Hair loss is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Hair has always been a symbol of male virility, and even if we don’t view it that way today, balding is still one of the worse thing a man can go through. Hair loss affects women and children as well as men. There is little research done to explore hair replacement options for women, and only slightly more for men.
Why Hair Implants?
Hair implants offer a more permanent option than other treatments such as creams, sprays and weaves. Although there is some risk associated with hair transplantation, it is the treatment of choice for many doctors and patients.
What Is Hair Transplantation?
With hair transplantation your doctor will take pieces of skin from a part of your scalp with healthy hair follicles and places the plug in a bald area. This can be done with just a few hairs or with a small section of many more hairs. The fewer number of hairs transplanted at a time, the more natural the transplant will look. Obviously the patient will need numerous sessions to achieve results. Once healed, new hair should grow from the transplant. There are new procedures that transplant one to four hairs together for a natural look.
Hair Treatments to Avoid
Some physicians still perform mildly outdated and less effective treatment options. Because an up to date treatment requires significant training and equipment, many doctors perform older treatments. Be sure to choose your doctor carefully. Some treatments experts suggest avoiding are as follows.
Skin Lifts or Flaps
Skin flaps are pieces of skin cut off except for a connection point, then rotated and placed in a new position. These create small bumps on the head from the rotating of the skin, and can cause scarring, infection and an unsightly appearance of the scalp.
Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction is also called alopecia reduction, galeoplasty, or male pattern reduction. This procedure involves slicing away part of the scalp, pulling the two edges together and sewing up the sides. This can create a strange appearance as it may lift the ears up higher than normal and can tighten the skin at the back of the neck. It is performed under general anesthesia.
Linear Grafts and Round or Square Grafts
These grafts are more primitive forms of hair transplantation. The procedure involves removing a graft in the shape of a line or a circle or square and planting them in another area. This creates a patchy or manmade appearance to the new hair, and isn’t appealing. This form of hair transplant is very out-dated and shouldn’t be used, as there are much more natural looking transplant strategies available.
Whatever treatment you choose, be sure to take care when selecting a doctor. Your doctor should want what’s best for you, and will be open and honest about your choices.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/default.htm
