Many people experience hairline recession, which starts at the temples and progresses backwards over time. This hairline recession can be one of the first and obvious signs of severe hair loss; therefore, many people begin to consider solutions such as hair transplantation when they notice hair loss. Hair transplantation to correct receding hairline is one of the most common procedures for mild hair loss. A receding hairline can cause an aged appearance, imbalance facial proportions and affect individuals’ self-confidence. If you are unhappy with your hairline and feel that even a minor intervention can make a satisfactory change, it is worth considering hair transplantation for receding hairline. Let’s find out the causes of receding hairline and what should be done.
The hairline refers to the boundary between the forehead and the scalp where hair growth begins. It is the outline or contour formed by the hair follicles on the anterior (frontal) part of the scalp. The position and shape of the hairline can vary from person to person depending on genetics, age, gender and individual characteristics.
The hairline has several basic components:
Receding Hairline: When hair begins to gradually thin or recede from the natural hairline due to factors such as aging, genetics, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions, this is referred to as receding hairline.
Maintaining a well-defined and natural-looking hairline is important to achieve a pleasing aesthetic in the appearance of the face and head. Hairline adjustments, such as hair transplantation, can help restore or redefine the hairline for individuals who are experiencing hair loss or are dissatisfied with their current hairline.
Any hair transplant operation aims to remove hair follicles from an area rich in density and transplant them to an area with less density. The area rich in density is called the “donor area” and usually refers to the sides and back of the head. The less dense area is usually the crown, centre or hairline and is called the “recipient area”. In hair transplantation operation, the area where the hairline is located is considered as the “recipient area”. In this area, hair grafts taken from the donor area are transplanted and placed on the temples (and sometimes on the forehead) and the existing “m” shaped hairline is corrected. The goal of this type of hair transplant operation is to give patients a natural hairline and a smooth appearance without signs of recession. This can give patients a youthful and natural appearance, improving their personal appearance and self-confidence.
Hairline recession, often associated with male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), typically progresses through predictable stages. These stages can help to understand the extent and pattern of hair loss. It is important to note that the progression and severity of hairline regression can vary from person to person. Here are the common stages of hairline regression:
Stage 1: At this stage, the hairline is normal and not receding. The hairline is straight and located above the temples.
Stage 2: In this stage, the hairline begins to recede slightly and forms a slight “M” or “V” shape. The recession usually occurs at the temples.
Stage 3: At this stage, the recession of the hairline becomes more pronounced. The “M” or “V” shape becomes more pronounced and there is significant hair loss at the temples. The hairline may also recede at the corners of the forehead.
Stage 4: The recession continues and the “M” or “V” shape becomes more pronounced and deeper. There is more hair loss at the temples and corners of the forehead, creating a more pronounced “widow’s peak”.
Stage 5: The hair loss expands further, forming a larger “M” or “V” shape. The hairline recedes significantly, leaving the crown and mid-scalp areas more exposed.
Stage 6: At this stage, the hairline continues to recede and the “M” or “V” shape becomes more pronounced and almost meets the balding crown, leaving a narrow strip of hair on the top of the scalp.
Stage 7: This stage represents the most severe hair loss and only a narrow band of hair remains on the sides and back of the head. The hairline recedes significantly, leaving a large bald area on the top of the scalp.
The number of grafts required for temple reconstruction in hair transplantation varies according to the stage of hairline reconstruction. A breakdown according to the stages of hairline recession is given below:
Stage 2-3: In the early stages of hairline recession, approximately 500 to 1,000 grafts may be sufficient for temple reconstruction. The aim is to give the hairline a natural shape and fill in the receding areas.
Stage 4: In this stage, approximately 1,000 to 1,500 grafts may be required for temple reconstruction. The surgeon will focus on creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing shape to complement the existing hairline.
Stage 5: In a more advanced recession, 1,500 to 2,000 grafts may be required to rebuild the temples. The goal is to create a more youthful and natural-looking hairline by integrating with the remaining hair.
Stage 6-7: In the later stages of hairline regression, more than 2,000 grafts may be required for temple restoration. The surgeon will work to reconstruct the temples while maintaining a hairline that is proportionate and harmonious with the overall facial structure.
It is very important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon who will assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate number of grafts based on your unique hair loss pattern and desired results. The surgeon will consider factors such as hair density, graft quality and overall design to achieve the best possible results.
If you are only bothered by hair loss in your temple area, hair transplantation in this area alone can be a great solution. Hair loss at the temples can affect facial contours and can often create a half-moon-shaped opening on the forehead, which can cause an unbalanced appearance. Hair transplantation can rejuvenate your overall appearance by restoring the hairline in this area and filling in your temple area. If you are concerned about the appearance of your temples, hair temple transplantation may be the right solution for you.
Although hairline recession is common in men, this does not mean that women do not also experience it. Hairline recession is less common among women. This is due to the fact that women have more options for hair styling and are less prone to hair loss around the temples, as they usually have denser hair. However, some women still experience hairline recession and this may perhaps affect women more than men. All women who have a sufficient number of healthy hair grafts for hair transplantation are suitable candidates for female hairline transplantation.
Hair loss in men usually starts at the temples and becomes more pronounced more quickly than in women. Since the number of hair grafts required for hairline transplantation is no more than 2000, the vast majority of men are suitable for this type of procedure. For men who want to achieve a more youthful and fuller appearance, lowering the hairline and filling in the temples is a great option. An important point that male patients should keep in mind is that male pattern hair loss can also affect the crown area, in which case an additional hair transplant may be needed in the future.
In the realm of hair restoration, selecting the most suitable technique for addressing a receding hairline is paramount. Two popular methods often considered are the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant and the Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) method, especially when it comes to restoring the temples. Let’s delve into both approaches to help you make an informed decision.
FUE is a widely recognized and preferred hair transplant technique. It involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the head, and their transplantation to the recipient area—here, the receding temples. The procedure is meticulous, utilizing advanced technology to harvest and implant grafts accurately. FUE offers benefits such as minimal scarring, quicker recovery, and a natural-looking hairline, making it a popular choice for temple restoration.
The DHI method is an innovative and minimally invasive hair transplant technique. It involves extracting hair follicles individually using a specialized tool called a Choi pen, which also allows for their immediate transplantation to the recipient area—ensuring minimal time outside the body. The DHI method offers advantages like precision in graft placement, faster healing, and a higher survival rate of grafts. This makes it an appealing option for temple hair restoration, providing a seamless and dense hairline.
The choice between FUE and the DHI method ultimately depends on individual preferences, surgeon expertise, and specific requirements. FUE is a well-established technique with a proven track record, while the DHI method is gaining popularity due to its precision and efficiency. Consulting with a qualified hair transplant surgeon is crucial to determine the ideal technique based on your hair loss stage, scalp condition, and desired results.
In conclusion, both the FUE and DHI method are effective approaches for hair transplantation to restore receding temples. Each has its own unique advantages, and consulting with a skilled surgeon will help you decide which technique best suits your goals for a natural, rejuvenated hairline. Esteworld hair transplant doctors are with you every step of the way, ensuring you achieve the best results with the best method for you.
As Esteworld Health Group, Turkey’s plastic and aesthetic surgery-focused service provider, we have been offering aesthetic services at high medical standards for more than 25 years with the motto ‘Healthy beauty!
