Hair transplant surgery is one of the most modern methods used today as a successful and permanent solution to address hair thinning or baldness. The areas where hair transplantation is performed vary, each with its own unique conditions, and the doctor carries out the procedure based on the specific area. One of the most significant areas where hair loss often begins is the vertex of the scalp.
Hair loss can differ from person to person; however, one of the most common types of hair loss occurs in the vertex area of the scalp. This region may be the first place where you notice the effects of hair loss. Since covering thinning hair in this area is challenging, it can create an undesirable appearance, and many people want to eliminate this look but are unsure of what to do. Vertex hair transplantation, also known as the crown area, is the most durable and one of the most effective treatments for scalp baldness. If you have significant hair loss only in this area, vertex hair transplantation could be a suitable option for you. However, hair transplant surgery in the vertex area is considered one of the most challenging types of hair transplantation.
Can hair transplant be done in the vertex area?
In response to the question of whether hair transplant surgery can be performed in the vertex area of the scalp, it can be said that there are no limitations regarding hair transplantation in this region. However, different methods are typically used for hair transplantation in the vertex area, which are determined based on the opinion of your treating physician and the condition of your hair, among other factors. The number of hairs considered for hair transplant surgery in the vertex area is generally higher compared to other parts of the scalp, and this is determined by the doctor based on each individual’s condition. One of the main challenges that raises the question of whether hair transplantation can be performed in this area is that the hairs in this region have different growth patterns and are oriented in multiple directions. Therefore, hair transplantation in this area is not as straightforward as in the front of the scalp and requires special expertise and skill to achieve a completely natural appearance after the procedure.
For hair transplantation in the vertex area, the physician’s skill must be of a high level, as creating the holes for hair grafts requires sufficient expertise and experience to ensure that these holes are made in different directions for a natural look. During vertex hair transplantation, a large number of grafts need to be extracted to achieve excellent results, and depending on the extent of baldness, two sessions of hair transplantation may even be necessary. For hair transplantation in the vertex area, incisions are made at appropriate angles, and specific hairs with the correct angle are used for the transplant to ensure that the final result matches the individual’s facial features and maintains a natural appearance. Ultimately, after the hair transplant surgery, the transplanted hairs in the vertex area should be distributed in all directions to make the hair transplant appear completely natural.
Conditions for Vertex Hair Transplantation
First, it should be noted that sometimes there is no need for hair transplantation in the vertex area, as thinning hairs in this region may still be active. These can be strengthened through methods such as using minoxidil and finasteride or treatments like mesotherapy, allowing you to address your hair issues without undergoing a transplant. The second point regarding hair transplant surgery in the vertex area is that transplanting hair around this region and the growth of the transplanted hairs can significantly cover the area, potentially eliminating the need for transplantation in the vertex itself. As you may know, one of the most challenging stages in hair transplant surgery is designing the transplantation pattern. This stage, particularly for vertex hair transplantation, requires a high level of skill and experience from the physician, as the transplantation in this area must adhere to aesthetic principles to create dense and natural-looking hair.
There are no specific conditions for hair transplantation in the vertex area of the scalp, and like other areas of the scalp, a suitable candidate for hair transplantation must meet the basic requirements. An appropriate candidate for vertex hair transplantation should be in good general health and have a sufficient number of healthy hairs in the donor area. However, every candidate must attend a consultation session with a specialist physician to have their condition evaluated. Generally, it can be said that vertex hair transplantation is suitable for patients who are at stage 2 or stage 3 vertex on the Norwood scale. It is recommended that patients under 35 years old do not undergo vertex hair transplantation, as the crown area may continue to experience hair loss over time, and the individual may not have enough donor hair to cover the bald area of the scalp.
Risks & Side Effects of Vertex Hair Transplant
Risks and side effects are present in any type of hair transplant surgery, but the most significant risk or side effect specific to vertex hair transplantation is the potential for an unnatural appearance of the transplanted hair due to the specialized nature of the procedure in this area. If you choose a skilled and reputable physician with sufficient expertise in vertex hair transplantation, there is virtually no chance of an unnatural result. In fact, risks and side effects can be managed by selecting a reputable cosmetic clinic that adheres to hygiene standards, choosing an experienced and specialized physician, and following all the post-procedure recommendations provided by the doctor.
However, some side effects after vertex hair transplantation are unavoidable, though they are minor and temporary. The most common side effects of hair transplantation in any area include bruising, swelling, and itching in the donor and recipient areas. These side effects resolve quickly with proper post-procedure care. Additionally, you can expect scabs to form in the transplanted area for up to a week, which should not be removed from the scalp under any circumstances.
Post-Transplant Care for the Vertex Area
Recovery after vertex hair transplantation depends to some extent on the method used to harvest donor hair, as well as the size of the transplanted area and the number of grafts required. The day after the surgery, you can resume most daily activities, although it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for one to two weeks to prevent any damage and reduce the risk of bleeding. When you decide to undergo hair transplantation in the vertex area, the question arises: what post-procedure care is needed? Are there specific measures you should take after vertex hair transplantation?
In general, all the care guidelines that apply to hair transplantation in other areas of the scalp also apply to vertex hair transplantation. The post-transplant care measures for the vertex area include:
- To reduce inflammation and swelling after the hair transplant, you can use an ice pack.
- Make sure to take the medications prescribed by your doctor for recovery on time.
- Avoid places like saunas as much as possible.
- Dedicate 3 to 5 days to rest to accelerate your healing process.
- While sleeping, try to ensure that the transplanted areas do not come into contact with the pillow.
- Refrain from washing your hair until your doctor permits, and afterward, use the specific shampoos recommended.
- Avoid staying in warm environments that cause sweating.
- Avoid wearing hats or scarves in the initial days after vertex hair transplantation as much as possible.
- Exposure to sunlight can damage the transplanted hair follicles.
