It is essential to understand what will make one a good candidate for this procedure, whether because of thinning hair or because of balding; hair transplantation changes one’s life. Such are not meant for all, though. Here is a more critical look at some of the essential factors that determine eligibility for a hair transplant.
Age
One of the important age factors is when one is ready for hair transplantation. Although there is no strict age limit for the surgery, it usually tends to be more effective for people above the age of 25 years. This is because hair loss patterns often stabilize by this age, giving surgeons some idea of how future hair loss will look. If done too early, additional hair loss might occur in as-yet untreated areas, thus needing another procedure in the following years.
Type and Extent of Hair Loss
Hair transplantation tends to be most effective for those patients whose hair loss is due to specific forms, primarily androgenetic alopecia, where there is thinning either on the crown of the head or where the hairline is receding. For this, there must be a reasonably stabilized pattern of hair loss-eg, the hair loss should not be progressing any further. Poor candidates may be people with diffuse thinning of hair, and alopecia areata or conditions brought about by a hormonal imbalance; such people should consult a specialist.
Adequate Donor Hair
The main factored point for qualification is the availability of adequate healthy follicles in the donor site, usually from the back or sides of the scalp. These sites are resistant to genetic balding and hence ideal for transplantation. In cases where there is a big area of baldness and not enough hair in the donor site, the result may not be so good, with not-so-full coverage.
Type and Texture of Hair
Hair type, texture, and density can contribute to the outcome of the hair transplant. Individuals with thicker, curlier hair tend to have more favorable results due to their hair covering and adding fullness. In addition, darker hair may sometimes create the illusion of fuller hair, whereas light or thin hair, although successful transplants can be carried out on any type of hair.
General Health
Hair type, texture, and density can contribute to the outcome of the hair transplant. Individuals with thicker, curlier hair tend to have more favorable results due to their hair covering and adding fullness. In addition, darker hair may sometimes create the illusion of fuller hair, whereas light or thin hair, although successful transplants can be carried out on any type of hair.
The candidate should not have some general health problems so that the complications may be at a minimum during and after the surgery. Chronic conditions inclusive of uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases may interfere with the process of wound healing or the success of the transplant. Your surgeon will examine you for your health status in relation to your suitability for the procedure.
