For men and women suffering from chronic hair loss, the only truly permanent solution is a hair transplant. A hair transplant in Turkey is a great choice, however, a hair transplant may not be the best solution for all patients. There are many reasons for hair loss and many possible treatments. Here, we will outline what makes someone an ideal candidate for a hair transplant surgical procedure.
How Is A Hair Transplant Performed?
Broadly speaking, all hair transplant procedures work the same way. First, healthy hair follicles are extracted from a donor area. Next, the hair follicles are implanted into the recipient area. Most commonly, this area is at the back of the head as this has the highest density of healthy hair. For men, the beard may also serve as a donor area. For patients suffering from more extreme hair loss (typically associated with alopecia totalis), body hair may be used as a donor. Therefore, it is important patients have a donor area with a considerable amount of healthy hair.
Am I A Good Candidate For A Hair Transplant?
Hair transplants are most successful with patients whose hair loss has proven to be a long-term problem and has since stabilised. An ideal candidate for hair transplants has hair loss that has progressed beyond Norwood Stage 3 or has been progressing for at least 5 years. This is due to the permanent nature of the procedure; it is best to wait until your hair loss has progressed to its fullest degree.
Before undergoing a hair transplant procedure, it is important for any transplantation candidate to thoroughly discuss what can be done. While a hair transplant does provide life-long benefits, it is necessary to have realistic expectations about what can be done for each individual.
What Affects A Hair Transplant?
Several important factors can affect a transplantation candidate’s suitability for a loss transplant surgery. These include things such as hair colour, density, and texture.
Hair Colour
Hair colour is an important factor in how natural-looking the final results of a transplant will be. This is due to the contrast between hair colour and skin colour. People with dark skin and dark hair (or light skin and light hair) are less “noticeably” bald. Therefore, the transplant requires fewer grafts to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Hair Texture And Thickness
Your type of hair matters greatly. Patients with thick, curly hair will often see the best results as they require fewer grafts to achieve a full, dense look. Those with Afro-Caribbean hair typically make ideal candidates, even though they often have a lower hair follicle density, the thickness and shape of the donor hair offers a full, natural final result.
Hair Density
This may be the most important factor when assessing a candidate’s needs. Since the transplanted hair follicles are typically removed from the scalp, the donor area will grow less hair in the future. A good candidate will have dense hair in the donor area at the back of the head, allowing for an even extraction of healthy hair follicles to not leave behind any thin patches. Patients with lower hair density may not be good candidates for a hair transplant.
Age
The ideal candidate is between the ages of 25-65. For those under 25, hair loss is still progressing and a transplant now would likely be premature as more hair will be lost in the coming years. There is no upper age limit, and patients over 65 may be eligible depending on the nature of their hair loss.
Genetics
There are many different reasons for hair loss and whether or not anyone is a good candidate for a hair transplant will depend on why exactly hair loss is occurring. An ideal candidate for a hair transplant is one suffering from pattern baldness. This is a genetic condition that only affects regions of the scalp, thereby leaving the remaining hair follicles healthy enough to be transplanted. For patients suffering from other conditions, such as alopecia, a hair transplant is not a viable option as the remaining hair follicles are often unhealthy.
Sex
Hair transplants can be performed on both men and women suffering from genetic hair loss. However, it is important to note that men and women lose their hair differently. Men suffering from pattern baldness will typically lose their hair first along the hairline, then on the crown. This typically results in a stable healthy donor area at the back of the head. Women, on the other hand, typically lose their hair beginning on the crown and forming a more diffuse loss pattern. Additionally, women suffering from pattern baldness may experience hair loss in such a pattern as to render most donor areas unstable for hair transplant. Only your hair transplant doctor can assess your specific needs.
Get A Consultation
The only way to be certain of what hair transplant options are best for you is to schedule your full, free consultation with an established hair transplant surgeon. Dr Serkan Aygin has over 25 years of experience and is a world-leading expert in the field of hair transplants. In 2019 Dr Aygin was awarded the European Award in Medicine in the field of Hair Transplant Surgery. During your consultation, Dr Aygin will work closely with you to develop the best possible hair restoration treatment plan.
