Hair loss affects men as much as women, and while the loss of hair volume is never a pleasure, two situations of hair loss can be distinguished. At Starks, we are interested in different age management techniques, and therefore also in hair transplantation.
In the case of temporary hair loss, which can be caused by many factors (anxiety, iron or vitamin deficiencies, some diseases), the lost hair mass is simply the renewal of hair. It’s a natural process, so it’s not necessary to consider a hair transplant. If this is your case, consult a health professional, who can study your lifestyle and diagnose the cause of the loss, in order to direct you to a treatment or a solution.
A hair transplant is recommended only in case of permanent loss, because a transplant in the event of a temporary loss could destabilize the area of the scalp where the hair must be implanted.
In the case of permanent hair loss, the individual can consider a transplant, using a surgical specialist. But when should we do a hair transplant?
Different factors to consider
The age of the patient
Individuals with early alopecia will very often have large-area baldness soon enough. The problem is that to consider a transplant, it is imperative that baldness has stabilized, to avoid risky results.
Beyond these considerations, the age of the patient does not really affect the graft, as long as its alopecia is stabilized.
The discomfort expressed by the patient
A hair transplant is a solution that is supposed to repair the discomfort that the patient feels about his hair loss. We must not forget that the transplant is a surgical operation and that it must be considered and anticipated.
The choice of this solution must come from the patient himself, not from those around him.
The Degree of Baldness
The development of alopecia is not the same in all individuals and may involve several capillary areas (gulfs, forehead, vertex, tonsure, and temples). Depending on the degree of baldness, the transplant methods are different in order to treat alopecia properly.
The quality of the donor area
Since a transplant involves the implantation of the remaining hair of the patient, the quality of the donor zone is, therefore, a very important factor to take into account before carrying out the procedure. This factor should also be taken into account when choosing the graft technique.
A transplant performed early in hair loss is also a smoother transition
It’s logic. If we treat baldness at its beginning, the result after the intervention will be just as qualitative, you will not have time to see yourself bald, and nor will your entourage. The number of grafts to be implanted is lower, the intervention will be less expensive, and shorter, and therefore more comfortable for you.
This is advantageous! However, the best time to perform a hair transplant is the one you choose, depending on your expectations, but especially the degree of stabilization of your alopecia!
Self-diagnose and evaluate your stage of alopecia
The Norwood-Hamilton scale, which bears the names of the two physicians who are responsible for it, is used to measure the evolution of alopecia. This scale has seven levels, ranging from minimal alopecia to baldness (total hair loss).
Stage 1
The individual suffers a very slight hair loss, just above the proportions of a temporary loss. The gulfs lose little, and alopecia remains very difficult to diagnose at this stage.
Stage 2
The temporal and frontal glands begin to shrink symmetrically, and the vertex begins to thin. At this stage of alopecia, treatments are possible, such as taking different vitamins, or treatments with phototherapy via LED lights.
Stage 3
This stage is an accentuation of the previous stage. It is from this moment that one can make a diagnosis of alopecia, monitor its stabilization or not, and therefore consider a hair transplant.
Stage 4
Not only do the previously cited areas continue to shrink, but the top of the skull is also beginning to be affected.
Stage 5
The two affected areas are so thin that they meet.
Stage 6
This step is once again an accentuation of the previous stage: the areas of baldness at the front and rear widen.
Stage 7
Last stage of alopecia: baldness: stripping of the skull and the frontal area is almost complete.
With the Norwood-Hamilton Scale, you will be able to assess your alopecia stage and note whether it is stable or not. Depending on this result, you can make an appointment with a specialist, and think about your transplant project!
Confirm your choice of transplant with a specialist
A consultation with a specialist will allow you to know if you are experiencing a temporary or definitive fall of hair, and also to direct you towards a treatment which will suit you better, because a graft is not necessary in certain cases. A consultation will also allow you to evaluate the risks related to treatments or a transplant.
Depending on the diagnosis he has made, the specialist will also answer all your questions about the proposed solutions. Scheduling a follow-up after the transplant procedure as soon as possible is also an excellent way to reassure you about the outcome of the operation. The most important thing is to feel comfortable after the operation, but it is also important that all the necessary steps be taken for the transplant to run smoothly!
To make the right surgeon choice, here are some tips:
- Do not hesitate to refuse any consultation with a consultant who does not seem professional,
- Ask to see the evolution of treatment from similar cases to yours,
- Do not hesitate to ask all your questions, especially about the results of the intervention,
- You can consult several doctors to obtain one or more comparative opinions which can guide you in your decision,
- Do not do a hair transplant with a practitioner with whom you do not feel confident during the consultation,
- To summarize, ask for transparency from the surgeon, and a professional follow-up of your situation!
