1. What do we mean by the term hair loss
The normal number of hair that can be lost every day is 50 to 100 hairs. Any loss of hair beyond this number is considered as abnormal and is commonly referred to as “hair loss”.
2. What are the causes of hair loss?
The factors determining the development of the scalp during human life are basically heredity (parental and maternal genes), external causes (excessive friction, use of chemicals such as hair dye, excessive heat during hair drying, use of inappropriate care products), disorders (e.g., thyroid gland disorders), hair disorders, medication, malnutrition, stress.
3. What is the androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia – commonly known as baldness – affects mainly men and, secondarily, women.
It only happens to people with a genetic predisposition and has a hormonal substrate. It is due to the production of 5α-dihydrotestosterone from testosterone, through the 5α-reductase enzyme.
The increase of the 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the hair follicles causes the inhibition of their metabolism, resulting in hair loss.
4. What is hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation is a transfer of healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another, which shows some other grade of thinning.
The transfer of the hair can be performed, except for the head, in other areas of the body (e.g. eyebrows).
5. How is the area where the hair follicles shall be received from chosen?
In order to understand the principle of hair transplantation, we need to explain the concept of stable and changing hair growth.
People who are genetically predisposed to developing androgenetic alopecia bear a constant hair growth area (at the back and on the side of the head) which shall always be covered with hair and a region of changing hair which shall, at some point, exhibit a varying grade of thinning.
The area out of which the follicles to be transplanted (donor area) will be obtained is the area of stable hair which is evaluated according to the extent, density of the hair it carries, and the elasticity of the skin to good, moderate or bad.
The relationship between the donor and the receiving region is the one that determines the final result.
6. Can anyone undergo hair transplantation?
Based on the foregoing, it is understood that not all candidates meet the requirements for successful hair transplantation.
Statistically, the percentage reaches 20% and is due to a disproportionately large bald surface which can not be covered by the existing donor area.
7. Is hair transplantation also suitable for women?
Of course, the results are excellent in both sexes.
8. How shall the new hair look after the transplantation?
New hair does not fall, retaining the properties they had in their original position.
They can also undergo any kind of treatment (cutting, shaving, dying) as well as the rest of the hair.
9. Is the transplantation process painful?
The procedure is performed through local anesthesia (or even drunkenness if necessary) and is totally painless.
11. How many hairs can be placed during one session?
From 3,000 to 10,000 hairs, depending on the density of the donor area and the extent of the surface we wish to cover.
13. When may i return to my routine activities after transplantation?
The next day, one can return to their activities, always following the advice of their doctor.
14. Are there any visible marks or scars after the hair transplantation?
No. This is where the ability of a specialized doctor who performs aesthetic surgery lies, without leaving any scars.
15. Is it possible to repeat the surgery in a patient who has undergone hair transplantation in the past?
Yes, provided there is still a sufficient donor area.
16. What is the best technique for hair transplantation?
The choice of the best technique is personalized depending on the possibilities and needs of each individual candidate and it is up to the specialist’s judgment and experience for the best possible result.
At this point, what should be pointed out is the importance of predicting a further thinning in areas that do not exist during the surgical phase.