People dealing with hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia often consider opting for a crown hair transplant. Nevertheless, crown hair transplants have some noticeable differences from transplants in other scalp regions, mainly due to the thicker skin in that area. Your surgeon may provide specific recommendations to achieve better outcomes. Knowing what to anticipate from this procedure beforehand will enhance your preparedness.
What is Crown Hair Transplant?
A crown hair transplant involves extracting hair from the back or sides of the scalp and implanting it into the crown, the highest point. While a hair transplant in the crown area is possible, many patients opting for this surgery also choose to address the top and front of the scalp. In a crown hair transplant, the surgeon must care about the angle at which hair follicles are transplanted. For example, recreating a hair whorl in the crown requires precise placement of the hair grafts in a circular pattern. Therefore, it is crucial to select a skilled hair transplant surgeon to ensure optimal results in crown hair transplantation. Reviewing before-and-after photos of hair transplants can provide valuable insights into the procedure.
What Causes Thinning and Balding at the Crown?
If you have male pattern baldness, you will likely experience hair loss or thinning at the crown of your head. This hereditary condition is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. As you age, DHT leads to the contraction and weakening of your hair follicles, resulting in thinning or complete loss of the hair they produce. The hair follicles in the crown region are particularly sensitive to the effects of DHT. In contrast, the follicles on your head's sides and lower back exhibit greater resistance to this hormone. This resistance is why hair in these areas tends to persist while a bald spot emerges at the crown.
What are the Treatments for Crown Hair Transplant?
In general, two techniques are commonly used for performing a hair transplant on a bald crown:
1. FUT Hair Transplant (Follicular Unit Transplant):
In FUT, a portion of skin is extracted in the form of a strip from the scalp, and individual follicles are removed by a team of Assistants/ Technicians. This technique leaves a big linear scar at the back of the scalp. For implantation, slits are made and follicles inserted one-by-one with the help of forceps.
2. FUE Hair Transplant (Follicular Unit Extraction):
In FUE, follicles are directly extracted from the scalp; no strip of skin needs to be removed. FUE is often preferred due to its easier recovery (no stitches) and the absence of a linear scar. For implantation, same technique is used as defined above for FUT. FUE has various variants that utilize different tools or slightly modified techniques. Procedures such as direct implantation or Sapphire hair transplant, which involves special incision blades, are also available for crown hair transplants. At Evolved Clinics, we use the Direct Follicle Insertion technique for implantation, where best-in-class single-use choi implanter instruments are used by our highly qualified hair transplant surgeons. Our technique is Australian and one of the most advanced in the world. The choice between these techniques may depend on factors such as the size of the balding area, desired hair density, personal preferences, and other factors.
Who is the Suitable Candidate for Crown Hair Transplant?
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You're over 25 years –The crown area is prone to balding as hair loss progresses, so waiting until the pattern stabilizes is better to avoid needing another surgery soon.
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You have a healthy donor area – This is crucial, especially for hair transplant requirement in other scalp regions. If your donor's hair is insufficient and you prefer frontal coverage, the surgeon might suggest skipping the crown area.
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You have realistic expectations –The crown area naturally appears thinner due to the hair whorl, so don't expect high-density packing, especially if your donor area is weak. In addition, your hair transplant surgeon will ensure you're in good health before the surgery.
You're a suitable candidate for a crown hair transplant if:
What is the Post-Surgery Care for Crown Hair Transplant?
Post-surgery care for your crown hair transplant includes:
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Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and salty and spicy foods.
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Sleeping on your back with your head elevated from the donor area.
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Abstaining from sexual activities.
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Gently massage the scalp to remove scabs.
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Avoid tight head coverings.
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Steer clear of bathing under pressurized water.
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Using the provided special shampoo and lotion for scalp washing.
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Taking prescribed medications for post-op discomfort.
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Temporarily avoiding the gym, pool, sauna, and direct sunlight.
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Exercising patience.
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Discuss the specific timeline for each aftercare instruction with your surgeon. While these measures are temporary, they contribute to a successful recovery. If you have any questions, ask your surgeon for clarification.
What is the Crown Hair Transplant Cost?
In India, a crown hair transplant can cost anywhere from Rs 60,000 to 200,000. This is assuming you’re being charged per hair.
To help determine costs, you should discuss with your hair transplant surgeon how many grafts you will need to cover your area of baldness. They will then be able to provide you with an accurate quote depending on the clinic's location, the surgeon's experience, and the surgical technique.
The applied techniques determine the cost of a hair transplant, which decides the number of usable grafts. Whether it is FUT, FUE, or a combination method of FUT and FUE, the cost of hair transplants in India is far better than in other countries, regarding budget concerns.
Generally, FUE hair transplants are more expensive than FUT hair transplants because each hair follicle must be harvested and re-inserted individually. As a result, FUE hair transplants take longer to complete.
To Conclude
Are you considering a crown hair transplant? Consult with a hair growth clinic experienced in performing hair transplants in this area—to ensure they can provide multiple examples of successful crown transplants. Based on your findings, decide to become a hair transplant candidate. At Evolved Hair Restoration Clinics, we welcome patients to explore different treatment options for hair loss before committing to a hair transplant. Our registered and licensed surgeons are here to assist you in selecting the most suitable hair transplant treatment. Contact us today for more information!