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Sunday, February 26, 2006

Hair Transplant Methods

by Karen Brown

When dealing with the issue of losing hair, in some cases, individuals choose to use hair transplants as a treatment. A hair transplant basically means to take hair from one area of the head with hair and root it into another area of the head without hair. Then, the hair roots itself and begins to grow. In order to accomplish this task, there are different hair transplant methods to use. Below are the hair transplant methods and the details surrounding them.

First, one of the hair transplant methods is called the strip method, of the Follicular Unit Transplant. This method is generally the most popular type of hair transplant, partly due to the fact that it is usually the least expensive method. How this particular method works is a piece of skin is removed from the donor area of the head (the area that has hair). Then, the donor area is sutured closed. After this, the strip is divided into follicular units, which are individual hair groupings. In the bald area, hundreds to thousands of small slits are cut and the individual hair groupings are placed in them. Where the hair was implanted, there is a short-term rash. After a short period of time, the sutures are removed and the scalp is examined. Within about three to four months, the hair transplants should begin growing. This hair transplant method is usually fully done after a year, when the individuals may have normal hair cuts and be able to stop using vitamin supplements, volumizing shampoos, and other such hair loss products.

Second, another one of the hair transplant methods is Follicular Unit Extraction. In this particular method, tiny puncture holes are placed in the donor area of the scalp. From this holes, the follicular units are extracted. Although this method causes scarring, there is not as visible of a scar as from the strip method. After extracting the follicular units from the holes in the donor area of the scalp, the units are then placed into the small slits in the bald area of the head. Eventually, after a few months, hair will begin to grow from the transplants. Also, within a year this method should be complete, as with the previously mentioned method of hair transplant.

Although hair transplant methods may take time to grow hair and may cause scarring, the overall effect will eventually be a full head of hair. Instead of worrying about bald spots, individuals will have their natural hair growing. Depending on what type of hair transplant methods are chosen by these individuals, the scarring will be different. With the Follicular Unit Transplant method, the persons undergoing this treatment will have a suture scar on the back of their head, or donor spot. For those persons choosing the Follicular Unit Extraction method, they will have multiple small scars over the back of their head, or donor area. Hair transplant methods usually vary in the way that hair is extracted. However, the outcome of the transplant – growing hair – is the same.


Author Info:

Karen Brown - http://www.hair-loss-articles.info

Friday, February 24, 2006

Hair Loss - Tips for Success

by Adam Sharp

Billions of dollars will be spent on hair loss solutions this year. Much of this money will go to waste. Ineffective products and misleading advertising are only partially to blame. Many consumers are not using these hair loss products in an effective way. Fortunately there are a few simple ways that consumers can increase their chance of success. Following these guidelines will ensure that your money does not go to waste:


Start a Journal


People usually try several different hair loss products before they find something that works for them. Many use two or more products simultaneously. Keeping track of all this information can be frustrating and difficult. The best way to figure out what is working is to keep a journal detailing your progress. You should record all relevant information about the treatment process: when you started, the dosage, cost, and any side effects you experience. This documentation will tell you which products are effective, which ones are not, and allow you to make changes as you see fit.


Take Pictures


Noticing small changes in your hairline over time is extremely difficult. Taking pictures on a regular basis is the most effective ways to track your progress. Always photograph your head from the same angle, in similar lighting conditions. Use a digital camera for best results, most will automatically record the date and time for you. When combined with a treatment journal, these photos provide an invaluable tool that will allow you to judge the effectiveness of products you use.


Do Your Homework


The Internet is flooded with products claiming to cure and treat hair loss. Finding out which ones are legitimate can be a difficult task. When researching products online, beware of those that sound too good to be true. If the company has before and after pictures, examine them closely. If the images were shot from different angles, or in different lighting, be suspicious. These techniques are common camera tricks used to fool the eye, and the consumer. When a company claims their product has a "98% success rate", look for documentation of their clinical study. If the clinical information they provide is vague, or even missing altogether, be wary.

If you follow these steps during your treatment, your chances of success are excellent. One last tip - any successful regimen requires dedication. Whatever the treatment is, carefully follow the instructions from your doctor or the product manufacturer.


Author Bio


Adam Sharp writes more about Hair Loss at his website. Visit hair-loss.org to read more about hair loss products and treatments.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com