Hair transplantation for men
January 2008
in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”
TLDR Hair transplantation for men has improved, offering natural, lasting results, and may be enhanced by certain medications and future technologies.
In 2008, a review article on hair transplantation for men detailed significant improvements in the field, offering natural and durable outcomes. The procedure, performed as an outpatient service, involves harvesting donor hair from the back of the scalp and implanting it into the frontal and mid-scalp regions. The article underscored the necessity of careful candidate selection and realistic expectation management, as well as the use of FDA-approved medications like minoxidil and finasteride to enhance the results and slow hair loss. Dutasteride and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) were also mentioned as additional treatments, with the former not being FDA-approved and the latter requiring more research. The transplantation process typically involves creating 800 to 1500 grafts over 3-4 hours, with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. The review also discussed the evolution from older methods that used larger grafts, which resulted in an unnatural appearance, to the current use of 1-4 hair grafts for a more natural look. The importance of minimal trauma during graft handling and the critical nature of hairline design were highlighted. The document noted that transplanted hair takes 3-6 months to begin growing and reaches full cosmetic impact after 9-12 months. Future advancements may include hair follicle cloning and the use of lasers and robotics to enhance the procedure's efficiency.
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Cited in this study
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research The current role of laser/light sources in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
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research Changes in hair weight in men with androgenetic alopecia after treatment with finasteride (1 mg daily): Three- and 4-year results
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research New Methodology and Instrumentation for Follicular Unit Extraction
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research Polarized Light-Emitting Diode Magnification for Optimal Recipient Site Creation during Hair Transplant
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research Hair Regrowth and Increased Hair Tensile Strength Using the HairMax LaserComb for Low-Level Laser Therapy
The HairMax LaserComb made hair grow more and get stronger for people with hair loss.
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research CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH FINASTERIDE DAILY DOES NOT AFFECT SPERMATOGENESIS OR SEMEN PRODUCTION IN YOUNG MEN
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research Follicle trauma and the role of the dissecting microscope in hair transplantation. A Multicenter Study
Using microscopes in hair transplants reduces follicle damage.
research Distribution of Human Hair in Follicular Units
The research found that for a typical hair density, about 11 square centimeters of donor scalp is needed to get 800 hair grafts for transplantation.
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