What To Consider Before Having Hair Transplants

Before considering having a hair transplant you might want to realize that there are a lot of drawbacks to hair replacement procedures. These include scarring, a disfigurement called cobbling and the reluctance of the new hair to take to the scalp. Although there are almost 200,000 physicians performing hair-restoration procedures in the United States, only a handful have success rates with their clients. Perhaps the most common thing to watch out for is the doctor who uses plugs to refurbish the hair on scalp. This is considered to be an outdate procedure that leaves the client with a scalp that sprouts the same kind of hair that you see on a plastic doll's head.

The most common form of hair loss replacement involves the grafting of hairs from the back and sides of the head. These hairs are then individually transplanted to bald spots on the cranium. A mild anesthetic is used to prevent the patient from experiencing pain during the surgery. If there is post-surgical pain it is commonly treated with an average adult dose of Tylenol.

You might also want to realize that hair transplant surgery is not a magic solution to baldness. The results really do depend on the individual. Once the transplants "take" you can still expect to look bald for many months until the hair gains some length. You can expect transplanted hairs to grow at the normal human rate of about ¼ " to ½" a month. If not all of the growth "takes" in the first session then you can end up with a patchy appearance on the balding spots that some may consider being even more unattractive than the original bald spot. Also keep in mind that every time you have to redo a transplant that it can take the hair twice as long to grow back. This means that transplants that are replaced may grow as little a 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch a month.

Unless hair loss was the result of an accident or a disease, health plans do not pay for hair replacement surgery. However, if you are employed as an actor or model you could possibly claim the hair replacement as an income tax deduction.

If keeping up a certain image is important to you personally or to your career also keep in mind that you will not be able to wear a hairpiece over your transplants for at least three days after each transplanting session. This is because wigs and toupees delay the healing of the scabbing around the implants and the regrowth of the new hair.

To avoid the disappointment that is associated with many hair transplant surgeries, make sure that you check out the doctor's qualifications and accomplishments before you sign on the dotted line. An excellent surgeon will be able to provide at least a dozen of "before" and "after" case photos for you to review so that you feel confident in his or her abilities.

About the author: ******* (c) 2005 Kelly Altodona - All Rights Reserved

Kelly Altodona is a cosmetic surgery freelance author.

http://www.CosmeticSurgeryLinks.com *******

Author: Kelly Altodona

How to achieve natural hair transplant results

Today, when done right, hair transplant surgery can produce results that are so natural that even hair stylists cannot detect them. But the key is finding the right hair restoration physician.

It’s tough deciding who to choose. They all claim to provide natural and safe results. But in reality their skill, experience and talent vary widely, as do the end results.

Where to find and learn about outstanding hair restoration surgeons

It’s easy to find physicians offering hair transplants in any phone book or online directory. But to find the minority who provide truly natural and outstanding hair transplant results we recommend the following online resources:

  • Hair Loss Learning Center – This multimedia site provides extensive and in-depth information about hair loss causes and cures. It is sponsored by the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians. This elite group of surgeons is committed to excellent patient education and results.
  • Hair Transplant Network – This long time community provides recommendations for over 50 of the world’s leading hair transplant surgeons. This site also hosts the world’s largest gallery of patient before and after photos.