Can You Have A Hair Transplant With Retrograde Alopecia?

Retrograde alopecia is a subtype of genetic hair loss. It affects the hairs above the ears and around the nape of the neck. Many individuals who suffer from this condition believe that they are not suitable candidates for hair restoration because they suffer from retrograde alopecia. However, that is not always the case and many have achieved successful long-term results even though they suffer from retrograde alopecia.

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer, it depends on the individual’s goals and hair loss pattern. However, allow me to elaborate a bit more. First, let’s talk about retrograde alopecia and how it affects individuals with genetic hair loss and their donor supply.

Retrograde alopecia is a form of hair loss that affects the lower portion of the neck called the nape and the sides of the scalp just above the ears. This condition is fairly common among an individual’s suffering from hereditary hair loss.

The main concern with hair transplant surgery is how far the hair loss will extend. In some cases, patients may have extensive hair loss above their nape reaching into what is called the permanent zone. In addition, many patients confuse retrograde alopecia with another condition called Diffused Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA). While both conditions may appear similar at first, they are totally different.

DUPA is a type of androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). DUPA can affect both men and women. DUPA is a sub-type of androgenic alopecia. The difference between a male pattern and female pattern hair loss is that DUPA does not follow any pattern. Therefore, the back and sides of the scalp may be susceptible to thinning.

DUPA is categorized as diffuse thinning over the entire scalp. Unlike Diffused Patterned Alopecia (DPA), DUPA lacks the stable permanent zone associated with other forms of alopecia. DUPA is defined as a general decrease in the density of hair without any definite pattern.

Hair transplant surgery is not an option for individual’s with DUPA, as there is no permanent donor supply. However, retrograde alopecia is contained to a specific portion of the scalp, specifically the sides above the ears and nape.

Individuals with retrograde alopecia may be suitable candidates for surgical hair restoration treatments. However, retrograde alopecia would decrease their overall lifetime donor supply. Therefore, prospective patients with retrograde alopecia may need to adjust their expectations and goals accordingly.

What to Expect After a Hair Transplant? : Growth Timeline

Hair transplant surgery has become increasingly popular over the last few years namely because today’s modern hair restoration surgeons are performing larger, more densely packed sessions of ultra refined follicular unit grafting with outstanding results. But what can you expect after the surgical procedure? Are the results immediate? What is the healing process like? How long does it take for the new hair to grow? Why do the initial transplanted hairs shed after only a few weeks? When does the hair grow back? These are all viable questions that we will be answering in this article by providing a timeline.

A Day After Hair Transplant Surgery

Immediately after surgery, the transplanted area will be pink in color with the formation of scabs around the follicular unit grafts. Patients will likely experience some mild discomfort or nominal pain in both the donor and recipient areas along with tightness of the scalp and numbness. The hair restoration physician selected will have provided postoperative instructions on how to shower and take care of the grafted area.

A Week After Hair Restoration Surgery

Within the first week, most of the tiny scabs and redness will dissipate, as will any remaining discomfort or pain. Most hair transplant patients begin to resume normal activities such as going to work, light exercise, etc. Any numbness from the procedure will have worn off however, there may be some ongoing scalp tightness especially if the patient has undergone FUSS (Follicular unit strip surgery).

Removing The Sutures after 10 to 14 days:

If FUSS was elected, the sutures or staples are removed 10 days after hair transplant surgery. Surgeons stitch or use staples to keep the donor region closed and are removed typically after 10 to 14 days.

Hair shedding 4 to 6 weeks after surgery

Typically between 4 to 6 weeks, the transplanted hair will begin to shed, leaving the recipient area looking as it did prior to surgery. In fact, the recipient area may look even thinner due to a phenomenon which is known as shock loss or telogen effluvium, which is a temporary loss of natural hair due to surgical trauma. But don’t worry, all shocked hair and transplanted hair will begin to grow back after only a few months.

2 Months After Hair Surgery

Welcome to the doldrums, where the recipient area typically looks worse than it did prior to surgery. Many patients experience panic, mild depression and anxiety during the stage due to doubt and disbelief that they might not experience the results they want and deserve. Many patients alleviate their concerns by posting their questions and getting answers from veterans hair transplant patients on the hair restoration forum.

4 Months After Hair Transplantation

At this stage, most patients experience new hair growth and the transplanted area begins to look fuller and better than it did prior to surgery. Patients are typically filled with hope and enjoy posting pictures and videos of their new sprouts on the discussion forum. This generates excited replies and more enthusiasm for the patient.

6 Months After Surgical Hair Restoration

The hair restoration patient will likely be experiencing a lot of hair growth at this time and begin to see the beginning of what the final result will look like. At 6 months, the patient will likely see about 60% of their results and while most of the new hairs have started to grow, the hairs still need to thicken, darken and mature. Moreover, most of the shocked hair has at least started to grow back.

9 Months After Hair Replacement Surgery

Even slow growers begin to see a foreshadowing of their final result and those who grow quickly will see approximately 80% of their result. Most of the transplanted hair at this stage will have obtained the same quality and caliber as natural hair.

After 12 months: The Final Result?

