Hair transplantation involves removing some of the hair-bearing scalp from the back of
the head and planting it in the front of the head in tiny seedlings or "grafts."
The hair continues to grow in the front just as it was doing in the back (the
"permanent hair" from the back of the head generally grows life-long). The area
from which the hair is removed at the back of the head is called the "donor
site." This is closed with stitches or staples, generally heals quickly, and is
concealed with the remaining hair. The staples are usually removed in 10-14 days.
In the last few years doctors have used smaller and smaller graft sizes. In the past,
large "plugs" -- groups of up to 25 hair roots -- were transplanted together,
but now the tiny grafts contain just one to six hairs. We've learned that fewer hairs per
graft produces a more natural result, and the problem of handling large numbers of grafts
has also been solved. The techniques for "harvesting" hair from the back of the
head have improved too. These new techniques result in less damage to the remaining hair,
less healing time, less discomfort and a better look.
Alternatives to transplantation aren't great. Hairpieces are a hassle. They're
expensive (generally more than transplants over the long term), they don't look natural,
and they can come off or move out of place unexpectedly, causing terrible embarrassment.
And some physicians think that hairpieces actually kill more hair. The only other
alternative, Rogaine®, is a non-prescription hair growth medicine applied to the scalp.
It's relatively expensive and works for only about 25 percent of users. And, if you stop
using it, any new hair will fall out. So transplantation is rapidly gaining popularity.
Most "new hair" seen on the heads of American men these days involves the minor
surgery of hair transplantation.