There may be hardly any person in the world who does not combat a hair loss problem and everyone keeps looking for that right treatment for hair loss. Some of us are lucky that we face minor hair loss problems which get resolved with time with the inclusion of the right treatment, however, some of us are not as lucky and face major problems, resulting in baldness.
We often resort to an endless bunch of hair treatment drugs and hair products which lead us nowhere. In order to be a good hair transplant candidate, the first requirement is to have a sufficient amount of donor’s hair. Before we reach permanent hair treatment, it is mandatory to find out the basic reason for hair loss.
Usually, males and females have different reasons for hair loss and it’s usually the male pattern of baldness that comes more into focus. Hair loss is commonly referred to by the medical term, “Alopecia”. Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common form of male and female pattern of baldness. Alopecia may have various trigger agents, both environmental and genetic, although the specifics are unclear. Besides, there are other forms of Alopecia like Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata. Other hair loss problems are caused due to chronic diseases or cosmetic overuse.
Hair loss can be an extremely distressing situation for those who’re suffering from it and don’t have a clue about how to deal with it. Most of us with a receding hairline is unable to figure out the requirement for a brand new set of hair and avoid the inherent complications associated with it. Check out the following factors to help you understand if you’re the ideal candidate for hair loss treatment or transplant.
Key Factors to Determine the Right Candidate for Hair Transplantation
- The transplant works better for a particular skin color-
If you have a lighter hair and skin color, then your hair transplant surgery will work well as there is lesser contrast between your hair and skin color. A blonde person looks bald only after a considerable amount of hair fall and obviously will require lesser hair transplants.
- The Thickness of The Hair Also Determines Hair Transplant-
If a person has thick or curly hair, then their scalp apparently looks full, due to the texture of hair. So more the cross-sectional area of hair, the greater the coverage of the hair transplant procedure, with minimum hair grafts needed.
- The flexibility of The Scalp-
If your scalp is loose, then it’s easier for the surgeon to carry out the hair transplant surgery, because for every hair graft to be inserted, a certain degree of scalp pulling is needed.
- The Age Factor-
Hair transplant will comparatively be smoother for a person who’s younger, as his/her hair growth is still active. So it is always advisable not to get a hair transplant until the age of 25, as we only gradually come to know our hair loss pattern with age. Also, a person should follow realistic goals when it comes to hair loss and try to look their age.
Hair Loss Treatment Methods
All of us confront hair loss problems at some point of life or other, but we still scratch our heads about the perfect solution for this age-old problem. After spending loads of money on glossy hair crèmes and fragrant shampoos, we get desperate to figure out a permanent hair restoration solution for our hair loss. Today, many people are finding solace in hair treatment such as transplant surgery, get a brand new set of hair to boost their personalities. There are many hair transplant procedures to get a permanent set of hair. Amongst them, the two main procedures are FUT and FUE.
Selecting the best hair transplant solution involves understanding multiple factors, like the medical history of the candidate, texture of hair, budget, age, skin allergies and existence of any chronic physical ailments. Taking all these factors into consideration, and after consultation with a board-certified surgeon, one can opt for a typical hair transplant surgery. In order to find out which method works better, we need to take a look at both the methods of hair transplant closely-
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant)-
FUT involves a small strip of hair being removed from the back of your scalp, from new strands of hair, is harvested. FUT is the preferred hair transplant procedure when the surgeon wants wider hair coverage. Also, FUT enables the greatest number of grafts to be transplanted in a single session. But this method results in the formation of a scar due to strip transplant, which may be visible. It comparatively has a longer period of recovery to FUE.
Advantages of (FUT)
Commonly, and especially in cases of advanced hair loss, FUT is the preferred method because,
- it allows the surgeon to fully use the scalp area to deliver results meeting up with patient expectations.
- As far as FUT is concerned, it allows the maximum number of grafts to be transplanted in one session, sometimes going up to as many as 5000 follicle units per sitting.
- This proves to be economical for the patient as the method is convenient and costs less.
- Also, for patients who can not allow multiple dates and are hard pressed for time can opt for this method.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)-
In FUE hair transplantation, each follicular unit is extracted from the scalp, with no strip of tissue being removed. Hair follicles are removed in a random fashion with minimum effect in the donor area. This is the chief difference that separates the FUE & FUT. Since follicles are removed in a particular way, one at a time, fewer follicles can be harvested during a typical session. FUE is a better option to restore hair in cases where a small amount of hair needs to be harvested, compared to the traditional FUT method.
Advantages of (FUE)
The main advantages of FUE are,
- Since follicles are removed one at a time, fewer follicles can be planted during a session, making FUE a preferable option to restore hair in smaller cases (number of grafts) compared to the traditional FUT method.
- FUE is constantly evolving and what was once thought to be suitable for small cases only is now also being used for large areas.
- It does not leave behind a linear scar, perfect for those who want to wear their hair short.
- It heals very quickly.
- There is less pain in the donor area.
- It is particularly useful for patients who are young and need fewer grafts.
Both the methods of hair transplant surgery, FUE and FUT are effective, it depends on your specific needs. Your hair transplant surgeons will decide which one suits you best according to your individualistic requirements.
