Who doesn’t love a head full of healthy, smooth, and shiny hair? Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal, but many experience severe hair loss. People of different age groups and genders can go through hair fall problems for diverse reasons. Excessive hair fall may lead to thinning hair, bald patches, and even baldness. Thanks to advancements in medical science, those suffering from baldness can now regain their hairline. Let’s take a look at the causes of hair loss and effective hair transplant solutions. 

Common Causes of Hair Fall

An individual can experience excessive hair fall for different reasons. Here are the most common ones:

Genetics

Family history plays a crucial role in determining hair health. If one’s parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, one may be genetically predisposed to the same condition.

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Hormonal changes

Hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or other health conditions can cause hair fall. Hormonal changes can cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner hair or bald patches.

Stress

Chronic stress can cause an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies

A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, or biotin, can lead to hair loss.

Medications

Certain medications used to treat health conditions like cancer, depression, arthritis, or high blood pressure can cause hair fall as a side effect.

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Excessive use of hairstyling products

Frequent use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, and chemical treatments like coloring or perming can damage the hair shaft and cause hair fall.

Medical conditions

Health conditions like scalp psoriasis, alopecia areata, or fungal infections can cause hair loss.

What is Hair Transplant?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, typically the back or sides of the scalp, to a balding or thinning area. The procedure is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to restore hair loss due to injury or burns. 
The transplanted hair follicles are usually harvested in groups of one to four hairs and transplanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area. Over time, the transplanted hairs grow and blend in with the existing hair, creating a natural-looking hairline.

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Top 4 Hair Transplant Methods in 2023

FUT Hair Transplant

During hair transplantation using the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method, a donor flap of skin with a sufficient number of follicles is extracted from the back of the patient's head. This area is chosen because the hair there is less susceptible to hair loss, unlike the temples and crown of the head, which are more affected by androgenic alopecia.

The width of the flap typically doesn't exceed 1-1.5 cm.Before the procedure, the surgeon trims the hair to 2 mm in length and administers anesthesia to the scalp. Although full anesthesia is not necessary, sedation can be provided if desired. Once the flap is removed, the surgeon uses a microscope to separate it into small sections, which are then implanted into areas of the scalp where hair thinning occurs.

Historically, FUT was the primary method of hair transplantation because it was the fastest and most cost-effective. This approach is still used when high hair density is desired, and the scar on the donor site can be concealed by the length of the hair. Additionally, skilled plastic surgeons can close the scar carefully so that hair grows over it, disguising any signs of surgical intervention. Micro-pigmentation of the scalp can also be performed to cover the scar.

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After surgery, the stitches are removed 10-14 days later. Compared to other techniques, recovery from FUT transplantation takes the longest. Physical activity and swimming pools should be avoided for the first 3-4 weeks.

The FUT method offers the advantage of good hair engraftment, with grafts taken from the most hair loss-resistant area of the scalp. Furthermore, more tissue surrounding the follicle is extracted, providing protection to the hair and promoting better root growth.

FUE Hair Transplant

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a hair restoration procedure where follicles are taken from a donor area and then individually transplanted to the recipient area by creating tiny channels. This technique is preferred by both doctors and patients due to its minimally invasive nature.

The FUE procedure consists of three stages. In the first stage, a plastic surgeon extracts the follicle from the donor area using a punch tool. Usually, almost 4,000 follicles can be extracted at this stage.

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Then, the surgeon prepares the recipient area of the scalp for the transplant. It is called the channeling stage. Channeling in FUE refers to the creation of small incisions or channels in the recipient area where the harvested hair follicles will be implanted. These channels are made using a fine needle or a small blade, and their size and direction are carefully planned to ensure that the transplanted hair grows in the desired direction and pattern.

The channeling step of the FUE procedure is crucial to the success of the hair transplant, as it determines the placement and angle of the transplanted hair follicles. The surgeon's skill and experience are crucial in determining the natural look and quality of the final result, as the density of channels and hair growth angle play a major role.

The third stage involves implanting the extracted grafts into the prepared canals. After this, the doctor will apply an antibiotic and bandages to the scalp. Hair loss immediately after the surgery is normal, and new hair growth will occur in its place. The final outcome of the transplant can be expected 6-8 months after the operation.

The primary advantage of FUE hair transplantation is that it leaves minimal scarring on the donor area of the head. Small circular marks are left where the grafts were extracted, which are easily hidden even by a small amount of hair. This makes FUE hair transplants ideal for men who prefer short haircuts.

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The second major advantage of FUE is its minimally invasive nature. This procedure is less strenuous on the body, allowing for faster recovery times. Within 1-2 weeks of treatment, most people can participate in sports activities and can swim in non-chlorinated water.

Some hair transplant centers use sapphire blades during FUE transplants. These blades have a hard and smooth surface that allows for neater channels to be formed with less tissue damage, leading to quicker recovery. Additionally, with sapphire blades, surgeons can make more frequent and precise incisions, resulting in a thick and natural hair growth line.

DHI Hair Transplant

DHI is a technique used for implanting hair grafting that is often combined with other hair transplant methods, such as FUE or FUT. Typically, DHI is utilized in conjunction with FUE surgery.

An instrument called Choi pen is used in the DHI treatment. During a hair transplant using the Choi implanter, the surgeon or medical team places the extracted hair grafts into the hollow needle located at the end of the implanter pen. 

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Once the grafts are in the pen, the surgeon takes the pen and inserts the needle into the patient's scalp at a 40-45 degree angle. The surgeon then uses the plunger to gently implant the grafts into the scalp. The shorter the exposure time for the follicles, the lesser root damage occurs and better hair implantation is expected. Additionally, DHI has the potential to produce greater hair density than FUE or FUT.

Unlike other methods, DHI hair transplantation can be performed without shaving the hair in the transplant area, making it a popular choice for women who want to increase their hair density.

Some hair transplant centers offer robotic hair transplantation using the DHI method. This process involves a system that calculates the best depth and angle for transplanting each follicle, which helps ensure a natural-looking result.

The main disadvantage of DHI is that it tends to be more expensive than other hair transplantation methods because the surgeon uses multiple Choy implant blades during the procedure.

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NeoGraft Hair Transplant

NeoGraft is a hair transplant technique that involves harvesting hair follicles from a donor site and transplanting them to balding areas of the scalp. It is a safe and effective hair restoration method that minimizes scarring and recovery time compared to traditional hair transplant methods. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, and most patients can return to work within a few days.

The benefits of NeoGraft include a natural-looking and permanent solution to hair loss, minimal scarring, and a shorter recovery time compared to other hair transplant methods. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with NeoGraft. These include bleeding, infection, and scarring. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can minimize these risks and provide proper post-operative care.

Conclusion

There are various reasons for hair fall, including genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, etc. Fortunately, there are several solutions to combat hair fall, ranging from home remedies to medical treatments. 

Hair transplant has come a long way since its early days and there are now several effective techniques available to those seeking to restore their hairline. FUT, FUE, DHI, and NeoGraft all have their unique advantages and disadvantages. 

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The choice ultimately depends on the individual's hair characteristics and preferences. It is important to do thorough research and consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon before deciding on a hair transplant method. With the right approach, hair transplantation can provide a natural and lasting solution for hair loss, improving not only one's appearance but also their self-esteem and quality of life.