It was in the early 1950s-1960s that hair transplant was begun to be offered as a solution to baldness. Until then, only traditional non-surgical methods like home remedies, medication had been followed as treatments for the symptoms of male pattern baldness. As a temporary solution, wigs could not be used for more than a few hours at a time since they could result in rashes, irritation, and further problems with the natural hair strands. Added to this was the issue that wigs did not look natural. Hair transplant, on the other hand, was a more permanent solution to male pattern baldness. It could help restore the confidence lost and men, especially those in the media eye, could focus more on their jobs than a bald patch.
Today with the advancement in techniques and technology, the procedure has come a long way and has helped many men affected by male pattern baldness at an early age.
There are three types of hair transplantation that focus on the re-growth of hair, these are as follows.
- Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
In this procedure, a strip of skin along with the hair follicles is removed from the person’s crown where the hair is normally thicker. This part will be sewn back by the surgeons once the procedure is complete. A small group of tissues that contain the hair follicles is separated from the removed skin and prepared for transplant. Simultaneously, very tiny holes are made where the tissue has to be transplanted. Then, the prepared hair follicles are transplanted into these tiny holes. The surgery can take many hours and a scar will be formed where the skin tissue was removed. The surgeons can design a hairline that makes them look younger with fuller and thicker hair both in the front and the sides, hiding all signs of male pattern baldness. Complete recovery takes a long time as the procedure is invasive. People who have undergone FUT should take good rest, avoid hard physical work, and ensure that the surgery sites are not infected. - Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The procedure is similar to that of FUT, except that instead of surgically removing a portion of the skin, individual hair follicles are transplanted from the donor site to the place that is balding. Hair follicles are harvested from the back of the head and moved to wherever required, creating a fuller look. This takes more time than a FUT procedure. While the detailed FUE technique requires more time in surgery, this method eliminates the chances of a linear scar and advanced wound care needed with FUT. This method also lessens recovery and lowers post-procedure discomfort. - NeoGraft
NeoGraft is a much faster, automated FUE procedure that does not need total anesthesia. In can be done with local anesthesia and has a reduced need for post-surgery care. A person who undergoes a NeoGraft procedure can return to their normal routine within a week.
Whichever procedure you choose, always remember to have it done only by certified cosmetic surgeons or surgeons who have the necessary licenses. Do your research, talk to people who have undergone the surgery and understand the risk and success rates. It is always best to take a opinion or two before you make the final decision.