|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Talksurgery adheres to the Health On the Net Foundation's Code of Conduct
|
|
|
|
'Hair Restoration - Nobody could tell I had the procedure done, not even my hairdresser'
Pros:
Permanent solution
Relatively painless
Undetectable once healed
|
Cons:
Expense
Repeated procedures required for full coverage
Long, inconvenient healing period
|
Cost:
$4000
|
Healing time:
3 weeks
|
Pain-o-meter: 4
|
The decision to undergo hair transplantation, like any major surgery, is not a decision to be taken lightly. My own experience can serve as a lesson. For one thing, as I quickly discovered, it is not cheap. Although prices can vary, it is important to note that not all surgeons are created equal.
While some clinics appear to be bargains, all that is required by regulators is that a licensed doctor make the initial incision, and any technician can then insert the plugs. Thus, many bargain clinics will have a gynecologist or some other doctor specialized in an unrelated field performing the initial cut and a technician with little advanced medical training completing the procedure. I do not know that these clinics are necessarily a significantly inferior choice.
Nevertheless, I assume it's buyer beware. I heard of stories of doctors having to undo the damage caused by a botched transplant job. For myself, I selected a dermatologist who specialized in these procedures, one who had already performed countless operation, and who was highly recommended. My own feeling was that once I was already spending such a large sum of money, it was better to spend a little more to be certain of a quality job. I do not regret my decision.
The surgery itself is long but not overly painful. A local anesthetic is injected into the scalp, which might have to be repeated before the procedure is over as it might start to wear off. Although one cannot see anything, I found myself very aware of the sounds that were made as different cuts were made into my scalp.
Unfortunately, the recuperation and healing period proved to be the most unpleasant part of the experience. The hair must be washed daily (although one cannot scrub the scalp for a couple of weeks) and Polysporin or some other antibiotic ointment must be applied daily, as well. I was fortunate enough that this daily washing and ointment application was provided by the clinic where I had my surgery and was included in the price.
The most uncomfortable part was lying for an extended period of time with my face down in a special pillow with a hole cut in for the face. If I recall correctly, it was not necessary to remain this way for the entire operation. In some clinics it is even possible to watch television or a movie while the procedure is being performed.
After the head is numb, a strip of scalp from the back of the head is cut way. This becomes the source of donor hair from where the grafts are taken.
The donor section is then cut into increasingly smaller pieces, some containing only a few follicles. These micrografts allow for a more natural looking hairline than was possible in the early days of the procedure. It should be noted that for greater success, a hair transplant procedure is often accompanied by a scalp reduction.
This was not a viable option for me as I only had thinning hair, as opposed to a noticeable receding hairline or bald spot. (The intention was to begin the transplants early before my balding became too noticeable and thus always remain with a relatively full head of hair). In my situation, the insertion of the plugs was time consuming because the grafts had to be inserted in between my existing hair, which, at the time, was still relatively full.
Once all the grafts have been inserted in a natural looking pattern on the scalp, the open wound where the donor portion was removed is stapled shut (in order to minimize scarring). Before I knew it, the procedure was over (it took several hours), and someone came to collect me to take me home.
Unfortunately, they were not open weekends and the person who did the washings left on vacation after only a few days, leaving no one available to provide the service while she was gone (a fact they omitted to tell me when I scheduled my surgery). Thus, I had to do this myself. Although I had some assistance from my family, this was by no means easy.
Although my mobility was not physically restricted to a great extent (of course, as with any surgery, strenuous exercise must be avoided for an extended period to allow for healing), I was in no way presentable enough to venture out into public for approximately two weeks. I was fortunate in that I still had a sufficient amount of hair on my head to cover the staples (which are removed after about a week) and any other unsightly marks from the surgery.
The Polysporin made my hair extremely greasy, such that I did not feel comfortable venturing where my friends could see me. Most people are basically homebound for two weeks following the surgery. Going outside with a hat can be option but one must be careful to ensure that none of the plugs fall out, which they can easily do in the first weeks.
I was told that shortly after the surgery, the hair will fall out from the donor follicles. Apparently this can be avoided by applying a Minoxydil solution, but I didn't see how to achieve this while my head was continually bathed in antibiotic ointment. As it takes a while for the hair to grow back again, it could take up to six months for the effects of the surgery to be noticeable. Unfortunately for me, as my hair continued to thin, I saw little improvement.
Six months down the road, my new follicles were firmly in place, but I had lost other hair at the same time. It became clear that I would have to repeat the procedure several more times, without the benefit of being able to wait a long period in between each one. It was fast becoming a very expensive proposition.
I haven't gone back since for another procedure. For myself, I found other options that were effective. (The new finasteride pills do work, although they are expensive and, it should be noted, not everyone achieves the same level of success using them that I enjoy). As for the long- term effects of the surgery, there is little to speak of. I still have the plugs that were put in their new location. They are a permanent part of my scalp.
I also have a pencil-thin scar on the back of my head where the donor hair was removed. It is noticeable when I can cut my hair close to the scalp, but for the most part, it remains well hidden under my hair. Nobody could tell that I had the procedure done, not even the person who cuts my hair.
Overall, I'm pretty ambivalent about the experience. I had no serious complications, which I credit to the competence of my doctor. I suppose that am happy with the results although the entire procedure was probably unnecessary given the success I have had with the pill. That said, if the pill is not a viable option, and one can afford the expense of multiple operations, I would recommend the procedure to others.
Here are more details:
How results differed from what I expected:
I expected more scalp coverage than was possible with a single operation
Biggest fears pre-procedure:
Post operative pain
Healing aids used:
no
Number of doctors consulted:
2
Number of years I thought about having the procedure:
1
Had an elective procedure before:
Yes
Complications or follow-up procedures:
Not specified
|
This information is not to substitute for professional medical advice. You
should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or
disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please
consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have
regarding your condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gender:
Male
|
Age:
25
|
Ethnic group:
Caucasian
Education:
Post-graduate degree
Country:
Canada
State/Province:
Quebec
|
|
|
|
About 70 percent of young women try to lose weight. That dissatisfaction with their body weight stays with them into adulthood.
(Source: "the Role of Weight Management in the Health of Women" by Sachiko T. St. Jeor, professor and director of Nutrition Education and Research at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine)
|
|
|
|
