Hair restoration surgery is classified in one of two distinct categories, Alopecia reduction or hair transplantation surgery. There are different surgical procedures involved in both categories. The following hair restoration procedures and techniques thereof will give you an idea of the options that you have where restoring your hair is concerned. You may even discuss your worries with your restoration surgeon to get detailed
Alopecia reduction surgeries
There are 3 types of Alopecia reduction surgery that are currently being performed. These include:
Scalp expansion – a hair restoration technique wherein a temporary balloon device is implanted in the scalp to expand the areas that are growing hair prior to undergoing scalp flap or scalp reduction surgery. The procedure usually involves implanting an expander beneath the scalp and is normally done along the sides of the skull. Once the surgery is completed, the size and the stretching of the skin continues for two to three weeks during the restoration process.
Scalp flap – this hair restoration procedure involves the removal of bald scalp areas and then replaces them with strips of scalp that is still growing hair.
Scalp reduction – a medical hair restoration procedure that involves the removal of bald scalp areas and the stretching of hair growing scalp areas over the skull, replacing the removed bald areas. This type of surgery is normally performed on individuals where the crown of the head is bald.
The more common hair transplanting techniques
Hair transplantation is considerably the more popular of the hair restoration techniques available. The following are the most common techniques currently employed:
Follicular Unit Extraction – a punch tool is used to remove single follicles of hair from the donor area during this stage of the restoration process
Hairline Refinement – micro and mini-grafting techniques are employed to implant small hair grafts around the original hairline area to restore the way it used to look
Micrografting – a hair extraction method that creates grafts of 1 or 2 hairs which are implanted into the scalp using a micro-needle or an extremely small punch
Minigrafting/Multi-Unit Grafts – hair is extracted from the donor area in slightly bigger patterns or configurations of from 3 to 6 hairs
Round Grafts – these were the earliest hair restoration or transplanting techniques and employed round grafts of 20 or more hairs that were all implanted into the scalp at once
No matter what restoration technique you are considering, you should discuss the matter with a certified hair restoration surgeon before making your decision. Once they have the proper diagnosis regarding your hair loss, they will be able to recommend the best surgical procedure to pursue.
Photo via battleagainstbald
