The History of Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery originated in Japan. In 1939, Dr. Okuda, a Japanese dermatologist developed a breakthrough process to restore hair to those who suffered with scalp injuries and for burn victims. He used a punch technique, which involved extracting small sections of hair-bearing skin and implanting these into small holes in the areas where skin had been damaged. Once these grafts healed, they produced hair in areas that were previously bald.
Just a few years later another Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Tamura, improved upon Okuda’s method by minimizing the size of the grafts down to one to three hairs each. He was working with women to restore hair in the pubic area lost to either genetics or trauma. The surgery that Dr. Tamura developed is quite similar to surgeries that are still performed to this day.
Because these innovative developments in hair transplant surgery occurred around the time of World War II, they did not become accessible in the U.S. until many years later.
During the early 1950s, New York dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich completed the first hair transplant in the United States for a man who had male pattern baldness. Orentreich faced much criticism for the procedure that he’d developed. His technique was similar to Dr. Okuda’s, and did not render attractive or natural looking results. He did, however, establish that hair on the back and sides of a man’s scalp was not prone to the ravages of DHT and male pattern baldness.
Hair transplant procedures became more common by the 1960s, but because of the less than pleasing results of the early punch graft procedures developed and marketed my doctors like Norman Orentiech, hair transplant surgery developed a negative reputation. It took almost three decades for hair transplant surgeons to develop significant improvements to these early methods.
In the 1990s, follicular unit micro grafting was introduced and changed the field of hair transplants forever. Finally, the old stigmas could be dismissed and hair transplantation could become a viable option for hair loss sufferers who were appopraite candidates.
Today, surgeons continue to improve upon methods for performing hair transplant surgery. Today’s state of the art techniques can produce stunning results and are increasingly embraced by hair loss sufferers.
To learn more about what to look for when considering hair transplant surgery, visit the surgical hair restoration section of the American Hair Loss Association’s website.
Also, to find a qualified hair transplant surgeon check with The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, hair loss, hair transplant, history of Hair Transplants, international alliance of hair restoration surgeonsConsidering a Hair Transplant? Avoid Linear (Line) and Round or Square Grafts
Surgical hair restoration is a serious matter. If you’re considering surgery as an option to treat your hair loss, first get up to speed on the many different types of procedures being promoted as legitimate options. The hair loss industry can be difficult to navigate. Most products are little more than snake oils and many advertised procedures lead to increased problems rather than true solutions.
Linear or Line Grafts
Linear or line grafts should be avoided. If a doctor recommends the use of these type of grafts, you would be well advised to seek another professional immediately.
The process of creating a linear or line graft starts with the hair transplant surgeon removing a strip of hair from the side or back of your head. Ideally, the strip would then be divided into follicular unit grafts, but in cases where the hair transplant surgeon utilizes linear or line grafts, larger portions of the strip are used. In order to use these “cut to size” grafts , the hair transplant surgeon must surgically create large trench-like recipient sites in the balding areas where hair and tissue is to be replaced.
This almost always results in an unnatural and manufactured appearance. Cosmetically, the final outcome can look unacceptably fake.
Round or Square Grafts
Originally, round or square grafts were the standard in hair transplantation . Now with the advent of much more refined techniques, these large cut to size hair grafts are considered obsolete and will always result in the dreaded “dolls head” appearance that screams hair transplant.
The procedure involves the use of a hole-punch device, which is used to remove 3-5 mm areas (about the size of a pencil eraser) of hair bearing scalp and to create the recipient sites in the balding areas of the head . The shape of the grafts may be either round or square. Either way, they are far too large and do not resemble natural hair growth at all once they are moved and transplanted to the balding area. In addition, these grafts can impede blood supply. This often results in further hair loss in the middle area of each graft.
Many of today’s lazier or less than ethical hair transplant surgeons are doing a slightly refined but still unacceptable procedure utilizing cut to size mini grafts which still give the appearance of a man made and unnatural hairline.
Avoid any hair transplant surgeon or large chain clinic that does not employ the use of microscopes to dissect donor tissue into naturally occurring follicular units.
To learn more about state of the art hair transplantation check out the surgical hair restoration section of The American Hair Loss Association site.
