Micro Hair Transplant (micrografting)
Micro Hair Transplant is the most common modern hair restoration technique for treating hair thinning (male pattern baldness).
It is basically the transfer of healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp (donor area) to another area where signs of thinning appear (recipient area).
Healthy hair follicles have the ability to maintain and transfer their genetic traits to any area transplanted. Thus, after the transplant, they are not affected by hair loss and continue to grow normally, as if they had remained in their original position.
Hair transplantation does not create new hair growth and does not stop hair loss, but redistributes the existing hair. For this reason, there should be sufficient follicles on the back and sides of the head in order to be transported.
Technique
Before the operation, the plastic surgeon evaluates the condition according to the extent of the problem of each candidate, and plans the transfer and implantation of healthy hair follicles to the thinning area of the scalp. In order to achieve a natural result, the plastic surgeon examines various factors, such as:
- The proper orientation of the hair in the recipient area, so that it harmonizes with that of the donor area.
- The correct distribution of hair follicles in order to ensure the highest density possible.
- The creation of a natural frontal hairline that fades gently and harmoniously frames the face.
One of the techniques used worldwide is the Micro Strip technique where the plastic surgeon, with a superficial incision, takes the graft from the donor area, which is usually located on the back of the head, and extracts a strip of hair that is then cut into smaller ones. These are then placed in small sections, which are made on the recipient area. The scar at the back of the head is almost invisible, as it is hidden by hair.
The evolution of this method, which we usually recommend is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This is the perfect solution for people who suffer from alopecia or partial hair loss and the best hair transplant method. Through this method, one or sometimes two hair grafts are obtained to assure naturalness and effectiveness. Another advantage is that there is no need for an incision as in the aforementioned method, so there is lack of linear scars.
With the use of the FUE method, each healthy hair follicle is extracted from the donor area, and then is relocated into a new recipient site, in order to give density to the recipient area.
It should be mentioned that there is a limit to the number of grafts to be transplanted in a specific area in order to achieve proper growth. Therefore, more than one operation might be necessary, depending on the extent of the problem.
Proper patient selection and a surgical, highly skilled team in hair restoration help avoid any potential risks, even though it is a very safe operation that does not involve risks.
What to expect after surgery:
- You should avoid touching the area of the grafts (recipient area), to comb your hair, to bend or to lift heavy objects.
- Avoid wearing a hat as much as possible.
- Do not expect hair growth for a period of 3 months.
- New hair growth is expected after 3 months following surgery. However, as average hair tends to grow at a rate of 1 cm per month, the results will be mostly visible over a period of 6 months.
- For 2 weeks after the hair transplant procedure, avoid sports, strenuous exercise, swimming and hard work.
Duration of Results
New hair begins to grow immediately after transplantation. The result of the transplant is visible after 3 months and on average it is completed at 10 to 12 months after the operation.
New hair grows normally and so the aesthetic effect is completely natural. The result differs among patients, since it is performed following the assessment of an individual’s needs.
Useful Information
- Micro Hair Transplant is the ideal medical solution for the treatment of male alopecia.
- It can be performed on other areas of the face as well, such as the eyebrows.
- Sometimes hair begins to grow after 6 weeks instead of 3 months, but this is rather unusual.
