fbpx

Table of Contents

Hair Transplant: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering a hair transplant? You’re not alone. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, over 500,000 hair transplants were performed worldwide in 2016 alone.

A hair transplant is a procedure that removes hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplants them to bald or thinning areas. The idea is that the new hair will be permanent and grow like your existing hair. If you’re considering a hair transplant, there are a few things you need to know before making your decision.

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about hair transplants, from the different types of procedures to the risks and side effects involved. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

It is a surgical procedure in which hairs are transplanted from one part of the body to the scalp. The procedure can be used to treat male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss.

The process can improve the scalp’s appearance and may help restore self-confidence. It can also treat hair loss due to injury or surgery.

However, there is a risk of infection and scarring. The transplanted hair may also not match the surrounding hair in color and texture. There is also a small risk of developing cancer at the transplant site.

Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant

How Is the Hair Transplant Performed?

The procedure starts when the surgeon moves hair from an area of the head with dense growth to an area with thin or no hair.

Our Success Stories:

The most common type of transplant uses individual follicular unit grafts, in which a surgeon removes strips of skin from the back or sides of the head and divides them into small grafts containing one to four hairs each. The surgeon then makes tiny incisions in the balding area of the scalp and inserts the grafts.

Hair transplants are usually performed under local anesthesia, with sedation if needed. The procedure takes about four hours, and patients usually stay in the office for several hours after the surgery to be monitored.

Recovery from a hair transplant takes about two weeks, during which time patients must not wash or style their hair too vigorously. After six to nine months, the transplanted hair will begin to grow and thicken.

How Long Does Hair Transplantation Take?

This surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires a high level of skill and experience. The length of the surgery depends on the number of grafts being transplanted. Typically, hair transplant surgery takes between four and eight hours to complete.

Advantages of Hair Transplant

There are many benefits of hair transplantation, including the following:

  • It is a permanent solution to hair loss.
  • It is an effective treatment for both men and women.
  • It does not require ongoing maintenance like other hair loss treatments (e.g., Rogaine).
  • It can restore a natural-looking hairline.
  • It can be used to treat other conditions, such as eyebrow or eyelash loss.

Risks Of Hair Transplantation

There are several risks associated with hair transplantation, including:

  • Infection: There is a risk of infection at the donor and/or recipient sites. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in rare cases, it may require hospitalization.
  • Bleeding: Bleeding is usually minimal and can be controlled with local pressure. However, in some cases, it may be more significant and require transfusions or even hospitalization.
  • Scarring: The surgery can cause permanent scarring at the donor and/or recipient sites. The severity of scarring will depend on the individual's healing process.
  • Numbness: There is a risk of temporary or permanent numbness of the scalp in the area where the surgery was performed.
  • Pain: There is usually some discomfort after the surgery that can be controlled with pain medication. In some cases, however, the pain may be more severe and require hospitalization.

Are There Different Types of Hair Transplants?

There are three main types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). Each method has its own unique features and differences, which are outlined below:

  1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair transplant technique that involves removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area (usually the back of the head), dissecting it into individual hair follicles, and then implanting these follicles into the recipient area. FUT provides good results for patients who require a large number of grafts, but it can leave a visible linear scar on the scalp.

  2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area one by one, using a small circular punch. The follicles are then implanted into the recipient area. FUE Hair Transplant does not leave a visible linear scar on the scalp and has a shorter recovery time compared to FUT. However, it may not be suitable for patients who require a large number of grafts.

  3. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a hair transplant technique that involves extracting hair follicles one by one from the donor area using a micro-punch and implanting them directly into the recipient area using a Choi implanter. This method does not leave a visible scar and requires a shorter recovery time compared to FUT. DHI Hair Transplant is suitable for many patients and provides natural-looking results.

In summary, FUT involves removing a strip of hair-bearing skin, FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles, and DHI involves extracting and implanting individual hair follicles using a Choi implanter. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which to use will depend on the patient’s individual needs and the advice of a qualified professional.

What To Think About Before You Have a Hair Transplantation?

When considering hair transplantation, it is important to consult with a hair loss specialist to discuss the best options for you. There are many factors that need to be taken into account, such as the severity of your hair loss, your age, and your overall health.

Hair transplants can be an effective way to treat hair loss, but it is important to understand that they are not always successful. In some cases, the transplanted hair may fall out within a few months. It is also possible for the transplanted hair to grow thinner and lighter than the surrounding hair.

Another thing to keep in mind is that hair transplants are typically very expensive. The cost can range from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the transplant and the number of grafts needed.

Before making a decision about whether or not to have a hair transplant, it is important to do your research and talk to a qualified specialist.

Choosing Who Will Do Your Hair Transplantation

One of the most important decisions you will make is who will perform the procedure. There are many factors to consider when choosing a surgeon, and it is important to do your research to find someone who is qualified and experienced.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a hair transplant surgeon:

  1. Board Certification: Make sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). This certification indicates that the surgeon has completed training in hair transplant surgery and has passed a rigorous exam.
  2. Experience: Choose a surgeon who has performed many hair transplants. An experienced surgeon will be able to give you the best results.
  3. Artistry: Hair transplant surgery is an art form, and you want to choose a surgeon who has an eye for detail and can create natural-looking results.
  4. Technology: Choose a surgeon who uses the latest technology for hair transplants, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE). This minimally invasive technique results in minimal scarring and quicker healing time.

What Does a Hair Transplant Involve?

It involves taking hair from one area of the scalp (usually where there is more hair growth) and transplanting it to another area of the scalp (usually where there is less hair growth).

