Best Candidates for Hair Transplant

During my consultations, my aim is not only to offer general and specific information regarding the patient’s hair loss and the hair transplant procedure, but also to approach each patient on an individual basis. This is achieved by assessing his or her suitability as a hair transplant candidate, discussing and understanding the prospective patient’s expectations and finally explaining what could be possible and what is recommended for each individual case. When care and treatment are implemented correctly, we can safely put together an individual plan for each person. My passion and adoration for my job is clearly seen in my ethical and individual approach to all my patients. The greatest satisfaction for me is having happy patients, as this is a life-changing procedure. In order for this to be accomplished it is crucial that the consultation addresses all the important points previously discussed. When the plan is correctly outlined then patient selection and satisfaction is easily achievable. Moreover, the prospective patient will be able to take the best decision, taking into consideration all the information that has previously been discussed and explained.

Factors that need to be taken into consideration

One of the most important factors that needs to be addressed is the patient’s expectations. We need to understand that each individual has a different donor area, and no two patients are the same. The prospective patient always needs to understand that there is only so much donor hair that can be moved to the balding areas, and there is no regrowth in the donor area. Therefore, it is crucial that the donor hair will be used in the most effective and prudent way. As you can understand, it is highly important that this is discussed during the consultation along with patient expectations. When practice is carried out in this professional manner your doctor can make you understand what is possible to be done and if it meets your expectations. The density, coverage and distribution needs to be discussed accordingly and understood by the prospective patient so that individual needs are met. In the majority of cases it is impossible to know how bald the patient will become, particularly in younger people, and also to predict what sort of coverage he will need in the future. It is always better to plan for the worst as this is both the best and safest practice. We should not forget that hair loss is a process that can continue until the age of 50, sometimes even for longer. Even the best doctor can’t give you a full head of hair if you go extensively bald and have a very limited donor area. There is only so much donor hair available; for some, more than enough to prevent them balding for the rest of their life, but for others the lack of donor hair limits the areas that can be treated. This is why it is crucial to seek an expert medical opinion. Dr Kouremada-Zioga will help you by creating a proper and safe plan for life.

Finally, when the hair is only thinning, an implanting procedure is not recommended. We need to have significant gaps in the scalp in order to implant safely. If there is not enough space but only thinning, there is a high possibility of causing “shock loss”. There needs to be a safe distance between all the hairs in order for them not to compete for the necessary blood supply. Thinning is classified as the first stage of hair loss and in those cases patients have a significant amount of hair; therefore we would not advise to implant but to use preservative methods until there are more empty gaps in the scalp.

General factors that can determine a suitable candidate include:

• Individuals that belong to Norwood Class III and above; those who have been experiencing hereditary or genetic hair loss for more than five years or have significant gaps.

• Those with realistic expectations who understand their hair loss may progress and also understand they need to create a hairline that will still suit them when they are older, as the hairline matures will age.

• Men whose hair loss has been stabilised.

• Women with an appearance of Male-pattern Baldness who have a stable donor area rather than diffuse hair loss.

The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient use for the existing donor hair and to have a plan for future years. It is a partnership between the doctor and the patient, for life.

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