Hair loss affects millions worldwide, with male pattern hair loss being the most common type. This often leads to patients seeking hair transplant surgery, with one of the most common requests being for the crown region. However, there are several things to consider before undergoing a hair transplant in the crown, and it’s essential to discuss them with your doctor. This article will explore the factors you need to consider before deciding on a crown transplant.
The Significance of the Crown Region
The crown region, also known as the “vertex” or “bald spot” in the back, is commonly affected by male pattern hair loss. However, it is generally less cosmetically significant than visible regions like the hairline and frontal scalp. Therefore, assessing if you are thinning in other areas of the scalp is essential before undergoing a crown transplant. If you are thinning in these areas, addressing them before attempting the crown is better.
Donor Area Availability
The donor region, where the follicles are harvested, is finite. It’s crucial to consider how much donor area you have available for transplanting, as it determines the number of lifetime grafts you have. Using all your grafts, transplanting the crown and then thinning in the front will not result in a natural appearance. Therefore, starting with the front and working your way back to the crown to utilize your grafts wisely is better.
Age Factor
Younger patients should be screened thoroughly before considering crown transplantation. Young patients with thinning in the crown region are likely to have more hair loss. Therefore, it’s better to wait and see what happens in the front region, even if it’s not apparent. Hair restoration physicians can help determine if you are suitable for a crown transplant.
Preventive Medications
Preventive hair loss medications have pros and cons, and you should discuss them with your doctor. However, these medications are effective for maintaining hair in the middle and crown regions of the scalp. While they do not permanently stop hair loss, they can help patients retain some hair in the crown region, allowing transplants to be focused in the frontal and mid-scalp regions.
Starting with FUT
Experts agree that the best way to maximize lifetime graft number is to start with the FUT technique and move to a non-strip method (like FUE) when no more strip extractions are possible. This is because the FUT technique creates the least scarring in the donor area and leaves the greatest amount of untouched tissue. Patients can undergo several strip surgeries before the natural characteristic of the skin deems no more strips should be taken. The untouched tissue can then be harvested with an FUE. Patients looking to address a large area of the scalp, including the crown, should start with FUT first.
Crown Thinning Progression
Crown hair transplants are tricky because the crown is a “moving target,” and crown thinning tends to be progressive. While one procedure may address the entire thinning region today, it doesn’t mean that more areas won’t thin and become visible in the future. Patients considering a crown transplant should be aware of this and willing to have “touch-up” procedures if it continues to thin.
Expected Coverage
The crown’s twisting “whorl” pattern makes it a naturally thinner and more transparent scalp region. Even individuals with no true male pattern hair loss still have visible gaps and thinner areas in certain crown parts. Therefore, patients should expect a natural crown rebuild, including some variations, to create a more natural appearance.
Final Thoughts
Hair transplant surgery can be a life-changing procedure for hair loss patients. However, before deciding on a crown transplant, it’s crucial to consider the factors mentioned above and discuss them with your doctor. Starting with FUT, assessing the availability of the donor area, considering preventive medications, and being aware of the crown’s thinning progression are some of the essential things to consider before deciding on a crown transplant. Remember that the goal of a hair transplant surgeon is to recreate nature, and patients should expect a natural rebuild of the crown, including some variations, to create a more natural appearance. So, if you are considering a hair transplant in Vizag, consult a clinic experienced with transplants in the crown region and make an informed decision with the above in mind.