The issue of hair loss affects many and it has now been broadly recognised as a serious concern which requires medical help. But before undergoing a hair loss treatment it is good to know about the types of hair loss, causes and their effective treatments accordingly.

In this article, we will talk about Traction Alopecia. Regarding this, insights have been taken from various medical experts of the best hair transplant in Jaipur.  

What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a condition distinguished by gradual hair loss, which is induced by persistent and sustained dragging on hair over an extended duration with the explicit intention of inducing hair loss. There are numerous potential causes of hair follicle strain, including specific hygiene practices, confined hairstyles, and weaves. 

This may ultimately cause inflammation, which is associated with hair loss. Research has shown that individuals who maintain tight haircuts regularly are more prone to developing this condition compared to those who wear their hair unrestricted. This category encompasses dancers, sportsmen, and individuals from cultural backgrounds where tight braids or extensions are customary.

Cause of Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is caused by various factors. Some of them are as follows:

• Tension 
• Pulling of the hair follicles.
• Heredity 
• Lifestyle 

Typically, this concern is linked to hairstyles that impose limitations, such as ponytails, braids, extensions, and similar styles. Although prevention remains the most important factor, individuals afflicted with traction alopecia may attempt to regain their hair to boost their self-esteem. Individuals with a recent interest in mitigating the symptoms of traction alopecia have become aware that hair transplantation procedures offer a viable alternative.

Prevention from Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is almost always preventable. This objective can be achieved by refraining from excessively tight haircuts and providing adequate time for the hair follicles to recover following the cut. When significant hair loss has occurred and damage has been done, however, patients may regard hair transplantation as one of the most effective and durable treatments that are still accessible to them. This is because hair transplantation is among the most effective treatments currently available.

Hair Transplant  to Address Traction Alopecia:

Significant advancements in hair transplant treatments have occurred in recent years, rendering them a feasible and progressively favoured remedy for individuals affected with traction alopecia. Due to these developments, hair transplants are now a viable option for hair transplantation. Typically denoted as FUE and FUT, follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction are the two most prevalent varieties of hair transplant procedures.

• Follicular Unit Transplant for Traction Alopecia Treatment

A surgical procedure is performed during which a section of the cranium containing healthy hair follicle tissue is extracted. FUT, an abbreviation for follicular unit transplantation, is another name for this process. Typically, this strip is extracted from the sides or back of the head, where hair is less susceptible to traction alopecia. Additionally, this strip collection is frequently observed on the back of the cranium. Subsequently, the segment is dissected under a microscope so that it can be divided into individual follicular units.

The hair loss-affected areas of the scalp are provided with individual follicular units, comprising a range of one to four hairs, via insertion during the transplantation procedure.

Follicular unit transplantation, commonly referred to as FUT, is a widely recognised and efficacious restoring approach utilised in the management of traction alopecia. In addition to producing results with a more natural appearance, it induces a substantial increase in hair density.

• Follicular Unit Extraction for Traction Alopecia Treatment

The procedure referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) involves the utilisation of a small piercing instrument to extract individual hair follicles directly from the donor area.

Individual follicles are transplanted into the affected areas of the scalp during the subsequent phase of traction alopecia. With this method, hair is extracted from the cranium.

In contrast to FUT, FUE represents a minimally invasive restorative approach characterised by abstinence from linear scarring, absence of postoperative distress, and abbreviated recovery time. Furthermore, FUE produces no horizontal scarring.

FUE is experiencing a growing surge in popularity as a hair restoration technique due to its ability to achieve natural-looking results with minimal invasiveness and considerably reduce the recovery period.

Factors to Consider while Experiencing Traction Alopecia

• During the Patient Examination Process

To meet the criteria for undergoing a hair transplant, you must satisfy the prerequisites of a comprehensive examination conducted by a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon. The medical staff in charge of the evaluation will assess all facets of the patient's well-being, encompassing the state of the donor area, the extent of hair loss, and the patient's general health.

In severe instances of traction alopecia, it might be necessary to administer additional treatments on multiple occasions to achieve the intended outcomes. This can be attributed to the condition's current advanced stage.

• Regarding the surgical procedures

Several individuals are unfortunately unable to undertake the hair transplant procedure because they fail to meet the requirements. Several factors will be considered by the surgeon during the process, including the patient's age, general health, and the accessibility of a donor site that meets the requirements of the procedure.

For patients to hold reasonable expectations concerning the outcomes of the surgery, they must possess specific expectations.

• Post-operative Care

Strict adherence to the postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon is essential for patients undergoing hair transplantation. Practical strategies that can be utilised to aid in the recovery process include limiting one's engagement in physically taxing activities, refraining from wearing restrictive hairstyles, and sticking strictly to prescribed medication regimens.

In light of the possibility that the transplanted hair will initially fall before sprouting, candidates are advised to exercise patience while awaiting the final results. They must bear this in mind.

• Expectations with the Procedure

Traction alopecia possesses the capacity to significantly influence an affected individual's self-esteem and confidence. Notwithstanding the critical nature of prevention, individuals who have already been affected by this condition may discover restoration and optimism through the implementation of contemporary hair transplant treatments. Before deciding between FUT and FUE hair transplantation, individuals should seek the advice and recommendations of a qualified hair transplant surgeon. This is owing to the surgeon's capacity to conduct a personalised evaluation of the patient's unique circumstances and provide recommendations that are precisely tailored to their needs.

Final Thoughts

Since their inception, hair transplant procedures have become significantly more natural-looking, effective, and accessible due to technological advancements. To ensure a favourable outcome with traction alopecia hair transplantation, it is necessary to engage in thorough research, consult with qualified medical experts, and maintain realistic expectations. This holds true for all other types of medical interventions as well. 

To find the medical expert in this regard one can visit AK Aesthetics and schedule an appointment with Dr. Akangsha Shara, the best cosmetic surgeon in Jaipur. The doctor holds years of experience in addressing various skin and hair concerns and providing effective treatment including hair transplants. To avail of the benefits, visit AK Aesthetics now.