Most men will have some degree of hair recession during their lifetime. There is a wide spectrum of severity, from small areas of loss in the temple region, to almost total baldness. The age at which it starts varies greatly, but the onset and severity often has a hereditary component. Usually, the hair at the sides and the lower part of the back of the head are spared. This is because these areas are not subject to the influence of the male hormone, testosterone, that acts on the hairs on the front and top of the scalp. These hairs are genetically programmed to eventually fall out and little can be done to prevent this from happening. It is the areas where hair growth is likely to be permanent, particularly the lower part of the back of the head, which can be used to provide hairs to resurface bald scalps or increase density in thinning regions.

Historically, hair restoration procedures gained bad reputations because the techniques available left an unnatural, “pluggy” appearance. This meant that it was often immediately obvious that the individual had undergone a surgical procedure. Current methods, however, give a natural hairline and pattern of hair growth, which us unnoticeable to all except the most informed observer. This involves the transplantation of individual hair follicles or groups of hairs known as follicular units.

If one is planning to have a hair transplantation procedure, however, it is important to be realistic. Balding is a progressive phenomenon. If treatment is started early, before the genetically determined extent of balding is reached, then further procedures are likely to be needed and should be planned for. Likewise, if severe balding is present, there may not be enough donor hair to be transplanted to recreate adequate density over a large area and compromises may be necessary. It is these factors, amongst others, which make it important for anyone considering hair transplant surgery to meet with the surgeon who will be performing the operation and following up the patient for many years after.

When well planned and skilfully executed, hair transplantation can yield remarkable results, transforming not only how a man looks but also how he feels about himself and interacts with society. Hair restoration surgery is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures for men in the United States and is becoming more and more popular in the United Kingdom. If losing your hair bothers you, a permanent solution is available!

The Procedure

The surgery is performed under a light sedation and administered by an experienced anaesthetist so that discomfort is kept to a minimum. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated, a strip of hair bearing scalp is removed from the back of the head and the wound is sutured. The individual hairs and follicular units are then carefully dissected by the team so that the roots are not damaged. Fluid with adrenaline is injected into the recipient sites to reduce the amount of bleeding and the hairs are then implanted using small stab incisions. Care is taken to create a natural hairline. The duration of the operation varies from one to five hours depending on the extent of the area to be grafted.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

The procedure is generally extremely safe but the risks and complications that can occur will be discussed at the initial consultation. It is important, however, to recognise that results cannot be guaranteed and that your expectations may not be met. This is why a thorough discussion with Mr Williams is so important. Balding is progressive by definition and it is necessary to plan for future hair loss. Many men have been disappointed by overzealous procedures at an early stage of balding, which can be difficult to correct in later years. Mr Williams will help you set realistic and achievable goals for your hair restoration journey.