| Overview
Principles of Hair Transplantion & Psychology
The
principle is the redistribution of hair to an area of the scalp
where loss has occured (recipient area). When moved it will continue
to behave as if it were still in its original place. This is possible
because the genetic disposition of the donor hair, it is immune
from the male pattern baldness gene and therefore retains the genetic
makeup even when placed into a new area.
At
approximately the three months stage the new hair starts to grow
through; it is common that there are spurts in growth over a twelve-month
period and the full result cannot really be determined until this
period has elapsed, at which point the hair has had time to mature
and develop in its new environment.
A
hair transplant relies on the fact that a person keeps a band of
hair around the side and back of their head. The density and hair
characteristics of this hair will determine the result that can
be achieved in relation to their current hair loss stage and the
potential for future hair loss. Planning and good donor management
will allow for the maximum amount of grafts to be safely harvested,
be it in one session or multiple sessions or by FUE or FUT. It must
be recognised regardless of the technique, that hair must only be
removed from the "safety zone", that being the area that
in the worst case scenario MPB will not occur.
It
is impossible to place like for like density in most cases; therefore
some of the art of a good hair transplant is to give the cosmetic
effect, or illusion, that the density is the same. This is possible
because the signs of thinning are first apparent when light reflects
through the hair and back off the scalp, showing areas of thinning.
Hair calibre or hair diameter is arguably more important than the
density of follicular units. The better your hair characteristics
the greater help in creating a natural looking density and maximum
coverage when rebuilding a new head of hair, especially in Norwood
5 cases and above. Planning for further hair loss also becomes easier,
as the hair calibre allows for a larger coverage whilst maintaining
a good density.
Although
technically/medically almost all people can have a Hair Transplant,
this does not mean the procedure is suitable for all; factors such
as age, hair loss stage, potential for future loss, donor management
and patient desires are evaluated. With this in mind the decision
process is always finalised with a detailed personal consultation
with the doctor prior to the procedure.
Losing
hair affects all demographic groups, it is a leveller of wealth,
class and social standing. There is no reason why a few filaments
of minerals should cause so much anxiety, but it does. Concern for
hair has been documented far back as to the days of Samson and Delilah
and his loss of strength, up to today with the media coverage of
David Beckham’s locks.
A
thick head of hair signifies youth, strength, and success. Almost
every man loses hair and recognises it as a sign of aging, therefore
a progressive loss of virility. Young men do not want to be thin
on top because they feel it is before their time and middle age
men want to stay youthful looking.
Concern
about losing hair or looking to replace hair is perceived as a weakness
and very few people will discuss their feelings even their closest
friends or family. As we grow older we look at our male family members
with horror if they have thinned, as we look on with impending dread.
Confronting
this demon can be harder than accepting it. The basic truth is you
do not want to see yourself bald, when we close our eyes and imagine
how we should look it is certainly not without hair. The Clinic
has an important role to not only to determine and inform the client
as to the best procedure for them; but also to establish the person’s
objectives and goals in undergoing a hair transplant.
Every
person is an individual and has his or her own objectives, be it
cosmetic or psychological, and these have to be taken into consideration
to ensure long-term happiness. The goal of the hair transplant is
to enhance your life and personal happiness; we believe this is
achieved with educating and a transparent relationship between patient
and doctor.
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