During a hair transplant procedure, a surgeon will first numb the area where the incisions will be made. Then, they will make very small incisions in the skin and carefully insert tiny grafts of hair into those incisions. The grafts are usually taken from the back or sides of the head, as these are typically areas where there is more hair growth.

After the grafts have been inserted, the surgeon will then close up the incisions with stitches. The entire procedure usually takes about 4-8 hours to complete, depending on how many grafts are being transplanted.

Most people who undergo a hair transplant report feeling only minor discomfort during the procedure itself. However, it is normal to experience some swelling and bruising in the days following the surgery. These side effects should resolve on their own within a week or two.

Who Might Benefit from A Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants are usually performed on people who have male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. Hair loss due to other causes, such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss), can also be treated with a hair transplant.

In general, people who are good candidates for a hair transplant are:

  • In good health overall
  • Have realistic expectations about what a hair transplant can achieve
  • Are willing to take care of their new hair after the transplant

What Happens During a Hair Transplant?

The first step of a hair transplant is to remove healthy hair follicles from an area of the scalp that is not affected by hair loss. This usually occurs at the back or side of the head, where the hair is densest. The follicles are then transplanted to the balding areas of the scalp.

Most procedures take four to eight hours and may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. There is usually some discomfort involved, but this can be alleviated with medication. Recovery times vary but are typically short, with most people able to return to normal activities within a few days.

Hair transplants can be an effective solution for those suffering from hair loss. With modern techniques, natural-looking results are possible. If you are considering a hair transplant, be sure to consult with a qualified surgeon to discuss your options and ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

What Happens After a Hair Transplant?

After a hair transplant, it is important to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These will typically include washing your hair with a special shampoo, applying medications to your scalp, and avoiding sun exposure. It is also important to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after surgery to minimize swelling.

Most people can return to work and their normal activities within a few days of their hair transplant. However, strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for at least two weeks.

It takes time for the transplanted hair to grow. In most cases, new hair growth is visible within three to six months. However, it can take up to one year for the full results of the hair transplant to be apparent.

Recovery Period of Hair Transplant

After a hair transplant, it is normal for the transplanted hair to fall out within 2-3 weeks. This is not a sign that the transplant has failed.

In fact, it is an important part of the transplant process. The falling out of the transplanted hairs allows new hairs to grow in their place. It typically takes 3-6 months for new hairs to begin growing. The full results of the transplant will not be visible until 12-18 months after the procedure.

What Are the Complications Associated with A Hair Transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is generally considered safe, but like any other surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

The most common complication is an infection, which can occur at the incision site or where the hair follicles have been removed. Other possible complications include bleeding, swelling, scarring, and nerve damage.

In rare cases, complications from hair transplant surgery can be serious or even life-threatening. These include bleeding that leads to shock, heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung).

If you consider hair transplant surgery, it is important to discuss the potential risks and complications with your surgeon beforehand. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not the surgery is right for you.

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

Hair transplantation is considered a permanent solution to hair loss. The transplanted hair will grow for a lifetime. However, you may need additional surgery to maintain your long-term results.

Is A Hair Transplant Painful?

A hair transplant is not a painful procedure. The donor area where the hair follicles are taken from is numbed with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the extraction process. The recipient area is also numbed with a local anesthetic, so you may feel some discomfort during the implantation process. However, this discomfort is usually minimal and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.

Is It Worth Getting a Hair Transplant?

When considering a hair transplant, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits. While a hair transplant can be an effective way to treat hair loss, there are some factors to consider before undergoing the procedure.

Before deciding if a hair transplant is right for you, consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional to discuss your options and evaluate your individual case.

Expectations and Recovery

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake and able to talk to the doctor during the procedure. The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the donor region, often at the back of the head, and removes a narrow band of skin that contains the hair follicles. The strip is then cut into grafts that can only accommodate one or two hairs.

The recipient site is prepared by making small incisions in the balding area of the scalp. The grafts are then inserted into these incisions. There are two main methods for inserting grafts: the slit technique and the punch technique.

After the surgery, the donor area is closed with stitches, and the recipient area is covered with a dressing. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. It can take up to several months for the transplanted hair to start growing, and it may take up to a year for full growth to be achieved.

There are a few things you should expect when doing a hair transplant:

  • First, it takes a long time for your hair to grow back. You should have realistic expectations of what a hair transplant can achieve.
  • A hair transplant cannot give you back all of your lost hair. Rather, it can restore hair to a more cosmetically acceptable level.
  • There is a risk of complications from any surgery, including a hair transplant. Complications can include bleeding, infection, and scarring.
  • It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for care after the surgery. These instructions may include wearing a special head dressing and taking antibiotics.
  • You will need to take special care of your transplanted hair. This includes avoiding sun exposure, using only mild shampoos, and avoiding hairstyles that pull on the transplanted hair.

Risks and Cost of Treatment 

While the risks are relatively low, they do include infection, bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage. The average cost of hair transplant surgery can range from $1,500 to $17,000 around the world, depending on the extent of the surgery. You can see a statistic about this below:

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to hair transplants. Weighing the pros and cons carefully is essential to making the best decision for you. Be sure to do your research and consult with a qualified physician before making any decisions.

A hair transplant can be a life-changing procedure, but it’s not for everyone. Be sure to do your research and consult with a qualified physician before making any decisions.

Sources

  1. International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). (n.d.). Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Retrieved from https://www.ishrs.org/fut
  2. International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). (n.d.). Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Retrieved from https://www.ishrs.org/fue
  3. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) Global Medical Group. (n.d.). Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) Hair Transplant. Retrieved from https://dhiglobal.com/dhi-hair-transplant/

Contact Us

Hair Transplant and Dental Clinic
1