Choose the transplant technique that’s right for you
There are several methods and techniques used in hair transplantation, and the surgeon’s choice of method will depend on the alopecia of the patient and their expectations in terms of results. If you wish to undertake a transplant, after medical diagnosis, ask your specialist which method is best suited to your needs.
All these methods are performed under local anesthesia, and are therefore completely painless.
The FUE Technique (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is a hair transplantation method that aims to extract the hair follicles from the donor area without incisions, in order to re-implant them in the recipient areas. Several different materials can be used and three types of FUE can be distinguished:
- Semi-automated FUE, which is performed using an automated drill. The doctor chooses the follicles to extract himself, and he reimplants them, either manually or with the help of an implant instrument.
- Robotic FUE, which is performed using a mechanical arm. This arm is controlled by a program, and is equipped with a camera used to identify the follicles that can be re-implanted (these follicles are then also validated by the doctor). The follicles removed are then re-implanted in the cleared areas.
- The “One Touch” FUE used by Starks Hair, is an advanced version of the FUE graft for many strengths. This solution is painless, leaves no scars, and consists of implantation of the follicles one by one, which allows high precision work and a very natural result.
The FUE method is the most used because it is not very painful, and the recovery period is fast. It should also be noted that the operation leaves no scars, so the results are more discreet and natural.
- The technique of strip transplantation, which involves removing the follicles in the densest areas of hair from the back of the skull. This is the oldest and cheapest hair transplant method. Nevertheless, this method leaves scars, and the aging of the grafted hair sometimes leaves something to be desired.
- The DHI technique is the most recent hair transplantation method developed. It consists of introducing a graft extract into an implanting pen, and thus a graft at each insertion. Several pens are used, each with about fifteen needles. This method allows a very high capillary density, and therefore a very successful result. Nevertheless, this method is the most expensive, and requires a professional team.
So choose the transplant technique adapted to your diagnosis and your needs, for results that will meet your expectations! Several factors are taken into account in the choice of technique: the size of baldness, the number of grafts needed, the quality and density of the donor area, but also the way you style and your habits.
Do not hesitate to consult a specialist far from home, if he is a specialist in the transplant method you have chosen. As you know, a hair transplant is an expensive operation that needs to be thought through and prepared for. Know that Starks Hair has three clinics, one in Montpellier, one in Milan and finally one in Thessaloniki, Greece. All three can provide you with irreproachable results in the follow-up of your scalp.
Create a healthy environment for yourself before and after the procedure
You can resume any social and professional activity the day after the transplant. However, there are some precautions to take before the operation.
For example, it is strongly advised not to smoke for some time after the transplant, the consequences of tobacco affecting blood circulation and therefore the functioning of the scalp. Be ready to start weaning so as not to unnecessarily complicate the growth of your new hair.
The use of local treatments for alopecia (Minoxidil 5%, for example) is also not recommended before a hair transplant. This is also the case for the consumption of alcohol or similar drugs, the intake of which is not recommended in the 48 hours preceding the intervention.
A hair transplant can be done at any time of the year. However, most patients prefer to plan a vacation after the transplant. If this and your case (which is a good idea to optimize the procedure), know that it is better not to bathe at sea or to be exposed to the sun for up to 20 days following the operation. Regarding the pool, it is advisable to wait at least five months after the transplant, to avoid contact with chlorinated water.
And finally, trust yourself!
Undertaking a hair transplant is often a way to regain self-confidence following an alopecia that you can’t stand anymore. There is no reason to be worried about using a hair transplant if you feel the need, and you apply all the tips here, go for it!
There is no precise and ideal time to undertake this intervention. Do it if you feel ready and comfortable with the procedure.
Know that hair implantation technologies are more advanced now than ever before, and unless you fall on a false practitioner, you have no chance to suffer disastrous consequences after surgery.
And if at the end of this article, if you still have questions about the hair transplant, Starks Hair will be delighted to answer and assist you in the treatment of your alopecia!
Thank you for checking out this post. Starks currently provides age management solutions from clinics located in France, Greece, and Italy. Please click below to read this post in any of those languages.
- French: Quand doit-on faire une greffe de cheveux ?
- Greek: Πότε θα πρέπει να γίνεται μεταμόσχευση μαλλιών;
- Italian: Quando ricorrere a un trapianto di capelli?
