5.
A 
ha
ir transplant us
es
the limited
number of hair follicles in the donor area to create a desired result. The gra
fts are permanent but the hair around them is not, and may be lost to the hair loss proce
s. For this reason, putting grafts in the crown in a young man is a bad idea. A young man without significant thinning in the mid scalp and crown, and with only a receded hairline, is the only situation where I will consider a hair transplant for young men.
6. The hair transplant creates a linear scar in the back and/or sides of the scalp. This scar is usually inconspicuous but the healing process can be variable from person to person. The patient will not be able to shave their head or wear a very short “high and tight” hair style. If a shaved head style is considered, it is advisable to try this before doing a transplant. If you like this look, you do not need a transplant. Follicular unit extraction does create small round scars that may be less noticeable with short hair but will be visible with a shaved head.
7. Assuming that surgery is otherwise indicated, the location of the hair line has to be carefully chosen to accomplish two goals: 1) look good in the near future and 2) look good as you age. If the hairline is too high it will not accomplish goal #1. If it is too low, it will not accomplish goal #2. Some compromise is necessary and you must feel comfortable with the plan before proceeding.
In summary, if you are unsure whether this is the right decision, then stay on medical treatment and give it more consideration. If you have carefully weighed the pros and cons, and you are highly motivated to restore a hairline that will look good now and in the future, then you might be a good candidate. You should seek a surgeon who is not only experienced in the most advanced techniques, but also understands all the nuances of performing surgery in young men. Do not proceed with a surgeon that does not discuss these factors, seems in a hurry to do surgery, or worse yet, you are not able to meet until the day of surgery. As I discuss with my potential patients, this could be one of the best decisions you ever make or one of the worst.
Jerry E. Cooley MD
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, My 16 Year Old Daughter Has Hair Loss - Is She Too Young For a Hair Transplant?