p>I want to say thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to read my articles on hair restoration. I can get caught up in the big picture and forget to expand on some of the details. This week I want to cover some of the terminology used in my office and in these articles. The list is not exhaustive but covers some of the main topics.
- Alopecia
Alopecia refers to the medical term for hair loss from any part of the body. It can be temporary or permanent and can affect both men and women. There are various types of alopecia, including:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: The most common form of hair loss, often referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. It is genetically inherited and leads to thinning of hair over time.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patches of hair to fall out.
- Telogen Effluvium: A temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, often due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
- Scarring Alopecia: Hair loss that occurs when inflammation damages hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, from which individual hair follicles are harvested. These follicles are then transplanted to the recipient area. The area from which the strip was removed is stitched back together, leaving a linear scar. FUT is often chosen for its ability to transplant a large number of grafts in a single session. It has many other benefits over FUE as well.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a popular hair transplantation technique where individual hair follicles are extracted from a donor area, usually the back of the head, and implanted into the thinning or balding areas. This method is minimally invasive, leaving small, circular scars that are typically not visible once the hair grows back. FUE is favored for its natural-looking results and quicker recovery time.
- Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical procedure that involves the application of specialized pigments to the scalp to mimic the appearance of a closely-shaved head or to add density to thinning hair. This technique is similar to tattooing but uses smaller needles and pigments designed to replicate the look of hair follicles. SMP is often used to enhance the appearance of hair density or to camouflage scars from previous hair transplant surgeries.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is a treatment that involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. The growth factors in PRP are believed to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and improving the thickness and density of existing hair. PRP is often used in conjunction with other hair restoration procedures to enhance results.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy
Laser hair therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This therapy is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp and enhance the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles. Laser hair therapy is often used as a complementary treatment to enhance the effects of other hair restoration procedures.
- Donor Area
The donor area is the region of the scalp from which hair follicles are harvested during a hair transplant. This area is typically located at the back or sides of the head, where hair is more resistant to thinning and balding. The health and density of hair in the donor area are crucial factors in determining the success of a hair transplant procedure.
- Recipient Area
The recipient area refers to the part of the scalp where the harvested hair follicles are transplanted. This area is usually where hair loss or thinning is most prominent. The skill of the surgeon in placing the grafts in a natural pattern is key to achieving a natural-looking result.
- Density
Density in hair restoration refers to the number of hair follicles per square centimeter on the scalp. Achieving a natural-looking density is one of the key goals of hair transplantation. Factors that influence the perceived density include the number of grafts transplanted, the thickness of the individual hairs, and the skill of the surgeon in placing the grafts.
- Grafts
A graft refers to the hair follicle or group of follicles that is transplanted from the donor area to the recipient area. The size and type of grafts can vary depending on the method used (FUE or FUT), with each graft containing one to four hairs. The total number of grafts required depends on the extent of hair loss and the desired density.
- Staples
Staples are often used to close the wound in the donor area after a FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedure. Staples are preferred by some surgeons because they can reduce tension on the wound edges, potentially leading to a finer, less noticeable scar. These are typically removed after a week or two during a follow-up appointment.
- Trichophytic Closure
Trichophytic closure is a surgical technique used during FUT procedures to minimize the appearance of scars. In this method, one edge of the donor wound is trimmed so that hair can grow through the scar, making it less noticeable. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who plan to wear their hair short after the procedure.
- Stitches (Sutures)
Stitches are another method used to close the donor area after a strip of scalp is removed during a FUT hair transplant. The choice between stitches and staples depends on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s specific circumstances. Stitches are usually removed about 7-10 days after the surgery. Proper care and attention during the healing process are crucial to minimize scarring.
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia. It is applied directly to the scalp and works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing the size of hair follicles, leading to thicker, stronger hair. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter and is used by both men and women to slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
- Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication used to treat male-pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to slow down hair loss and, in some cases, may lead to regrowth of hair. Finasteride is generally prescribed for men, as it can have significant side effects in women.
- Shock Loss
Shock loss refers to the temporary shedding of hair that can occur after a hair transplant procedure. This shedding happens when the transplanted hair follicles enter a resting phase due to the trauma of the surgery. Although it can be alarming, shock loss is usually temporary, with hair growth resuming within a few months as the follicles recover.
- Hairline Design
Hairline design is a critical aspect of hair restoration surgery, involving the creation of a natural-looking hairline that suits the patient’s facial features, age, and hair loss pattern. A well-designed hairline can significantly enhance the aesthetic outcome of the surgery. The placement, density, and angle of the transplanted hair follicles are all carefully considered during this process.
- Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is an experimental technique that involves harvesting and multiplying hair follicle cells in a laboratory, which are then re-implanted into the scalp to grow new hair. While this technique holds promise for future hair restoration solutions, it is still in the research phase and not yet available as a commercial treatment.
I hope that was informative and cleared up some questions. Please feel free to reach out and contact us for more information or for a consultation. Wishing you the best on your hair recovery journey!
