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Hair Transplant Information: 5 Point Fact Sheet

By: Mike Jones Click author's name for more of his/her articles

This hair transplant information sheet sets out 5 basic points you should know if you are contemplating this solution for hair loss.

Point 1: The actual transplant procedure requires extracting hair from the side and back of the scalp which is DHT resistant, and transplanting it to the bald areas. For your hair transplant information, know the vocabulary used:

Hair Density - the number of hair follicles per square centimeter of scalp.

Scalp Laxity - how tight or loose the scalp is. Hair extraction is much easier on a scalp that is flexible and loose.

Donor Sites or Stable Sites - the areas of the scalp not affected by DHT which are used to supply the hair for transplantation.

Point 2: Whatever hair transplant information you read to the contrary, you must understand that in most cases, hair transplantation is a procedure that works for men, not women. There is a marked difference between male and female hair loss. Men suffer with the infamous MPB (male pattern baldness) which results in a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head.

Women often suffer diffuse hair loss, that is, a general thinning of the hair all over the scalp. The hairline often remains intact whereas men suffer with a receeding hair line. A woman's hair can be affected by DHT, no matter where it is on the scalp. If hair is transplanted from one area of the scalp to another it is likely to fall out as the donor site is itself affected by DHT.

Men however, have DHT resistant areas on the back and sides of the scalp, and it is these stable areas which provide hair for successful transplantation.

Point 3: Coarse hair or curly hair is the best for hair transplantation, offering the best coverage. Fine hair and straight hair make it a greater challenge for the medical practitioner as this hair lies close to the scalp and doesn't provide such good coverage.

Likewise, a higher contrast between hair and skin color presents a challenge also. A more natural looking hair transplant can be achieved on persons with dark skin and dark hair, or conversely, persons with blonde, light colored hair and fair skin. Individuals who do not fit this criteria need to search carefully for a highly qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.

Point 4: Much hair transplant information you read concentrates on the mechanics of the hair transplant procedure. In addition to putting emphasis on the mechanics of the transplant procedure, it is equally important to give consideration to the art of hair transplantation.

Each individual is different when it comes to the shape of the face, characteristics of the hairline etc. A skilled surgeon will take these individual characteristics into account and perform a transplant which blends in with the natural contours and shape of the client's scalp, head and face. A qualified surgeon therefore, needs to have an awareness of what looks right. It is always good to see results of a particular surgeon's work, either by personally meeting previous clients or by looking at before and after pictures which many clinics provide.

Point 5: Be aware that hair transplant costs can vary widely. Some sources say the costs can range between four and twenty thousand dollars. The cost of a graft can be between $3 and $8 with $5 being a general average. Obviously the cost is greatly affected by how many grafts you need and how many sessions will be required to complete the procedure.

It is therefore extremely important to have thorough consultations with your prospective surgeon so you have an accurate picture of what the financial outlay is likely to be.

In Conclusion: Hair transplant information varies widely. There are some procedures which were commonly practiced which are now not recommended at all. Some unscrupulous individuals may still be recommending them. In other cases, unrealistic results are promised in order to get a client to part with their money.

The best protection when reading through hair transplant information is to question the source. Ask yourself whether the provider of the information has a personal agenda which could slant the information.

The best sources are usually government agencies or licensed and approved authorities such as the American Hair Loss Association. Proceed cautiously, carefully analyze and evaluate the hair transplant information you gather, and make an informed decision on whether you are likely to be a good candidate for hair transplantation.

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About The Author: There are additional ways in which a client can protect themselves from disappointment. This article provides essential information: www.4-hair-loss-solutions.com/Hair-Transplant-Library/preparation-research.html