Hair Transplant

MediHairLossClinic

9 August 2024

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Ottawa Hair Transplant Surgery & the Alternatives

Are you considering hair loss treatment or hair transplant in Ottawa? Look no further. Our services cater to restoring your hair to its natural brilliance. We emphasize exploring non-surgical treatments and medications for at least a year before contemplating a hair transplant. This duration aims to either resolve the issue or stabilize hair loss, a crucial step in the decision-making process. It’s essential to consider the timeline for hair transplants, as results can take up to 24 months to achieve full results. Additionally, an ongoing hairline recession might result in further procedures. While complications are rare, there’s a possibility of infections or an unnatural appearance if the procedure isn’t performed well.

What is hair transplant surgery?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates hair to areas on the scalp that are balding or thinning. It’s often considered after other hair loss treatments have been attempted.

How is done? Procedure Overview:

Dermatologists or plastic surgeons typically perform hair transplants. The process involves taking grafts, small pieces of skin containing healthy hair, from the donor site, usually the back of the scalp where hair is thicker. These grafts are then transplanted to areas without hair. Once healed, the transplanted skin is expected to grow hair.

Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic

“Trichologists, the guardian of tresses, blend scientific insight with compassionate care, unraveling the mysteries of hair loss and fostering a journey back to the lush landscapes of self-assurance.”

Grace Abejide, IAT, WTS

Certified Ottawa Trichologist

Conditions Treated?

Hair restoration surgery addresses various causes of hair loss, both temporary and permanent. It can be beneficial for conditions such as:

Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disease attacking hair follicles.
Androgenic alopecia: Commonly known as pattern baldness.
Thyroid diseases or hormonal imbalances.
Traumatic injuries, scalds surgery or burns causing hair loss.

Hair transplantation does not serve as a remedy for male pattern baldness. While the transplants can address bald areas on the scalp, they do not provide protection against ongoing hair loss. Given that male pattern baldness tends to be a progressive condition for many men, it could be beneficial to explore the option of combining surgery with medical treatments to impede the balding process. It is advisable to consult with your doctor to discuss this further.

There exist two types of hair transplant procedures:

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT, or strip method):
- Involves removing a thin strip of skin with hair from the back of the head, which is then divided into pieces containing 1 to 4 hairs (grafts).
- These grafts are inserted into small incisions made in the scalp.
- The area where the hair is extracted is closed using stitches, resulting in a scar at the back of the head that is usually inconspicuous unless one has very short hair.
- Only the specific area where the skin is taken is trimmed, and shaving the entire head is not necessary.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
- Requires shaving the back of the head.
- Individual hairs (grafts) are extracted one by one.
- Similar to FUT, these grafts are implanted into tiny incisions on the scalp.
- FUE results in numerous tiny scars, though they are typically less noticeable compared to FUT scars.

Here are the key points regarding specific scenarios that might impact candidacy for hair transplantation:

Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA): Individuals with DUPA lack a stable donor area, making hair transplantation ineffective. Medical treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or low-level laser therapy are recommended instead.
Cicatricial Alopecia (CA): Conditions like CA involve irreversible damage to hair follicles, making hair transplantation less effective. Active cases pose a high risk of failure and potential worsening of the condition.
Patients with Unstable Hair Loss: Those experiencing rapid or unpredictable hair loss might be advised to stabilize their condition through medical therapy before considering surgery.
Patients with Insufficient Hair Loss: Individuals with minimal hair loss might not be ideal candidates as the procedure is more effective for substantial hair loss.
Very Young Patients: Patients under 25 are often advised against early hair transplantation due to the progressive nature of hair loss. They might consider medical therapies before surgical options.
Patients with Unrealistic Expectations: Those expecting full restoration or unaware of the limitations of hair transplantation might not be suitable candidates. Realistic expectations are essential.
Patients with Psychological Disorders (e.g., Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Trichotillomania): Conditions like BDD and Trichotillomania might lead to dissatisfaction and risk excessive corrective surgeries. Psychological support is recommended before considering surgery.
Patients Who Are Medically Unfit: Those with certain medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, severe infections, or allergies to anesthesia, might not be suitable candidates due to increased risks of complications during and after surgery.
Poor Candidates Accepting Limited Results: Some individuals might still opt for hair transplantation despite being poor candidates if they understand and accept the limited results. In such cases, managing expectations becomes crucial.

Each of these scenarios presents unique challenges that might impact the effectiveness and safety of hair transplantation. Understanding these factors helps in making informed decisions regarding candidacy for the procedure.

Why you may prefer non-surgical hair restoration methods over hair transplant surgery:

Cost: Non-surgical methods tend to be more affordable than hair transplant surgeries, making them accessible to a wider range of people.
Non-Invasiveness: Non-surgical options don’t involve invasive procedures or surgeries, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating downtime for recovery.
Minimal Discomfort: Non-surgical treatments generally cause less discomfort or pain compared to the surgical process involved in hair transplants.
No Scarring: Non-surgical methods typically don’t leave scars, while hair transplant surgeries may result in noticeable scars, especially with certain techniques.
Immediate Results: Some non-surgical treatments offer quicker results compared to hair transplants, where it can take months to see the full effects.
Flexibility: Non-surgical options often provide more flexibility in terms of adjusting treatments or combining different methods to achieve desired results.
Less Commitment: Non-surgical approaches allow individuals to try different treatments without the long-term commitment that comes with surgical procedures like hair transplants.

The Importance Of Professional Guidance

During consultations, specific factors are assessed to determine candidacy for hair transplant surgery. A licensed physician or trichologist should perform a comprehensive evaluation.

One of the key advantages of consulting a trichologist is the professional guidance they provide. Whether you’re grappling with a hair problem or seeking advice on maintaining a healthy mane, a trichologist can offer valuable insights and a personalized plan to enhance your hair and scalp’s condition.

When selecting a trichologist, it’s vital to ensure they are a member of The Institute of Trichologists. This affiliation guarantees that the practitioner adheres to a defined Code of Ethics and maintains professional standards. Look for designations like AIT, FIT, or MIT after the trichologist’s name, indicating their reputable standing in the field.

Frequently Asked Question About Hair Transplant Surgery

Can hair transplant surgery guarantee full restoration?

No, hair transplant surgery has limitations. It aims to redistribute hair, not create new follicles. Managing expectations is crucial.

Are non-surgical methods as effective as hair transplants?

What are some common scalp conditions trichologists treat?

How long should one wait before considering surgery?

Can individuals with minimal hair loss opt for surgery?

Why prefer non-surgical methods over surgery?

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