Hair transplantation is a medical procedure that restores hair by relocating healthy follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The success of this treatment is deeply rooted in scientific principles, including hair growth cycles, follicular unit extraction, and tissue survival. Understanding the biological mechanisms behind hair transplantation helps both patients and practitioners achieve optimal results.

Hair growth occurs in a cycle with three main phases:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): The active growth stage where hair follicles produce new hair.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): A short period where hair follicles shrink and detach from the blood supply.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair stops growing and eventually sheds before new hair begins to grow.

Successful hair transplantation relies on selecting hair follicles that are in the anagen phase to ensure long-term survival.

There are three primary techniques used in hair transplantation:

Individual follicular units are extracted one by one and implanted into bald areas. This method minimizes scarring and offers a natural-looking result.

A specialized technique where hair follicles are extracted and immediately implanted using a Choi implanter pen. This method eliminates the need for prior channel creation, ensuring greater precision, denser results, and a faster recovery time. DHI is especially preferred for creating a natural-looking hairline.

A critical concept in hair transplantation is donor dominance, which refers to the ability of transplanted hair follicles to retain their original characteristics after relocation. Hair from the donor area (typically the back of the scalp) is resistant to hair loss and continues growing in the new location.

Several factors influence the outcome of a hair transplant:

✔ Graft Survival Rate: Ensuring that transplanted follicles receive proper oxygen and nutrients is crucial for their survival.
✔ Recipient Site Preparation: Creating precise incisions for implantation ensures natural hair direction and density.
✔ Post-Operative Care: Proper aftercare, including avoiding sun exposure and following a prescribed medication routine, promotes successful healing.

Recent innovations in the field have improved hair transplant outcomes:

🔬 Stem Cell Therapy: Scientists are exploring the use of stem cells to regenerate hair follicles.
🔬 Robotic Assistance: AI-driven robotic systems enhance precision in graft extraction and placement.
🔬 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP therapy accelerates healing and improves hair growth after transplantation.