Hair Transplant in El Monte CA
Hair loss is caused by a combination of ageing, hormonal changes and a genetic history of baldness. The earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness. It can also be caused by trauma, or burns, whereas this surgery is considered reconstructive.
Procedure Types
Hair Transplantation - The procedure consists of resurfacing bald areas of scalp with hair. Plugs of bald scalp are removed and then filled with plugs of scalp containing several hair roots taken from hair-bearing areas. Those grafts root themselves into their new locations and hair follicles start to grow eventually.
Depending on the degree of baldness, the number of grafts needed and the length of treatment sessions vary. Several operations may be necessary. The technique may leave many small scars on the site used (donor sites) but are usually not noticeable.
Scalp Flap Transfer – This is done when the sides of the scalp (above the ears) and the back of the scalp is hair-bearing. A long thin "flap" of scalp that is hair-bearing is removed and placed across a bald section to create a band of normal hair growth. As part of the treatment, parts of the bald scalp may be removed. The donor site is closed by stretching the opposite side of the scalp.
This procedure replaces hair across a large area of bald scalp. The hair growth looks normal, and the narrow scars are hidden between the hair follicles.
Scalp Reduction (Serial Excision) – This is the removal of as much of the bald section as possible and done in the first operation. The adjacent hair bearing areas of scalp are pulled in close to the bald section, with the understanding that some bald areas will remain. This technique is repeated one or more times at a later date to eventually reconstruct the bald area.
Tissue Expansion – A device called a tissue expander is placed under a hair growth area situated adjacent to a bald area. After several weeks, the tissue expander causes skin to grow new skin cells. Then another operation is necessary to place the newly expanded skin over the ajoining bald area.
Ideal candidates for hair replacement must have a healthy growth of hair at the back and sides of the head. The hair on the back and sides of the head will be the donor sites where the flaps and grafts will be surgically removed.
The procedure location options may include the surgeon's office-based surgical facility, outpatient surgery center, hospital outpatient, or hospital in patient.
The anesthetic options are either general, or local (combined with a sedative)which allows the patient to remain awake but relaxed.
To achieve desired fullness, several surgical sessions are needed. There is a healing period of several months recommended between each session. The final result with a full transplant series may take up to 2 years.
A month or 2 after surgery, the grafted hair falls out (which is normal and temporary). It takes another month or more before hair growth starts. To create more natural-looking results, a surgical touch-up procedure may be necessary. This may consist of using a combination of mini grafts or slit grafts to fill and blend in the hairline.
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