This is typically when most individuals experience their final hair transplant result. All the hair has grown in, matured, thickened and darkened. Moreover, any shocked hair will have completely returned and everything will have completely healed. However, slow growers may still experience growth and maturation up until their 18th month.

After 18 Months: Evaluating The Result

A hair transplant patient can safely evaluate their results at this stage. Those who expressed some concern at 12 months should wait a full 18 months before deciding whether or not their result was optimal. However, selecting a top hair transplant surgeon should minimize any risk and ensure they get the best results. That said, even if the result is optimal, some patients require more than one procedure to meet their hair restoration goals. Those who want or need a second procedure typically proceed at this stage in obtaining one.

Conclusion

A hair transplant is a process and does not provide immediate results. Therefore, a patient should know what to expect prior to undergoing the procedure in order to minimize depression, anxiety, and panic. Those with concerns should immediately contact their surgeon or look for answers and support at the Hair Transplant Network. The key to a successful hair transplant results is research and education.

What You Need To Know Before Having Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair loss often leads to depression and anxiety, especially if they are ridiculed and/or the target of balding jokes

While some people simply accept going bald, others find having a full head as a part of their identity.

Thankfully, today’s modern hair transplant surgery, in the hands of a skilled and experienced hair restoration surgeon, can re-create a full looking head of hair so natural looking, that even a hairstylist can’t detect it. Like any surgical procedure however, hair transplant surgery is a big decision.

Hair transplant surgery is one of the effective treatment options for restoring one’s hair. It is not only chosen by people who have lost their hair but those who want to improve their hairline.

In this article, we provide you with real information and resources related to hair transplantation and how to get the best results.

What is a hair transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for men and women affected by hair loss. This procedure can restore the hair of men and women permanently by transplanting new follicles into the thinning or balding areas.

The hair transplant procedure can offer the individual a natural and permanent solution.

Who are candidates for a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is recommended for people experiencing partial or complete baldness due to certain conditions like – traction alopecia, androgenic alopecia, a receding hairline, injury, trauma etc.

The surgery is not recommended for individuals below 25 years of age as it is a bit difficult to access the extent of future hair loss. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

How hair transplant is carried out?

The patients who undergo hair transplant surgery are put under local anesthesia. The procedure is carried out mainly by FUSS and FUE.

     1. Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)

During this procedure, the surgeon harvests the hair-bearing tissue from the sides and back of the head and slivers the strip into follicular unit grafts containing 1 to 4 hairs. These stripes are placed into tiny incisions made by the surgeon into the recipient or balding area.

The donor area is then closed, leaving the patient with a minuscule linear scar that’s virtually undetectable, covered by the surrounding hair. The recovery time is ideally 2-3 weeks And results are fully grown within 12 months after the procedure.

     2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

During the procedure, the surgeon removes follicular units one by one using a tiny punch attached to one of many various devices. These grafts are then planted into recipients sites where hair growth is sparse.

Based on the severity of hair loss and the physiology of the patient, one can either choose for FUSS or FUE.

Preparation for hair transplant surgery

Preparing for a hair transplant is one of the most crucial parts of the whole process. The key is to find the right procedure and best hair transplant surgeon for you.

On the day of your hair restoration procedure, you should arrive at least half an hour early to go over any last minute questions or concerns with your doctor. The surgeons and assisting technicians will take care of everything to make the experience stress-free for you.

How long does a hair transplant take?

Hair transplant is a cosmetic procedure that’s typically completed in a day. The length of the procedure varies from person to person depending on the number of hair grafts required. However, it usually takes 4 to 8 hours.

After the procedure, the patient can walk around and perform their daily activities. The transplanted area will be swollen and tender for 3-4 days.

Some patients may require multiple sessions with several months apart to achieve desired results.

The patients are prescribed antibiotics and pain relief medication to help them through the recovery process.

What kind of result you can expect?

All the transplanted hair will fall out within 2-3 weeks after surgery. Some patients may experience a temporary loss of hair in areas that were not involved in the transplant. Nearly 90% of the follicles start generating new hair within 3 to 4 months after surgery. The full result of hair transplant is seen after 12 to 18 months.

Patients are encouraged to follow the postoperative instructions of their surgeon carefully. They should take precautions like – protecting the area from sun exposure, washing hair with mild shampoo, not scratching the scalp etc.

What are The Hair Transplant Side Effects?

Hair transplantation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and side effects or potential problems are rare but possible. As with any surgical procedure, one may experience minor side effects such as – swelling of the scalp, bleeding, infection, etc. To minimize any side effects or complications, patients are advised to select an experienced and reputable hair restoration surgeon and follow the recommended care post-surgery.

How Do I Choose a Hair Transplant Surgeon?

Choosing a hair transplant surgeon is probably the most important part of the process. The Hair Transplant Network makes this process a little easier for you by pre-screening and recommending surgeons based on demanding standards. However, you are encouraged to research all hair restoration surgeons you are considering.

You are encouraged to read genuine reviews from real patients and view before and after photos such as the ones found on our hair restoration discussion forum . Go through the reviews posted on the forum and take your time to research physicians and modern hair transplant techniques in hair transplantation.