Who Can Have Hair Transplantation?

Hair loss is a common problem that negatively affects the quality of life of many people. Fortunately, hair transplantation, one of the effective solutions offered by modern medicine, offers permanent and natural results for individuals experiencing hair loss. However, is hair transplantation a suitable option for everyone?

In this blog post, Este Marley will discuss in detail the factors that determine suitable candidates for hair transplantation and who can benefit from this procedure.

Key Factors Determining Suitable Candidates for Hair Transplantation:

Although the decision to have a hair transplant is a personal choice, some important factors need to be taken into consideration for the success of the procedure and satisfactory results.

1. Cause and Type of Hair Loss: Hair transplantation is the most effective solution for individuals who experience permanent hair loss, usually due to genetic factors (Androgenetic Alopecia). In addition, local hair loss resulting from accidents, burns or surgical interventions can also be successfully treated with hair transplantation. However, for some types of hair loss that are actively ongoing and the cause of which cannot be fully determined (such as widespread hair loss resulting from some autoimmune diseases), hair transplantation may not be the first choice. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and type of hair loss play a critical role in determining the appropriate candidacy.
2. Hair Loss Stage and Stability: Hair transplantation generally yields better results in cases where hair loss has reached a certain stage and has relatively stopped. In cases of active and rapid hair loss, there may be a risk of the transplanted hair falling out. Therefore, it may be recommended to wait for the course of hair loss to stabilize. A specialist doctor will determine the most appropriate timing by evaluating the stage of your hair loss.
3. Donor Area Health and Density: Healthy hair follicles (grafts) to be used in hair transplantation are usually taken from the scalp at the nape of the neck and sometimes on the sides. It is expected that the hair in these areas will be more resistant to shedding. For a successful hair transplant, it is important to have a strong donor area with a sufficient number and quality of healthy hair follicles. The density and quality of hair in the donor area directly affects the number of grafts that can be transplanted and therefore the result that can be achieved.
4. General Health Status: Although hair transplantation is a minimally invasive procedure that is close to non-surgical, it is important to be in good general health. Hair transplantation may not be suitable or may require special precautions for individuals with uncontrolled serious chronic diseases (e.g. heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders) or those with a weakened immune system. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history in detail before the operation.
5. Age Factor: Although there is no definite age limit for hair transplantation, caution should be exercised at younger ages (early 20s) because hair loss has not yet fully settled and future shedding cannot be predicted. At older ages (over 60), the decision is made by evaluating the general health status and donor area characteristics. The age range of 25-55 is generally considered the most suitable period for hair transplantation.
6. Expectations and Motivation: It is important for individuals who will undergo hair transplantation to have realistic expectations. Hair transplantation can increase existing hair density and cause hair to grow back in bald areas, but it may not always be possible to completely regain the old density. The individual’s motivation and what they expect from the procedure are important in terms of satisfaction level.

Who Can Be a Good Candidate for Hair Transplantation?

In light of the factors mentioned above, individuals with the following characteristics can generally be considered good candidates for hair transplantation:

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss): Men and women who experience progressive hair loss in the forehead and crown area, resulting from genetic predisposition.
• Stable Hair Loss: People whose hair loss has been going on for a certain period of time and then slowed down or stopped.
• Sufficient and Healthy Donor Area: Those who have sufficient number and quality of hair follicles resistant to shedding on the nape and/or sides.
• Good General Health Status: Those who do not have serious health problems that would prevent hair transplantation.
• Realistic Expectations: Those who have realistic expectations about the potential results and limitations of hair transplantation.
• Hair Loss Due to Trauma or Burns: Those with permanent bald areas on the scalp resulting from trauma or burns.
• Those who are not satisfied with the results of their previous hair transplant (Revision): Those who have had a failed hair transplant before and want to improve their results (by evaluating the suitability of the donor area).
• Moustache, Beard or Eyebrow Loss: Those who have lost moustache, beard or eyebrows due to genetic reasons or trauma and want to increase density or re-form in these areas (similar to hair transplantation principles).

Who is Not a Suitable Candidate for Hair Transplantation?

In some cases, hair transplantation may not be a suitable option or may require special consideration:

• Active and Diffuse Hair Loss: Those who experience ongoing and widespread hair loss for which the cause is unknown.
• Insufficient Donor Area: Those who do not have sufficient and healthy donor area from which to take hair follicles.
• Certain Skin Diseases: Those with active infections, inflammatory conditions or certain autoimmune diseases affecting the scalp (may be evaluated after treatment).
• Serious Health Problems: Those with uncontrolled chronic diseases that may make hair transplantation risky.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Those who expect miraculous results from hair transplantation and do not have sufficient information about the procedure.
• Those Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: It may be necessary to wait a certain period of time after completion of these treatments.

Our Approach as Este Marley:

At our Este Marley clinic, we meticulously evaluate every individual considering hair transplantation. Our expert doctors offer you the most appropriate treatment plan by performing a detailed hair analysis, learning your medical history and understanding your expectations. Our aim is to achieve high success rates with the right candidate selection and to maximize the satisfaction of our patients.

Hair transplantation is an effective method that offers a permanent and natural solution to hair loss for the right candidates. If you are experiencing hair loss and are looking for a solution, consulting a specialist doctor by considering the factors mentioned above will be the right step. As Este Marley, we are happy to help you make the best decision for your hair health. Do not hesitate to contact us for a free online consultation and detailed information.