The Science Behind Hair Growth: How Do Transplants Work?

Hair, often considered a symbol of youth and vitality, is more than just a cosmetic feature. It’s a complex biological structure deeply rooted in our physiology. The process of hair growth is a marvel of nature, orchestrated by cellular activities and hormonal cues. However, for many individuals, the natural cycle of hair growth can be disrupted, leading to thinning or baldness. Understanding the mechanisms behind hair growth and how modern interventions like hair transplants address these disruptions is crucial for exploring effective solutions to hair loss.

The biology of hair growth

Hair growth, like many biological processes, follows a well-defined cycle consisting of distinct phases. At the root of every hair follicle lies a miniature factory where cells divide, differentiate, and produce the hair shaft. This process occurs in four main phases¹:

1. Anagen: The anagen phase, or growth phase, can last between two to five years and determines the length of hair. For some individuals, a single hair could even continue growing for seven or more years. Cells in the root of the hair divide rapidly during this phase, adding to the hair shaft.

2. Catagen: The catagen phase is a transitional stage lasting about ten days, where hair growth slows, and the outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the hair root.

3. Telogen: The telogen phase, or resting phase, lasts around three months, where the hair neither grows nor falls out.

4. Exogen: Finally, the exogen phase, also known as shedding. As an extension of the telogen stage of hair growth, hair falls out during this phase, with the help of brushing and washing. It is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day, after which the cycle restarts.

Factors affecting hair growth

Several factors influence hair growth, including genetics, hormones, age, and environmental factors. Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both men and women². Genetics can determine the susceptibility to DHT and other hormonal influences, leading to varying patterns and extents of hair loss.

Understanding hair transplants

Hair transplantation involves a surgical procedure wherein hair follicles are relocated from a designated area of the body, referred to as the donor site, to an area experiencing baldness or thinning, known as the recipient site. It is primarily used to treat male and female pattern baldness. There are two main methods of hair transplantation: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor site, usually the back and sides of the head, where hair is more resistant to balding. The strip is then divided into small groups of tissues – referred to as hair grafts – which are implanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient site in a pattern that looks natural.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE is a more modern technique where individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor site using a micro-punch tool. These follicles are then transplanted into the recipient site using a pair of fine forceps and a sharp cylindrical punch. FUE is less invasive than FUT, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery time.

The process of hair transplantation

The hair transplantation process involves several stages, including consultation, preparation, extraction, and implantation.

1. Consultation: The initial consultation involves assessing the patient’s hair loss pattern, donor hair availability, and overall health. This helps determine the most suitable technique and the expected outcome.

2. Preparation: The donor and recipient sites are prepared by trimming the hair and disinfecting the areas. Local anaesthesia is administered to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

3. Extraction: Depending on the chosen method (FUT or FUE), hair follicles are harvested from the donor site. In FUT, a strip of scalp is removed and dissected into follicular units, while in FUE, individual follicles are extracted.

4. Implantation: Tiny incisions are made in the recipient site, and the harvested follicles are meticulously implanted to mimic natural hair growth patterns.

Effectiveness and results

The success of a hair transplant largely depends on the surgeon’s skill, the quality of the donor hair, and the patient’s adherence to post-operative care. Results typically become noticeable within six months, with full results evident after 9 to 18 months. Properly performed hair transplants yield natural-looking and permanent results, significantly improving the patient’s appearance and confidence.

Conclusion

Hair growth is a complex process influenced by various biological factors, and hair transplants offer a viable solution for those suffering from hair loss. The choice between FUT and FUE depends on individual circumstances and preferences, but both techniques can provide effective and natural-looking results.

Dermatology clinics play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating hair loss conditions. They offer a range of treatments beyond hair transplantation, such as medications, laser therapy, microneedling, radiofrequency and scalp electroporation as adjunctive treatments to enhance hair growth and health.

At Angeline Yong Dermatology, patients receive personalised care tailored to their specific needs. With expertise in hair and skin restoration and the latest technologies, including low level laser therapy with Revage and Indiba radiofrequency amongst others, our clinic ensures optimal outcomes for individuals seeking to combat hair loss and achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair.

References

Roland, J. (2020, September 25). Stages of hair growth plus how to maintain hair health in every stage. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-hair-growth

Morales-Brown, P. (2024, January 12). Everything you need to know about DHT. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082#:~:text=The%20growth%20of%20scalp%20hair,shorter%20cycle%20of%20hair%20growth

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The Science Behind Hair Growth: How Do Transplants Work?