Hair Transplant for Receding Hairline

What Is A Receding Hairline?

Hairline refers to the closest hair to forehead, measuring from temple to temple. It is usually the initial site for male pattern baldness, as the hair in this area is more prone to the effects of androgenic hormone i.e., dihydrotestosterone.

Consistent hair loss often results in the recession of hair follicles up both temples, creating an M shaped pattern commonly known as a receding hairline. In medical terms, it is called as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness and is more frequent in men.

Norwood Stages of Hairline Recession

The Norwood-Hamilton scale classifies hair loss into seven stages based on the severity of baldness. The number of hair grafts required varies by stage. Here are the seven Norwood stages of hair loss;

• Stage 1: Insignificant hairline recession, usually no grafts are required.
• Stage 2: Mild hair loss over temples, creating an M-shaped hairline. 500 to 1000 grafts on average are sufficient.
• Stage 3: Mrked temple recession; 1000 to 2000 grafts are necessary.
• Stage 4: Severe hair thinning over the temple and crown area. 2000 to 3000 grafts are usually recommended
• Stage 5: Progressive alopecia.
• Stage 6: Merging of bald patches at vertex and temples occurs.
• Stage 7: Hair loss is too severe to be overcome by hair transplant.

Techniques Used For Receding Hairline Hair Transplant

A hairline transplant is an invasive procedure involving the removal of hair follicles from areas of higher hair density like sides and back of the head and grafting them into the areas of lesser hair density. Here are the three common techniques used to fix receding hairlines:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and implanting them into the recipient site. It is commonly used for these reasons;

• Less injury at donor site
• Up to 4000 grafts can be implanted in one session
• Less scarring at the recipient site
• Survival rate of about 90 to 95%
• More budget friendly

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

DHI is somewhat similar to FUE but uses a special instrument called Choi Pen. The grafts are taken from the donor site with the help of Choi pen and directly inserted into the frontal scalp with the same pen. FUE. Compared to FUE;

• Only useful for small coverage areas
• More expensive
• More time taking

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

In FUT, a strip of donor skin containing hair follicles is taken. The individual follicles are then separated and inserted at the recipient site. It is faster and cheaper than FUE, but has drawbacks;

• More scarring at the donor site
• Noticeable decrease in hair density at the donor site
• Less effective for large coverage areas

Prerequisites For Receding Hairline Hair Transplant

Anyone with noticeable temple recession can opt for a hair transplant. However, there must be enough grafts at the donor site. Your doctor should consider the following;

• Facial structure
• Specific goals and aesthetics
• Integration of features like temple points, lateral humps, windows peaks and hair textures differences

Other factors like autoimmune diseases, dryness or inflammation of the scalp area may disqualify you for a hair transplant.

Side Effects Of Receding Hairline Hair Transplant

When planning a medical procedure, ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. For a hair transplant for receding hairline, consider these side effects;

• Formations of cysts at the transplant site
• Temporary swelling, itching or bleeding at implant site
• Telogen effluvium – excessive hair loss of non transplanted existing hair from the recipient area, usually recovering after 3 to 4 months
• Grafted hair texture may differ from your head hair if taken from other sites
• Hair thinning at the donor site

Tips For A Long Lasting Hairline

Much of a surgical treatment’s success depends on post procedure care. Here are the tips to enhance the success of your transplant;

Lifestyle changes

• Avoid the gym or strenuous exercise that causes profuse sweating
• Avoid wearing a hat for at least 2 weeks after transplant
• Gently wash your hair with doctor recommended shampoo
• Avoid heat styling immediately after transplant
• Avoid alcohol to reduce healing time
• Sleep on your back with pillows to decrease swelling
• Stay indoors to avoid sun exposure
• Take time off your work or opt for work from home if possible

Medications

• Finasteride can be administered to increase hair strength
• Use Special medicated shampoos to minimize the hair loss