What is the principle of hair transplantation?

Jan 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I heard that hair transplantation can solve hair loss problems, but I don't really understand how hair transplantation works. I would like to ask, what is the principle behind hair transplantation?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that primarily involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from the patient's own occipital or lateral regions to the areas affected by hair loss. These follicles typically possess characteristics that make them unaffected by androgen hormones, allowing them to grow new hair in the transplanted location.

Hair transplant surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The doctor extracts healthy follicular units from the donor area and then meticulously implants them into the recipient area. This procedure can effectively improve conditions such as baldness, thinning hair, and a high hairline, thereby enhancing personal appearance and boosting self-confidence. However, hair transplantation does not address the underlying causes of hair loss. Therefore, patients should still maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery and follow the doctor's recommendations for proper post-operative care and regular follow-up examinations.

For patients considering hair transplantation, it is essential to first undergo a comprehensive evaluation of the scalp and hair follicles to determine the cause and extent of hair loss and to assess suitability for the surgery. It is advisable to choose a qualified and experienced medical facility to perform the procedure, in order to avoid infections or other complications caused by improper techniques.