Basic hair transplantation: 2007

The most common form of hair loss is androgenic alopecia that affects at least half of the male population by age 50 is speculated to be caused by a change in the balance of androgen hormones. Male hair loss occurs in a characteristic pattern of decreased hair growth where hair becomes progressively finer, less pigmented, ceasing growth completely, and then becoming dislodged from the scalp. Hair loss to some patients is a serious issue that can impart a social and psychologic impact on their life. Hair restoration and transplantation have the potential to provide a solution for this problem; however, it is not effective for every patient. This review article looks at past hair transplantation techniques and studies that have provided the basis for current procedures and new research at how to target successful results.