Hair transplantation is an aesthetic procedure to move hair from one area not affected by hair loss to another area that is subject to thinning or baldness. It is more common in people with androgenetic alopecia or scars from injuries or burns. However, it is not suitable for other types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata.
Read on to find out more about hair transplants and if it is the right choice for hair loss treatment.
What does the hair transplant procedure involve?
Hair transplantation is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. It usually takes a whole day to complete the process, but it usually does not take overnight. If the hair transplant covers a large area, you may need to do two or three sessions a few months.
There are two basic ways to perform this process:
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT / strip method)
- A strip of skin is removed from the back and sides of the head.
- This tape is divided into individual hair transplants (each containing about 2 hairs).
- They are placed in tiny incisions in the scalp to grow.
- The wound on the back of the head is closed with sutures.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
- This procedure requires shaving your head before you start.
- A special piercing device is used to immediately remove hair grafts separately.
- These grafts are placed in tiny incisions in the scalp.
The hair transplant procedure should not feel painful, but if you feel discomfort after your nurse will be able to prescribe pain relief.
If you are experiencing hair loss, there are some other non-invasive methods for maintaining and restoring your hair, such as clinically proven hair loss treatments.
These alternatives include:
Minoxidil
This is an over-the-counter treatment that comes with a prescription and comes as a foam or liquid that you can massage into your scalp. It also goes by the name Rogaine or Regaine.
Finasteride
This is a prescription pill. You will need to consult your doctor to get this medicine, although some pharmacies will include a free private prescription at a cost of sale. The drug is also sold under the brand name Propecia.
Shampoo / conditioner for hair loss
Buying special shampoos and conditioners is a great way to treat hair loss, as they often do not have much effect on your hair. Instead, they can make your hair temporarily thicker.
ATP marking
Advanced Tricho Pigmentation, also known as ATP, is a minimally invasive technique that tattoos the appearance of shaved hair on the scalp. This is ideal for people who may not be suitable for a hair transplant.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Take?
With the normal warning that everyone is different, most people who undergo FUE and FUT hair transplants are happy with the result. Success will largely depend on how many good follicles you have left, how large the area of recipients you want to cover and the ability of the hair transplant surgeon – which underscores the importance of researching and conducting hair transplant clinics. forecasts for the result. As a result, the transplant is not always guaranteed to last forever, but it will probably last a long time.
However, it is possible for a hair transplant to fail. In some cases, your body may reject new hair follicles resulting in a lack of new hair. This is a rare occurrence. In this case, you may want to try other transplant options.
Hair transplant recovery time
If you have been given sedatives during a hair transplant, you can not drive home, as this may affect your judgment. It is recommended that you do not drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure to make sure that the sedation is worn.
After a few days, any bandages can normally be removed. If you had a FUT procedure, at this point it is possible to return to work and daily chores as your head has not been shaved (operation is not as noticeable). If you are working in a job that requires any kind of exercise or heavy lifting, it is recommended that you book for a longer period of time than the job to allow the new transplants to be secured in place.
After 14 days any insoluble seams can be removed and you should be able to return to your normal car routine. After a few weeks, you should expect to see your transplanted hair fall out – this should not be a concern. In about six months, the hair will start to grow back. Full results will appear in 12 to 18 months.
Side effects of a hair transplant
After any medical procedure, it is common to expect some side effects. Some of these side effects include:
- a tight, aching and swollen scalp
- temporary exfoliation at the transplant site
- scars
Other complications in the procedure include the following:
- excessive bleeding of the scalp
- contamination
- allergic reaction to anesthetic or sedation
The results of hair transplantation
Two to three weeks after surgery you will notice that the transplanted hair will fall out. Do not worry, as this is normal and you should see new hair growth in the area within a few months (usually about four months). Most people see 60% of new hair growth after about six to 9 months and the full effect of the transplant after one year.
It is possible that the transplanted follicles will eventually start to shrink and produce smaller hairs, so another transplant procedure may be an option.
Where to do a hair transplant?
Personal referral is one of the best ways to ensure that you get the right treatment worth every penny. If you do not know anyone who has had a hair transplant, as with any other treatment, it is important to do thorough research.
If you are looking for clinics, it is important to contact the company before contacting. Check their website for “before and after” hair transplant photos and search the internet reviews – both on their website and on Google – for a clear picture. Once you are satisfied with their work, contact and ask the surgeon some questions, such as “how many hair transplants have they performed?”