Hair Replacement
Overview of Hair Replacement
Losing your hair is difficult to accept. Hair is seen as a trait of beauty and of authority. We are lucky to live in an age where something permanent can be done for hair loss. Recently, much has been learned as to why hair loss occurs. While much of it is unknown, we have found that hormonal changes that affect genetically programmed hair is probably the cause. The hormone, DHT, is known to be involved. This hormone acts on the genetically programmed hairs of the hairline and top of head and causes them to fall out and the follicles to atrophy. Fortunately, the hairs on the back of the head do not have the same genetic predisposition, and they are not affected by DHT.
What this means is that hairs from the back of the head can be transplanted to balding areas to provide natural, hair bearing scalp. In the past, hair transplantation was performed using larger grafts consisting of 8 to 10 hairs. Using grafts that are this large created a pluggy look that was evident to anyone with the conversation distance. With the advancement of hair transplantation surgery, we have realized the importance of creating a natural appearing hairline. This can only be done by using small grafts like those used by Dr. Cruise. These grafts are called mini-graphs and micro-graphs. The mini-graphs consist of 3 to 5 hairs and the micro-graphs consist of just 1 or 2 hairs. When these are used the re-created hairline is very natural appearing.
The transplanted hair grows and acts just like normal hair because it is. It is your own natural hair except it thinks it is still growing on the back of your head. Because it is genetically programmed to not be affected by DHT it will grow for the rest of your life just like it would have done, had it never been transplanted.
There are medications available such as Rogaine and Propecia that help. They help because they block some of the actions of DHT. The reality is, however, that they are not likely to provide a significant amount of regrowth but they are effective in preventing further balding in most people.
The hair transplants procedure normally takes about 3 or 4 hours to perform and is done under local anesthesia in Dr. Cruise's office. During the procedure you will watch a movie. In fact, you are encouraged to bring in your own movie or you can select one at Dr. Cruise's office. You can drive yourself to and from the procedure.
Normally, 2 procedures spaced 4 months apart are necessary to obtain the desired results. After hair transplantation, it will take at least 3 months for the transplanted hairs to begin growing. The amount of hair transplanted will be determined by the area to be covered as well as by the type of hair that you have. A typical session will involve transplantation of anywhere from 500 grafts to 1000 grafts. During placement of the grafts it is important to make sure that the hair is placed such that it grows in a natural fashion.
Another type of hair replacement surgery, that allows for much quicker results, involves expanding the hair bearing scalp that you have by placing a tissue expander underneath it. Then, over the course of 6 weeks, the hair bearing scalp is expanded by filling the expander with water 2 or 3 times a week. When the hair bearing scalp has been expanded enough, a procedure is performed where the balding area is removed and the expanded hair bearing scalp replaces it. This is a good option for people who have lost almost all their hair. It, however, requires a 4-week period where your hair bearing scalp is being expanded. During this period of time you look strange. There's no other way to describe it. This is 1 of the tools within Dr. Cruise's armamentarium for hair replacement.
Dr. Cruise feels quite passionate about hair transplantation. In fact, he has had it done himself. So when you consult with him you can speak to him as both a plastic surgeon and as a patient. You can see what is possible when hair transplantation is done correctly.