HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

Hair transplantation is a popular procedure to restore hair and aims to give a more youthful appearance for those distressed by hair loss. Thanks to the development of technology and the introduction of new techniques, the method has become safer and more effective than ever in nowadays. It is also known as hair restoration or hair replacement.

 

But what is hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation is a procedure that offers a permanent solution in cases of excessive hair loss. In contrast to older methods, the modern approach to hair transplantation offers excellent aesthetic and natural-looking results. However, a necessary condition for the successful outcome of the surgery is to be performed by specialized Surgical teams who have the necessary training and experience in this field.

 

What are the factors that lead to hair loss (alopecia)?

Hair loss (alopecia) is not the same for all people. The main factors that can lead to hair loss are the following:

Genetic factors (androgenetic alopecia): It is the most common cause of hair loss. It can occur in men and women and usually starts in adolescence.

Hormonal changes: Conditions such as pregnancy, menopause and thyroid problems cause changes in hormones and subsequently lead to hair loss.

Certain medical conditions: Scalp infections and some autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies: The lack of nutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss.

Stress: Intense emotional or physical situations may usually cause temporary hair loss.

Intake of certain medications: Certain medications such as anticoagulants, antidepressants and beta blockers can lead to hair loss.

 

Are conservative methods a permanent solution against hair loss?

In many cases, an initial approach for the treatment of hair loss is to apply conservative methods. Conservative methods include medications such as minoxidil (topical lotion that is applied to the scalp) and finasteride (oral tablets that are taken by mouth), dietary changes, stress management as well as other hair care changes. All the above methods either in combination or individually can inhibit hair loss to some extent. But they also have two very important disadvantages:

 

1. They are temporary and do not constitute a permanent and definitive solution to the problem.
2. They cannot restore the lost hairs.

 

Hair Transplantation: The Permanent Solution

As mentioned above, conservative methods, although effective, cannot provide the permanent results that the patient expects. The only method that can provide a permanent solution to the problem of hair loss and correct hair thinning is hair transplantation. Nowadays, significant progress has been made in terms of available techniques. This development allows us to have more and more natural results.

Modern methods of hair transplantation

The most well-known and widely used methods of hair transplantation are the following two:

FUE Method (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is performed by taking individual hair follicles from your skin and moving them to another part of your body where hair’s thinner or absent. In the majority of cases, is the back of the scalp. The hair follicles are taken with the use of special tools, so as not to cause any injury to the surrounding area. Then, the follicles obtained are placed with the use of special blades and subcutaneous needles, in the receiving area. No incisions or sutures are made during the operation, so there are no scars.

 

The result of the operation is visible within 3 to 12 months. In some cases, new hair may continue to grow until the 18th month after the transplantation. The transplanted hair integrates completely to the scalp and grows normally along with the rest of the hair.

 

It is also worth noting that the method in addition to the scalp can also be applied to other areas, such as the eyebrows or face for beard growth.

 

FUT Method (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

A few years ago it was the most successful method of hair transplantation. But now it has almost been replaced by the FUE method. The most frequent argument for the prevalence of FUE over FUT is that the former offers more natural results due to the fact that the hair follicles are taken one by one and not by whole series, as in the FUT method. The second argument that comes to complement the first is that extracting a single series of hair follicles requires a surgical incision and then suturing which then leaves a scar.

 

The truth behind this is that both methods are remarkable and highly effective when applied by the proper medical team. The FUT method allows more hair follicles to be taken exclusively from the safe zone of the scalp (back zone), while the subtle scar that is created is covered by the remaining hair. The lines with the hair follicles are placed in the recipient area in a way that accurately replicates the normal growth pattern in order to achieve an excellent natural result.

 

Hair Transplantation Before – After

 

At Surgishape Clinic of Dr. Themistoklis Galanakis, the most modern hair transplantation techniques are applied by experienced and specialized surgical teams. Dr. Galanakis CEO & Founder of the Clinic, the Plastic Surgeons & Scientific Directors of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kyriakos Efthymoglou and Dr. Eva Tsakou as well as the other scientific collaborators of Surgishape, are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have regarding the modern methods of general and plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Do not hesitate to contact us to help you solve your hair loss problem permanently and safely.