Hair Transplant
The process of undergoing a hair transplant requires two separate surgeries: FUE and traditional surgical procedures. In FUE, tissue expanders are placed under the hair-bearing section of the scalp. Over a period of weeks, these expanders are filled with saline, which helps encourage new skin cell growth. After about two months, the expanders are removed. The newly grown hair-bearing skin is then moved to its new location and stitched into place. Local anesthesia is used for the scalp.
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss
There are many types of balding men, but the most common is male pattern baldness. It can start in the teenage years, or may develop later in life. Most men experience this condition in predictable patterns, with thinning on the crown and temple areas. In many cases, the balding is noticeable as a horseshoe pattern. The cause of this type of hair loss is unknown, but it is usually caused by a chemical compound called DHT, which can shorten the lifespan of individual hair follicles.
The hormone DHT is responsible for this type of hair loss. The hormone causes hair follicles to shrink, and the resulting hair is finer, thinner, and shorter. If this continues, the follicles will eventually shrink to the point where no hair grows from them at all. The most common symptom of male pattern baldness is a receding hairline. Other signs include thinning hair on the crown of the head, a horseshoe pattern above the ears, and a bald patch on the lower back of the head.
While wigs are a traditional option for baldness, they are uncomfortable and unconvincing. Also, they are not available on the NHS and may cost more than the cost of hair transplant. Hair transplants have been around for a long time, but newer techniques are giving patients better results. The procedure also has the advantage of permanent results. Male pattern baldness can affect a person’s confidence level, so seeking counseling before undergoing the procedure is vital.
In addition to the most common type of hair loss after hair-transplant, men with male pattern baldness are often more likely to be affected by sun damage than women with fuller hair. To reduce the risks, women with male pattern baldness should consider getting their hormone levels checked to rule out other conditions that cause elevated levels of male hormones. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can also result in hair loss in women.
FUE hair transplant is less likely to leave a large scar
The scar is less obvious in FUE procedures. The technique involves making tiny holes up to one or two millimeters in the donor area, and “plucking” the hair follicles into place. This results in smaller scars than FUT, and these holes are usually covered with scar tissue. Unlike FUT, scarring can be better hidden with a short buzz cut.
Because FUE uses smaller, motorized v-shaped blades, it is less likely to leave a visible scar. The scar will eventually fade, depending on the surgical technique and the patient’s care. For those with short hair, it’s best to opt for clippers to cover any signs of hair transplants. In extreme cases, a shaved head may be an impractical choice.
The FUE method is still painful and may require several surgeries over a period of two to three months. For this procedure, the donor area is shaved at the back of the scalp. Afterward, the surgical team separates the strip of hair into small pieces and inserts the grafts. The surgical site is often banded. A FUE hair transplant may take up to four hours and multiple follow-up sessions to achieve optimal results.
Because follicular units are harvested individually, FUE is less likely to leave a scar. The ARTAS FUE-100 system allows Dr. Maag to place individual hair follicles into microscopic slits on the recipient area. Because the process is less invasive, there’s no linear scar left in the recipient area. In addition, ARTAS FUE-100 hair restoration uses local anesthesia, which results in a less-visible scar.
Recovery from a hair transplant takes up to nine months
The length of recovery time after a hair transplant depends on the procedure performed and the amount of work involved. The average patient should expect a three-week recuperation. Patients should be aware that a scab may form around the transplant area. Do not pick at the scab as this may dislodge the graft. Patients should avoid exercising for a few weeks following the procedure. Some hairs may fall out, so be prepared to deal with a few bald spots. However, the grafts should match the surrounding hair within a few months.
After the transplant, new hair will begin to grow and develop. By the end of the year, most follicles should have grown healthy hairs. Once the hair follicles are fully established, patients can resume daily activities. During the first year following the surgery, precision scissors may be used on the new hairs. Patients should avoid using hair cutting instruments, however.
After the procedure, patients should avoid drinking alcohol and wearing any type of helmets for a week. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions for showering and using shampoo. Patients should also avoid smoking and alcohol as these slow the healing process. Lastly, they should avoid caffeine and vitamins, which thin the blood and prevent the body’s ability to heal. After a hair transplant, patients should wash their hair with a mild shampoo daily, but not vigorously.
The first few days after a hair transplant are usually accompanied by minor swelling and redness. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for two or three days. While shampooing their hair, they should gently massage the areas on their scalp with their fingertips. The gentle pressure should reduce the chance of any scabs or crusts forming around the grafts. It is important not to scratch or pick at the scabs for a few days, and to wait until they fall off naturally.
Pre-op scalp care is important
The first few days after the surgery are crucial for the healing of the transplanted hair. After the hair transplant procedure, patients should avoid direct sunlight and wear a surgical cap. For the first few weeks, patients should use a moisturiser to soothe the scalp. Washing with lukewarm water after applying the lotion is important. The donor site should be washed with a special medical shampoo. It is very important not to rub the donor site and avoid any physical contact.
In order to minimize discomfort, patients should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and apply sunscreen. Patients should avoid swimming and scuba diving until the following day. Afterwards, they should refrain from touching their head. After the second day, they can apply conditioner to moisturize the scalp and keep it moist. After 72 hours, they can return to normal activities. During this period, it is important to avoid excessive use of hot water, as it can cause irritation and itchiness.
Prior to the procedure, patients are advised to avoid aspirin, Advil, and other anti-inflammatory medicines. They should also avoid taking vitamin E and vitamin B tablets, as they can increase bleeding from the wound site and make the procedure more difficult. Smoking is also prohibited during the surgery, so it is important to quit while you’re still healthy. Before the procedure, you should avoid styling your hair and use shampoos or conditioners that contain alcohol. You should also get plenty of sleep. The next day, it’s important to refrain from using hair styling products or using gels that contain alcohol.
Results of a hair transplant vary from person to person
Although results of hair transplant surgery are often very natural looking, there are some risks associated with the procedure. During the first few months after the procedure, the transplanted hair will fall out and re-grow. Occasionally, new hair will appear. However, results vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed. The hair transplant procedure is not a permanent solution for hair loss, and patients should expect to experience a few side effects, such as tightness, achy scalp, and scarring in the donor area. However, these side effects usually resolve quickly, and patients can typically return to work or other normal activities within a few days.
There is no one single way to obtain perfect hair replacement, so results vary widely. Although hair transplants are highly effective in restoring lost hair, they cannot stop continuous hair loss. People with thin hair or advanced hair loss are at greater risk for mediocre results, but it is possible to achieve satisfactory cosmetic results. Therefore, it is important to keep your expectations in check. Even if you only get some transplanted hairs, it is better than nothing.
The most common type of hair transplant surgery is hair grafting. The surgeon will cut a strip of scalp skin from the donor area, along with 10 to 15 hairs. These grafts are then implanted into bald spots on the patient’s head. This process involves several procedures, and can take several hours. Most people are awake for the entire procedure and are given pain medications to numb the scalp. It is important to understand that results will vary from person to person, so it is important to ask your healthcare provider about the details before scheduling an appointment.