seeking improvements. One of the best ways to ensure that these risks are minimized is by seeking treatment from qualified and experienced surgeons instead of trying to save costs and going to a new hair treatment center. Ensure that the doctor you go to has a good track record and history of successful replacement surgeries.

All good and experienced hair enhancement surgeons and doctors prescribe antibiotics, after care procedures and constant monitoring to make sure that you have a successful surgery and minimum complications.

Even though hair replacement procedure can change the level of self confidence with a different appearance, but it is not necessary that you’ll look like your ideal. However, it is important to know all the pros and cons of the replacement of hair procedures and discuss your apprehensions with the surgeon. Though the basis of all hair replacement procedures focus on the re-use of existing hair and the surgeon looks at the best options.

Before the procedure can begin, the surgeon will evaluate the hair growth on the sides and at the back of the scalp which serve as donor areas. The surgeon will take flaps of skin or grafts of the scalp from the donor areas to transplant them on the balding patches. The results of the hair replacement procedure cosmetic effects are affected by textures, waviness and hair colors. Though there are a variety of techniques used in the replacement surgery sometimes, the surgeon may use two or more techniques to get the desired effect. Some of the common techniques include:

• mini-grafts
• punch grafts
• micro-grafts
• slit grafts
• strip grafts

These are some of the common techniques that are done on patients requiring modest to a complete head full of hair. Additionally, some of the other techniques used in replacement of hair procedures are tissue expansion, flaps and scalp reduction. These are for people who require more advanced changes and dense hair growth. But it is not 100% certain that anyone with a requirement for hair growth does not qualify for this procedure. People with little hair on the scalp may be refused this surgical procedure.

Risks of hair transplant procedures

Though most of the surgeries related to hair transplants are safe when conducted by experienced surgeons, but people are still at risk of infections and slow healing. Additionally, even with the best surgeons, no one can predict the outcome completely. The highest risks that a surgery where hair is being replaced can be blood loss and noticeable wide scars on the scalp due to the scalp reduction procedures.

Other risks include rejection of the grafted skin tissue or the tissues die and the procedure maybe repeated.  There have been instances when the patchy look has resulted due to the surrounding areas balding faster than anticipated.

If you are worried about the hair replacement procedure you intend undergoing, consult an experienced surgeon and evaluate your chances of success with this technique.

Apart from the punch grafting technique, there are other hair replacement methods that use grafting as a method to re-grow hair on spots where there is thinning of hair.

Grafting

Though there are numerous types of grafts that are done for hair replacement procedure, basically the surgeon uses a scalpel and cuts a small section of the scalp with hair. This small portion of the hair bearing tissue is further dissected and then transplanted into slits within the scalp. During the operation or surgical process, three is periodic injections of salt-saline water to ensure that the skin strength is maintained and the skin does not wrinkle. Most of the donor graft areas are closed with stitches. The punch holes need just one stitch while the larger flap graft areas require straight line stitching. Sometimes it results in wide scars. Usually these scars are concealed with the hair surrounding it.

All grafts are spaced out to ensure healthy blood circulation and healing. The spaces between grafts will be later transplanted with hair to maintain the smooth flow of hair. The advantage of having the procedure done by an experienced doctor is that they take care in transplanting hair follicles and grafts and place them such that the natural direction of the hair is maintained.

After the hair replacement is completed, the area is cleaned and bandaged. Most of the doctors advice about wearing a pressure band for the initial few days to ensure that the grafts are healing and do not move.

Flap surgery

Another surgical procedure for replacement of hair includes the Flap surgery. This is the preferred surgery for covering large bald patches and there are no specific rules on the size of the graft. It is customized as per individual’s requirements. Oftentimes, a large flap graft is equal to 300 punch grafts. Most of the plastic surgeons use flap graft with scalp reduction surgery for higher coverage of the scalp. But if you need better frontal coverage with a more natural hairline, this is the recommended surgery.

For burn victims and reconstructive surgery, surgeons utilize tissue expansion methods. This helps to create new skin tissues that are required to cover the burned areas. However, its application in hair replacement procedure has been commendable. In the shortest amount of time, there is significant coverage of hair on the scalp. Though there are a variety of methods for replacement of hair, all of them require surgical methods for faster coverage. You can talk to your surgeon about your apprehensions and ask them in more detail about the procedures of hair replacement.

With a multitude of hair replacement products for topical application and surgical means in the market today for those suffering with hair loss, choices are many. In most cases, replacement of hair requires a certain amount of follicles transplantations that are taken from the donor area to be implanted on the patch of bald spot on the scalp.

With innovative techniques and advancements of surgical procedures, each of the hair replacement procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the top techniques used in replacement of hair for men and women in recent years.

Cutting edge NeoGrafting technique

One of the latest techniques in replacement of hair surgeries, NeoGrafting uses the state of art NeoGraft Transplant machine which selects the donor hair follicles and extracts it to implant them on the required scalp region of the recipient. The main advantage of this surgical procedure is no suturing, stapling or use of the scalpel.  Although there is minor scarring on the specific transplanted area there are no linear scarring as in other traditional methods of hair replacement surgery.

