Hair transplant statistics recorded by GreyHairLoss.com demonstrates a 34% increase in the total number of restoration surgeries related to hair in 2006, as compared to the 2004 figures. In 2006, there were 226,000 hair transplants conducted worldwide, 53% of which was performed in the US.
Society has always regarded hair and hairstyles as a key element of physical beauty. Therefore, the problem of hair loss is, indeed, very stressful for most men and women. Hair loss may occur due to improper lifestyle, poor nutrition, medical conditions or pollution. It can also occur due to hormonal changes and genetics. Whatever the reason, the fact is that 40% of all men face conspicuous hair fall by the age of 35, while 30% of all women experience a similar condition by 60. Hair replacements seem to be the most reliable method of regaining that youthful look and restoring a sense of self worth.
Types of Hair Transplants
There are two methods by which hair transplants are carried out:
Surgical: Advancing technology has brought about major advancements in the hair transplantation field. Nowadays, high power microscopes allow doctors to remove and replace hair in the way nature had intended. The existing hair is taken out and dissected into naturally-occurring follicular units, which are the anatomical building blocks of natural hair in the scalp. Hair replacement surgeries utilize these units to produce natural results.
The process is conducted by the ‘Uni Strand’ TM Strip method. The hair in the required portion is taped with hair clips; the area (approximately 1/6.30 cm) is covered and trimmed. Hair is left in the remaining portion of the head to allow normal hair styles. A good surgeon will ensure that the hair above the incision envelops the stitches, making the marks invisible. The area is then frozen with local anesthetic and the hair in the donor strip is carefully removed. With a single stitch, the area where the donor strip is taken from is closed. The actual time of incision is less than two minutes.
After this, each follicular unit is separated from the strip and dissected to create the ‘Uni-Graft’. These grafts are refrigerated while waiting for placement in the thinning scalp of the recipient. After this, the new hair can be planted in the donor area.
Non-surgical: This procedure entails the NT system, which perfectly suits those who cannot opt for or prefer not to have transplants. This can be donned as a permanent or semi-permanent accessory. Hair is inserted into the second layer of the skin. The attachment can be adjusted to match up to the ongoing hair loss.
The attachment, in case of a non-surgical procedure, and the stitch, in case of the surgical process, will be indistinguishable if applied by the experts operating at the Sure Hair clinic.
