A hair transplant is a procedure in which grafts of hair from the back or
sides of the head are moved to balding areas on the crown or forehead.
After surgery, your scalp begins to sprout new blood vessels, which allow
the grafts to grow in their new location. One of the more recent
transplant methods is the 'follicular (fuh-LICK-you-ler) transplant' or
'micro graft'. Hairs are removed in groups of one, two, or three,
then placed in such a way as to create a soft transition from the scalp to
the hairline. This technique gives a more natural appearance than the
old system of moving larger 'plugs' of hair. Another method, called the
'mega session,' involves transplanting two or three thousand hairs per
session, and packing them densely. While this may give impressive
short-term results, there's some concern that fewer hairs survive, due to
trauma caused by the procedure. Regardless of the method, not every
man is a candidate for a hair transplant. First, you must have enough
extra hair on the back and sides. It's also best to be over 30, and have
little contrast between hair and skin color. If you do decide to get a
transplant, be aware that the procedure may eventually need to be
repeated, as you continue to lose hair. For more information, consult
an experienced plastic surgeon.
