The most common cause of hair loss is the inherited condition androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In selected persons, hair transplantation is an excellent method for correcting both male and female pattern hair loss. If you have lost hair due to an inherited trait, trauma or burns and you have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of your head, then you are a candidate for hair transplantation. Hair transplants are not hair replacements: hair transplants put your hair follicles in balding areas.

Donor dominance is the scientific basis for the success of hair transplantation. This rule states that transplanted hair will display the same growth characteristics as the hair in the site from which it was taken (the donor site). Thus, the back and sides of the scalp are used as donor sites, because hair from these areas grows throughout a person’s life and is not lost in male and female pattern hair loss.

When hairs from the back and sides of the scalp are transplanted to balding areas on the top and front of a balding person’s scalp, they continue to grow, as the rule of donor dominance predicts.

The front and top of the head receive transplanted hair first because these areas frame the face and have the most impact on appearance. The crown is usually the last area to receive hair (in later procedures), unless it is the only balding area.

The balding area that receives the donor hair follicles is called the recipient area. Depending on the size of the recipient area involved, and and on individual patient's characteristics, transplantation to the recipient area may be accomplished in one to multiple sessions, which are spaced several weeks apart.

Hair transplantation surgery techniques have improved enormously over the past decade and are still improving. The first hair transplants were characterized by “plugs” and “corn rows” of transplanted hair. Dr. Valente uses mini-grafts of fewer than 5 hair follicles, micro-grafts of 2 or 3 hair follicles, and single-hair grafts - creating a natural hair appearance that is appropriate to each individual patient.

Among the assessments made are: how rapidly, and how much of the patient’s remaining hair is likely to be lost. A man with progressive male pattern hair loss may require several hair transplantation procedures over a number of years to keep pace with hair loss and fend off baldness. In some cases the progression of hair loss, between transplant procedures can be slowed or halted by supplementary medical therapy with an FDA-approved hair restoration drugs - topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) or orally administered finasteride - Propecia®.

Side effects of hair transplantation surgery are usually minor: mild pain and discomfort for a few days postoperatively, swelling over the operated areas, and scab formation. Dr. Valente provides medicine to control discomfort and information about scalp care.

Dr. Valente is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration and The World Hair Society.

Additional information about hair transplants
Hair transpalnt before and after pictures