Vertex baldness: is hair transplant the solution?
In this article, we are talking about the area of the vertex, which is at the top of the head, and more precisely where the hair begins to fall out, since the blood flow is less well distributed in this area, resulting in faster hair loss. The vertex ends where the occipital bone begins, and lower down is the donor area. Hair follicles are extracted from this area. This area is called the crown. The "vertex" - the top of the head.
Blood flow to the vertex:
There are different methods of dermopigmentation, all of which have their own peculiarities and therefore have different names. For example :
Microblading is a procedure performed with a manual insertion device and blades. As with all dermopigmentation procedures, ink is introduced into the skin. Microblading is used in particular for the eyebrows and eyelashes.
Micropigmentation, on the other hand, is a procedure best known to be performed using needles attached to the rotary machine, similar to the tattoo machine.
Features of the hair on the vertex (spiral pattern)
This swirl pattern formed on the vertex area is called a "vortex" - a prominent point on the vertex where hair grows clockwise or counterclockwise. This swirl pattern largely determines the resting position of the hair, which is called the geometry of the hair. It is possible to have more than one whorl, which can make the hair transplant procedure a bit more complex.
How does vertex baldness develop?
Vertex baldness can become very noticeable over time and is embarrassing to the person who has it. It usually appears earlier or later than other areas, such as the temples and forehead. This can change if your baldness is genetically inherited. Depending on the age of the patient, the hair loss at the vertex is more or less severe.
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According to the Norwood scale study: Between the ages of 18 and 29, only 6% of men suffer from vertex baldness. Between 30 and 39 years, it is 21%. Between the ages of 50 and 59, this figure is 37%. Between the ages of 70 and 79, this figure is 50%. Hair loss from the vertex usually begins in the middle of the head, it grows in the form of a circle that gradually widens outward. If the circle becomes disproportionate, you have to be very careful. When the vertex area reaches a diameter of 5 cm and the scalp is clearly visible, it doubles in size and quite quickly reaches a diameter of 10 cm.
Hair transplant in the vertex area
Hair transplantation in the crown (or vertex) area is one of the most technically demanding procedures for several reasons: first, the spiral pattern of the hair in the vertex area must be meticulously recreated, each angle of hair corresponding to existing hair.
Second, the hair should be placed close to each other for maximum density, especially in the top arch where the hair falls over the other hair in the crown. Careful selection and placement of grafts will achieve the best result without wasting grafts.
Third, the donor area is an area where the number of follicles is limited. The vertex area, for example, is relatively large and requires around 1,500 to 3,000 grafts for full coverage, i.e. a large part of the donor area.
For those wondering if a second hair transplant is possible even though the hair loss on the remaining hair has not stabilized, the answer is yes. There is always a supply of grafts available for future hair transplants to re-densify your hair and forehead line if needed.
There are other important points that all patients should consider and discuss with their doctor before having a hair transplant. For more information on hair transplantation, please contact us.
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