FUE procedure

Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE is one of the latest replacements of hair procedures that are being used all over US. It is one of the most talked about and advertised procedures in today’s times. Oftentimes just termed as FUE transplantation, it involves relocation of tiny quantities of healthy hair follicles from the healthy scalp areas to the portions where thinning or balding patches have appeared. However, the only disadvantage or after surgical effects includes ‘shock loss’. This happens usually within the first 10 days after the complete procedure has been undertaken. Nearly all of the hair or majority of the transplanted hair falls out but it is not an abnormality and individual need not worry. However the transplanted follicles take root and the new hair grows back within the next 2-3 months and continue to grow back normally.

Strip harvesting

This hair replacement technique is commonly practiced and is one of the most popular methods used in replacement of hair. The donor follicles are harvested from the area and transplanted on the recipients scalp. However this procedure uses scalpels to remove strips of healthy hair bearing tissues. The tissue is them dissected into smaller segments before transplantation takes place. The only disadvantage is scarring and should not be considered by individuals with short hair.

With a host of available choices, having replacement of hair procedures is fairly easy and effective.

The options available for hair replacement have increased manifold especially when appearances are everything for men and women today. It is not only cosmetic but the loss or thinning of hair can affect the individual psychologically.  With non-surgical hair replacement techniques and products available, more people with thinning hair or balding issues opt for these methods.

Apart from surgical replacement of hair, there are numerous topical applications that have known to benefit the growth of hair and are sought after commodities for both men and women alike.  However, with the benefits come some side effects that you need to consider before application. One of the most popular hair replacement topical applications includes Minoxidil or which is better known as Rogaine. It has proven to be effective for both men and women and is one of the most prescribed applications in non-surgical use. However, the most surprising fact remains that Rogaine was used as a medicine for the treatment of hypertension. Intensive research was conducted on the side effects of the medicine and it came out that there was lush hair growth in individuals being treated for hypertension. Thus, a new medicine, Rogaine (Minoxidil) for the treatment of hereditary baldness and thinning hair was introduced in 1980s. Initially it was only for men but constant good results led to its wide spread applications for women non-surgical hair replacement issues.

However, major fact was overlooked. Rogaine was designed for replacement of hair for those suffering from bald patches or thinning hair due to medical conditions such as chemotherapy, Alopecia and chemical application in hair styling. It was not created as a hair replacement topical application for better hair growth. Another fact that most people are unaware of is that the topical application has different chemical formula for men and women applications. The reasons behind it are that the causes of men and women baldness differ considerably. But the fact remains that if properly applied Rogaine is effective and has few side effects like dry or itchy scalp. These side effects can be resolved with using baby shampoo and cold water rinses.

However the precautions for the use of Rogaine include those lactating and pregnant women should completely shun the use of hair replacement topical applications. The fact remains that any chemical application on the sin is absorbed by the skin and transits into the blood stream. This in turn harms the unborn baby or those breastfeeding infants. In rare cases, heart and circulatory health issues have been noted due to the chemical absorption.

Hair loss is traumatic at any age. However with advancements in technology, hair replacement procedures are sought after by a multitude of age groups that maybe experiencing the loss due to illness, accidents or specific compulsive disorders where the individual intentionally plucks away hair. Earlier the only solution was concealing bald spots with scarves or hats but now they want the real thing. The procedures that are available today have been tested with success, but dangers still loom.

However the dangers and obstacles about doing something significant to cure hair loss may require serious consideration. Not only the benefits and disadvantages seem confusing but at every step, there are risks involved. So before you actually go ahead and start on the hair replacement procedure, ask yourself if the procedure is worth the risk involved? Thus, it is best to research more about the associated costs and dangers of the surgery procedure.

Before you think that there is no other way to deal with hair loss, think again. There are different methods apart from hair replacement that can help. Counseling can play a major role in establishing the need or reason for the individual’s decision about hair replacement. This can help you avoid associated risks apart from saving money. However even after that if you decide to go ahead with the hair replacement procedure, and then seek all the information about the total cost, risks, after procedure care and problems that may crop up. The basic three treatment patterns include:

• Human hair replacement cover: A gateway procedure that relies on a specifically customized covering to camouflage the hair loss. It is crafted from human hair and is customized as per the individual’s requirement. It is a technological advancement on the traditional toupees or wigs. This covering is attached to the scalp with an adhesive but it may be detected by others due to the individual’s conscious behavior. The price range differs according to the quality and style and may range in hundreds to a few thousands of dollars.

• Surgical replacement of hair: It requires a decent amount of surgery and needs pre-surgical visits with the surgeon. A careful analysis is needed to ensure that the recipient will have a successful hair replacement procedure as per the reason of hair loss. It is mostly done as an out-patient program. The price ranges from few thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

• Topical treatments: These are the cheapest and most debated hair loss treatments. The numerous drug based hair growth treatments are only available on prescription in drug stores. The price ranges from few dollars to few hundred dollars depending upon the drug.