A hair transplant operation is an effective and permanent solution for individuals experiencing hair loss. What makes a hair transplant a permanent solution, is that the hair follicles to be transplanted, are extracted from the areas of the head that are genetically resistant to balding, which is called the ‘safe donor area’.This area is located at the back of the head, a few inches above the nape of the neck.

‘Safe donor area’ defines an area in which no progression of permanent hair loss occurs. To have a better understanding of the logic behind the ‘safe donor area’ it is important to refer to a theory called ‘Donor Dominance’ which was proposed by Dr. Norman Orentreich in 1952. According to Orentriech, since the transplanted scalp tissue was producing healthy hairs in an area that could no longer grow hair, he assumed that the physical traits of hair follicles from the donor zone were dominant over the physical traits of the original scalp tissue.

 

This implies that when hair follicles are extracted from these regions and transplanted to the areas that need coverage, they will be showing the same bald-resistant traits and will therefore remain intact and not fall-out.

However, it is important to bear in mind the fact that; a hair transplant procedure will not stop continued hair thinning and hair loss. Patients should have a stabilized rate of hair loss before they are considered for hair transplantation.

There are a few reasons why patients go for a 2’nd or 3’rd session; If the balding areas that are to be covered are too large, longer hours will be required to perform the operation, which, in turn, will be placing greater strain on the doctor and the team.