Patients Who Are Not Suitable for A Hair Transplant

Hair restoration surgery, also referred to as hair transplant surgery, is a medical procedure where a surgeon extracts hair follicles from one area of the body, typically the back and sides of the scalp, and transplants them to another area of the scalp experiencing hair loss. The goal of this surgery is to restore the natural hairline, density, and thickness of the hair.

Hair transplant surgery is an ever-evolving field with various techniques available, the two most popular being Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). FUE involves the extraction of individual hair follicles using a small instrument, such as a punch, leaving small circular scars that are hardly visible. On the other hand, FUT involves the removal of a strip of skin from the scalp containing hair follicles, which is then divided into smaller units for transplantation. This technique results in a linear scar on the scalp, but it allows for the transplantation of a larger number of hair follicles.

This surgery is most commonly used to treat Male Pattern Hair Loss, a hereditary condition caused by genetics and the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attacks hair follicles in men who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss, causing them to shrink and ultimately leading to hair loss. However, hair on the back and sides of the scalp are not susceptible to DHT, which is why they are used as donor hair for the transplantation.

Hair restoration surgery is a highly specialized procedure that requires skill and expertise. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and usually takes several hours to complete, depending on the number of hair follicles being transplanted. The results of the surgery are long-lasting and can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and confidence.

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When Are You Not Suitable For Hair Restoration Surgery?

Hair restoration surgery is a significant procedure that requires careful consideration before undergoing. A consultation with a reputable doctor or surgeon is essential to determine the suitability of a potential candidate for the surgery. The surgeon will consider various factors before deciding whether or not to perform the procedure. Here are some reasons why a person may not be an ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery:

Extensive Hair Loss

Extensive hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the excessive shedding or loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. This condition can affect both men and women of all ages, and it can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medication, and underlying medical conditions.

The symptoms of extensive hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, hair loss may be gradual and subtle, while in other cases it can be sudden and severe. Common symptoms may include thinning hair, bald patches, and excessive shedding.

Treatment options for extensive hair loss may vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, androgenetic alopecia may be treated with medications such as finasteride or minoxidil, while alopecia areata may require immunosuppressant drugs or steroid injections. In some cases, hair transplants or scalp reduction surgery may be recommended.

In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle changes that may help to reduce the risk of hair loss, such as eating a balanced diet, managing stress, avoiding harsh hair treatments, and wearing protective hairstyles.

Diffuse Hair Loss

Diffuse hair loss refers to a type of hair loss where hair thins out all over the scalp rather than being restricted to a particular area or pattern. This type of hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medication, and underlying medical conditions.

While hair transplant is a popular treatment option for hair loss, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with diffuse hair loss. This is because hair transplant relies on the availability of healthy hair follicles from a donor site to be transplanted to the balding area. However, in cases of diffuse hair loss, there may not be enough healthy hair follicles available for transplantation, making hair transplant ineffective or impractical.

Furthermore, hair transplant procedures can be challenging in cases of diffuse hair loss because the hair loss is not limited to a specific area of the scalp. The donor site may be limited, and it may be difficult to achieve a natural-looking result with the available hair follicles.

In such cases, alternative treatment options such as scalp micropigmentation or hair systems may be more suitable. Scalp micropigmentation involves tattooing tiny dots on the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles, giving the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Hair systems, also known as hair pieces or wigs, can provide a natural-looking solution for those with diffuse hair loss.

Densed Thinning Hair

Patients with dense hair may not be suitable candidates for hair transplant surgery, as the procedure requires a certain amount of donor hair to be available for transplantation. Dense hair can make it difficult to harvest enough donor hair without causing visible scarring or over-harvesting, which can lead to a thinning of the donor area.

In addition to the limited supply of donor hair, dense hair can also make it difficult to create a natural-looking result. The density of the transplanted hair needs to match the density of the surrounding natural hair for a seamless, natural-looking result. If the patient has dense hair, transplanting too many hair follicles can result in an unnatural-looking appearance, with hair that looks too thick or dense.

Alopecia Areata

The hair loss pattern in alopecia areata is patchy and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine the area for transplanting. Transplanted hair may not grow in the same pattern as natural hair, leading to an unnatural appearance. Additionally, hair transplant surgery can trigger the autoimmune response and cause further hair loss.

Hair transplant surgery relies on the availability of a sufficient number of healthy hair follicles in the donor area. However, patients with alopecia areata may have widespread hair loss, and the remaining hair may be too weak and fragile to withstand the trauma of surgery. Hair transplant surgery may cause further damage to the existing hair and accelerate the progression of the disease.