Is hair replacement surgery for me?

Hair replacement surgery can improve appearances and boost self-confidence. Still, the results won't necessarily measure up to your ideal. When deciding whether to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations. Discuss them with your surgeon. It is very important to understand, all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. Surgical procedures can help find the most efficient uses for the hair you have.

Hair replacement surgery cannot help everyone. If you have a patchy hair loss called alopecia areata (which can include total scalp hair loss or total body hair loss) you are not a candidate for hair transplant surgery.

Generally, hair replacement candidates need healthy hair growth at the back and on the sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Grafts or flaps of scalp and hair will be taken from those areas. Hair color, texture and waviness or curliness also can be factors that affect the outcome of hair replacement surgery.

If you are concerned about hair loss or baldness, see a qualified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon. This will determine the cause of the hair loss. Knowing the cause will eliminate certain replacement strategies. At that point, an experienced surgeon can help you to decide which procedure will be best for you.