Home    Community     About Us    Contact    Site Index   
Site Search

Mission
Hair Science
 
Types of Hair Loss
Men's Hair Loss
Women's Hair Loss
Children's Hair Loss
 
Drug Induced Hair Loss
Hair Loss Treatment
Hair Replacement
Surgical Hair Restoration
 
Introduction
Basics
History
Understanding Hair Transplants
Procedures To Avoid
Finding a Surgeon
Am I a Candidate?
Hair Transplant Surgeons
What to Look For
Credentials
Preparing for Surgery
Women Transplants
Hair Transplant Photos
Hair Loss Research
Hair Loss Glossary
 
Publications & Resources
Hair Loss Organizations
AHLA Membership
General

Surgical Hair Restoration > Am I a Candidate?



Am I a Candidate?

For the right candidate hair restoration surgery can significantly improve your appearance and general sense well being, however, not everyone is a good candidate for the surgery and those who are must have realistic expectations before undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

Remember there is a finite amount of donor hair that can be moved to the thinning areas of the scalp. If that hair isn't used in an efficient manner the outcome of the procedure might not meet your expectations.

It is also important to note that surgery should always be your last resort after all attempts to stop the progression of your hair loss have been exhausted.

If you are under the impression that having small surgeries to "keep up with your hair loss" is a practical way to address your hair loss issue you are sorely mistaken. Patients with a significant amount of hair on their scalps run the risk of "shock loss" of some or much of their existing hair caused by the trauma of the surgical procedure. In some cases this lost hair will not return and you could be left with thinner hair than before the procedure. This is just one reason why understating whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure is so important.

The best candidates for hair restoration surgery are:

Men who have been losing their hair due to MPB for more than five years or who have progressed to a Norwood class 3 or above.

Men with realistic expectations and who understand that their hair loss might continue to progress even if they are taking prescription medication to stop the progression.

Men who have been balding for many years and who's pattern has stabilized and are interested in just adding some hair to provide a more youthful appearance.

Men and women who have lost hair due to trauma or burns

Men and women who have lost hair due to other cosmetic procedures such as face-lifts.

Reviewed by Paul J. McAndrews, MD

<< Previous Page Next Page >>

Introduction
Basics
History
Understanding Hair Transplants
Procedures To Avoid
Finding a Surgeon
Am I a Candidate?
Hair Transplant Surgeons
What to Look For
Credentials
Preparing for Surgery
Women Transplants
Hair Transplant Photos
Hair Loss Message Boards


View The Hair Loss Forum