Qualities of The Ideal Hair Transplant Candidate

Many people will experience a form of hair loss at some point in their life. Whether it is a side effect from prescription medications or treatments or due to age, hair loss can impact a person’s self-confidence.

Advances in the latest medical technology have made it possible for patients to receive hair transplants in Palo Alto and return their hair close to its original look. Patients who are traditionally eligible for hair transplants are those suffering from hereditary hair loss or male/female pattern baldness.

Not all patients qualify for hair transplants, though, and some may only qualify for a particular type of operation. Some factors influence a patient’s candidacy, those seeking transplants must consult a surgeon to see which procedure will work for their type and extent of hair loss.

How Hair Transplants Work

Hair transplants have been used by doctors for more than 60 years to restore hair loss. Traditional transplants, known as follicular unit transplanting, removes a small strip of hair from the back of the donor’s head and transplants the piece via miniature grafts.

These transplanted hair follicles are resistant to the hormone responsible for hair loss, known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Therefore, they will continue to grow like natural hairs after they have been transplanted.

Transplants are performed using a local anesthetic; therefore, it is an outpatient procedure. The length of time for the procedure, however, will vary.

Today, there are different methods for transplanting hair, including robotic machines that do the extraction of follicles.

Common Risks And Side Effects Associated With Hair Transplants

Hair transplants PaloAlto carry risks, like traditional surgeries. There is a minor risk for bleeding and infection for transplant patients. Discomfort is normal immediately following the transplant but should dissipate in a few days’ post-procedure.

Some patients may experience ingrown hairs because of the transplant.

Qualities Of The Ideal Candidate

A candidate for hair transplants in Palo Alto will exhibit specific qualities, including:

·         Age: The patient must be fully mature. Hormonal changes occur while the body grows, a person’s hair growth may fluctuate with age. Therefore, transplants are not performed on individuals under the age of 18. The typical patient is over the age of 30.

·         Health: A patient must be healthy enough physically to endure a medical procedure. They must have a healthy immune system and not be immunocompromised. Also, certain medications may interact with the process and natural hair growth; therefore, the surgeon must assess what prescriptions the patient is taking.

·         Lifestyle: A patient should live a healthy life and remain active. Physicians want patients that take care of their body by exercising regularly, eating right, and getting adequate sleep at night.

·         Hair Loss Areas: The concentration or severity of hair loss will also determine candidacy. When the candidate does not have enough hair on the back of the scalp or elsewhere on the body, a donor will be required. Surgeons have internal hair loss classifications by gender and age that help them determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for transplant.