Cosmetic Surgery Concerning Hair Plugs

Introduction

As we age, our scalps become susceptible to hair loss that might manifest in form of either a receding hairline, balding or thinning. Although remedies such as wigs and hats may offer adequate relief, they lack the satisfaction brought about by a scalp filled with natural hair. As an answer to the plight of the bald headed, hair plugs succeeded where the former had failed by restoring hair where it was once lost from the ravages of time.

Definition:

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Hair plugs refer to the type of cosmetic surgery in which grafts of hair follicles and scalp are transplanted from a region of the head with healthy hair growth to that which has baldness. The transplanted scalps would then start developing new shafts after which normal hair growth is restored in these areas of the head.

History

This type of procedure was first performed with success in Japan approximately 80 years ago. Since then, it has been refined so that currently there are different techniques of going about the surgery.

Procedure

For the entire operation to be a success a concerted effort has to be made between the surgeon and the patient. A competent cosmetic surgeon has to oversee the operation, as well as state of the art equipment that will facilitate the procedure. The surgeon would then proceed to perform the transplant, after which he leaves the next stage to the care of the patient. Patients will have to hygienically take care of the wounds left by the surgery so that they are not infected.

Advantages

The aesthetic appeal brought about by a natural look is the overriding advantage of hair plugs. Also, the operation is a relatively permanent solution as the grafted scalp can continue to propagate healthily for many years without cumbersome follow up treatments.

Disadvantages

Like all types of radical surgeries, hair plug surgery is prone to complications which may manifest themselves after the surgery. These may include infections if the wounds are not hygienically maintained; awkward show of bandages, scars and sutures; and falling off of grafts. Apart from these complications, the costs of this procedure have been known to be extremely exorbitant and therefore a preserve of the affluent.

Cost

Several factors contribute to the costs set for this procedure. Some of these include: the number of grafts to be made, the actual geographical location of the procedure, the particular technique of implantation adopted, and the fixed costs owed to the clinic and the surgeon.