To find qualified hair transplant surgeons in your area contact The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, follicular unit hair transplant, hair transplant, international alliance of hair restoration surgeonsA Hair Transplant for a Woman is Not The Same as A Hair Transplant for a Man.
Since 40% of the worlds hair loss sufferers are women, the hair loss industry sees tremendous potential to increase its market share by targeting this extremely vulnerable demographic.
Not only are unscrupulous hair loss treatment marketers taking advantage of these women in an attempt to sell their bogus products, the large chain hair transplant clinics are now heavily marketing surgical hair restoration to women as well.
It’s important for all women to understand that most of you are NOT candidates for a hair transplant. As a matter of fact, less than 5% of all woman who suffer with common forms of hair loss like, female pattern hair loss or traction alopecia make suitable candidates.
Recently, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons’ accepted member Dr. Robert Bernstein answered a far too common question from a female hair transplant recipient.
If you’re a woman considering having a hair transplant you can’t afford not to read this article.
Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair transplant surgeon, IAHRS, women hair transplantView Article: Women’s Hair Transplant - Shock Loss
The Truth About Hair Transplants For Women
For the right candidate who chooses the right hair transplant surgeon, a hair transplant can be a good option. However the vast majority of women with common androgenic alopecia/female pattern hair loss do not make good candidates for hair transplantation.
Contrary to what the large chain hair transplant companies are promoting to the public, hair transplantation in women is a very specialized procedure and should only be performed on very specific candidates.
Jean Enersen of Seattle’s NBC affiliate King 5 News tackled this controversial issue and sheds some light on the reality of hair transplantation for women. To view the hair transplant story click here.
Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair transplant candidate, hair transplants in women, King 5 newsHow To Wear Hair Well On A Budget - Hair Replacement Advice
Question: I am a 50+ woman with significant female pattern baldness. For the last 5 years I have been going to “The Hair Club” as this is the only vendor of women’s hairpieces that I have been able to find locally. (In the San Francisco Bay area.)I have experienced all of the frustrations mentioned in your article dealing with hair replacement, including the idea that I am “locked in” to the Hair Club, and have no alternative, even though their service is not very good.Is there a site I can go to find other hair replacement alternatives? My husband is eager for me to try a hair transplant, so that we will not have to continue paying over $6,000 a year for my hair. But it seems from what I read in your article, that I am not a good candidate, because of the overall thinning of the hair.Are there other alternatives for women like me?
I appreciate any information or guidance you can give me.
Sincerely,
Judy
Answer:
Dear Judy,
First let me say that you are not alone. We receive countless complaints about The Hair Club from both men and women, and this company is NOT recommended by The American Hair Loss Association.
Your husband should know that having a hair transplant is not a one size fits all procedure. Most women with diffuse hair loss do not make good candidates for a hair transplant and usually end up wearing hair anyway. From how you described yourself you are most likely not a good candidate and will possibly be very disappointed with the results of a hair transplant.
Since you have been wearing hair for five years, you understand that it takes a significant amount of maintenance to keep the hair looking natural. This does not have to cost you an arm and a leg, and there is no reason to be locked into a maintenance contract.
It is possible to purchase high quality hair systems online for a fraction of the price you are currently paying. It usually takes a little trial and error, but once you get it right you can continue to purchase your hair and have it shipped directly from the manufacturer to your front door.
There are a couple of ways to get started. Your first option could be to send one of your current hair pieces to an online hair replacement company to have the manufacturer copy it exactly. Unfortunately, since you are dealing with a “club” your spare hair might be held in their facility to ensure that you come back. Another option is to go to a local mom and pop hair replacement salon and have them make a template of your head and then send hair samples along with the template to the manufacturer. Some companies even offer at-home template kits with full instructions and even a DVD to help you and your husband make the perfect template.
Once you receive your hair in the mail you can go to any hair replacement shop to have it cut in. You can either choose to maintain it yourself, or you can go in for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance for a fraction of what you are currently paying. Most women will purchase about six per year and go to their local hair replacement shop and spend about $150 a month including cut ins.
There are several reputable online companies that sell reasonably priced high end hair pieces. Prices range from about $150-$500 per unit.
It is possible to wear hair well on a budget and you never have to join a club.
Hope this helps.
The American Hair loss Association
