When you think of the word transplant, you probably think of an organ being moved from one body (donor) to another (recipient). Hair transplants work a little differently. The hair is moved from another part of the same body. While it is worth a lifetime of anti rejection meds to accept a vital organ, a hair transplant is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, and the risks of transplant from another person are generally considered too great. But how does a hair transplant work? Lets discuss two types of hair transplant surgeries, or follicular unit transplantation (FUT).

The first is a strip transplant. This surgery gets its name from the fact that an entire strip of hair is transplanted. Strips of 3 to 4 inches are removed and divided into hundreds of tiny grafts which are returned to the recipient site. The risks are minor, including infection or inflammation. The procedure can be done in the office using local anesthesia.

An even more localized form of transplant is called follicular unit extraction (FUE). This procedure involves transplanting individual follicular units. Since each unit contains 1 to 4 hairs, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tiny transplants are part of the procedure. This procedure reduced post op scars and pain due to being minimally invasive. There are also no staples or stitches to be professionally removed at a follow up visit as there are for a strip transplant.

Because hair loss generally takes place on top of the head, the donor sites are usually from around the sides or back of the scalp. Neck hair can be used as the donor site, especially if the hair is being used to replace the eyebrows. The surgery generally heals quickly. Within a week or so, the donor site should not be noticeable.

Its important to note that no new hair is being grown. Hair that already exists is being transplanted from one place to another on the same person. By moving hair to a more visible location, the overall appearance of the hair seems to be more natural. The thicker a persons crown of hair is, the more follicles there are to harvest for use on other parts of the head, thus making the overall result fuller and more natural looking.

On occasion, shock loss can occur in the donor area. Longer hair can cover this temporary condition until the hair grows back. Hair transplants can help those experiencing baldness to regain some confidence due to improved appearance.