Hair Transplant

does hair transplant work for alopecia
does hair transplant work for alopecia

What are the different types of hair transplant surgery?

There are several different ways to perform hair transplant surgery, including:

  • Grafting.
  • Scalp reduction.
  • Flap surgery.
  • Tissue expansion.

How is grafting performed?

Hair grafting is the most common type of hair transplant surgery. A healthcare provider cuts tiny pieces of the scalp containing healthy hair. Sometimes they use a small, round punch to remove skin that contains about 10 to 15 hairs. People used to call these grafts “hair plugs.” Micro-grafts contain one to two hairs.

The procedure can take several hours. Most people stay awake during the surgery, but they receive medication to numb the scalp. You may need several procedures depending on how much hair your provider needs to move. Your scalp will need to heal for a few months between procedures.

How is scalp reduction performed?

Providers also call scalp reduction alopecia reduction. During this procedure, a surgeon removes a small area of bald skin from the scalp. They loosen nearby skin containing hair and pull it over the bald area. Then, they stitch it in place.

Scalp reduction is ideal for bald areas on the top and back of the head. These sections are usually surrounded by skin with hair. Sometimes providers use scalp reduction and hair implants together to achieve full coverage. Like grafting, scalp reduction usually only requires numbing medication on the scalp. This means you don’t need general anesthesia.

How is flap surgery performed?

Your surgeon may recommend flap surgery if you have large bald areas near the front of your scalp. Flap surgery occurs in several phases over a few weeks. The surgeon makes superficial cuts around three sides of donor site. The fourth side remains attached, maintaining its original blood supply. This technique helps the surgeon cut the flap and lift it over bald areas. Flap surgery requires general anesthesia.

How is tissue expansion performed?

If you have scalp baldness or disfigurement due to burns, your provider may perform tissue expansion surgery. Tissue expansion requires general anesthesia and involves several steps:

  • A reconstructive surgeon inserts an implant under the scalp, where hair still remains. Shaped like a balloon, they call it a tissue expander.
  • Over several weeks, the expander is gradually inflated to stretch the skin.
  • The surgeon performs a second procedure to cover the bald area with the stretched skin.