Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure where a plastic or dermatological surgeon moves hair to a bald or thinning area of the head. The surgeon typically moves healthy hair follicles from the back or side of the head (known as the "donor area") to the front or top of the head (the "recipient area"). Hair transplantation is usually performed in a medical office or specialized clinic under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient.
While genetic baldness is responsible for a large portion of hair loss, other cases can be caused by various factors including:
Unbalanced diet and nutritional deficiencies
High stress levels
Underlying illnesses or medical conditions
Hormonal imbalances
Certain medications or treatments
Who Can Get Hair Transplantation? Ideal Candidates & Exclusions
Getting a hair transplant can significantly improve your appearance, boost self-confidence, and restore a fuller head of hair. Ideal candidates for hair transplantation typically include:
Ideal Candidates for Hair Transplant:
Men with male pattern baldness: Especially those with stable hair loss and sufficient donor hair.
Women with thinning hair: Particularly those experiencing female pattern hair loss or looking to increase density.
Anyone who has lost some hair due to burns or scalp injury: Hair transplantation can effectively cover scars and restore hair in damaged areas.
Who is Generally Not Suitable for Hair Transplantation:
Insufficient "Donor" Hair: Those who do not have enough healthy and dense hair in their donor areas from which grafts can be harvested for transplantation.
Medication-Induced Hair Loss: Individuals experiencing hair loss primarily due to medications like chemotherapy, as the underlying cause may not be resolved by a transplant.
Tendency for Keloid Scars: Those who develop keloid scars (thick, fibrous scars) after injury or surgery, as this can affect healing and cosmetic outcome.
Active Scalp Conditions: Individuals with active scalp infections or inflammatory conditions that could impact graft survival.
Potential Hair Transplantation Complications and Side Effects
Side effects of hair transplantation are usually minor and temporary, subsiding within a few weeks. Our team at Akl Poliklinik takes all precautions to minimize these. Some potential hair transplantation complications and side effects can include:
Minor Bleeding: Typically minimal and controlled during and immediately after the procedure.
Infection: A rare occurrence due to sterile environments and post-operative care instructions.
Swelling: Swelling of the scalp and sometimes around the eyes, which usually resolves within a few days.
Bruising: Minor bruising around the eyes or treated areas.
Crusting: Small scabs or crusts formed on the scalp areas where hair was removed or transplanted, which fall off within a week to ten days.
Numbness: Temporary numbness and loss of sensation in the treated areas of the scalp.
Itching: Common during the healing phase, usually manageable with prescribed solutions.
Folliculitis: Inflammation and infection of hair follicles, which can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.
"Shock Loss": Temporary shedding of existing hair around the transplanted area, which usually regrows within a few months.
A thorough consultation with our specialists will address all potential risks and ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with your hair transplant journey.
