Commonly Performed Methods Of Hair Restoration
Hair loss can occur for various reasons. It may be caused by other health conditions, taking certain medications, a serious injury to the head or simply because of aging. Both men and women suffer from hair loss and this can occur at different stages of their lives. However, there are procedures that can be performed to help restore a substantial amount of the hair that has been lost. These are some of the common methods that are often used to treat hair loss.
Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation
A procedure known as follicular unit hair transplantation is one of the most popular methods of hair restoration performed today. In this method, high resolution stereo microscopes are used during the transplantation of the hair. The hair is transplanted in sections known as follicular units and are extracted from areas known as donor strips where the hair is thicker and more plentiful. The donor strip is dissected into small follicular units of hair. Once the hair is harvested into more natural looking hair follicle units, it is transplanted to the balding areas of the scalp. Over time, the hair transplants will begin to grow just like the natural hair that has been replaced. The length of time it takes the transplants to begin growing, depends on the natural hair growth pattern of the individual.
Follicular Hair Extraction
Follicular hair extraction is very similar to follicular unit hair transplantation. However, in this procedure, a donor strip of hair is not removed from a different area of the patient's scalp. Instead, individual hair follicles are extracted from areas where the hair is fuller on the sides and the back of the head.
Then, the follicles of hair are grafted in the balding areas where they will eventually grow and thrive. This procedure is often preferred because it is less invasive and there is less bleeding and scarring since a strip of the scalp is not removed.
Scalp Reduction
In the past, scalp reduction was also a popular form of hair restoration. This procedure was done by surgically removing part of the balding area of the scalp. The remaining area of scalp was pulled and stretched tightly together and sutured in place. Once the incisions healed, the balding area was much smaller and less noticeable. However, this method is not used as often now because there is a risk of severe scarring and infection and irritation can occur after the surgery is performed.
There are also nonsurgical methods of hair restoration. Products containing a chemical known as Minoxidil have been successful for some in promoting hair growth and helping it to come in more thickly. However, if the person does not continue to use this product as directed on a daily basis, the new hair growth will be lost.