Who are Good Candidates for Hair Transplants?

Introduction

Hair loss can be a difficult and emotionally draining experience, but thankfully there is an effective solution: hair transplants. Hair transplant surgery has become increasingly popular over the years due to its high success rate in restoring lost hair. But who are good candidates for this procedure?

Keep reading to learn more.

What Makes a Good Hair Transplant Candidate?

In order to determine if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant, it’s important to understand what factors go into making someone eligible for the procedure. Generally speaking, individuals who have experienced significant thinning or balding as well as those with areas of scalp where no hair growth exists may benefit from a hair transplant.

Additionally, people with healthy scalps and realistic expectations of the results are also considered ideal candidates.

It's essential that patients considering a hair transplant have realistic expectations about the outcome of their treatment so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for them.

Who Should Not Get a Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants are an increasingly cosmetic procedure, but not everyone is a good candidate for them. People with certain medical conditions like auto-immune disorders or diabetes should talk to their doctors before considering a hair transplant since they may be at a higher risk of complications or infection. Those taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, may also be at higher risk of complications.

Additionally, those who are pregnant or nursing should not consider getting a hair transplant until they are finished breastfeeding and their hormone levels have returned to their baselines.

Finally, those who have existing hair loss due to a medical condition—such alopecia areata—should speak with their doctors before getting a hair transplant. Although hair transplants may be effective for some people with alopecia, the results will not always be long-lasting or successful.

Types of Hair Transplants

Hair transplants are a popular option for individuals who want to restore their hairline or add more volume to thinning areas. The two main types of hair transplant procedures on the market today are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).

FUE is a minimally invasive procedure in which individual follicular units (grafts) are extracted from the donor area and implanted into areas of baldness or thinning. The grafts are harvested using a special device that removes them one at a time, leaving no linear scarring on the back of the scalp. This type of procedure is often chosen by individuals who want to be able to wear their hair fairly short after the procedure, as there are no visible scars from the treatment.

FUT is a traditional hair transplant procedure in which strips of skin containing follicular units are removed from the donor area and transplanted into areas with thinning or baldness. This method typically results in a linear scar that may be noticeable if you choose to wear your hair in a “buzzed” style.

A few other methods of hair restoration, such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cell therapy, have grown popular in recent years. While these procedures may provide some benefits, they are not considered to be true hair transplant treatments. Additionally, they don't usually provide the same long-term results as a traditional hair transplant.

Conclusion

In general, individuals who are in good health and have realistic expectations are ideal candidates for hair transplants. Still, before undergoing a hair transplant procedure, it's important to discuss your goals with an experienced provider such as the Lumen Center to ensure that a hair transplant is the right choice for you and that it will yield your desired outcome.