Find out general information on hair transplants, what to expect, the procedure, the different types of transplants, recovery and aftercare, potential risks and complications, what will make you an ideal candidate, or who might not benefit from them.
What is a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplants are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments throughout the world. The hair loss can be something that may put the men through a panic and panic than can lead to a depressive situation, and avoid social activities.
Hair loss and thinning occur in men and women due to genetics, age, hormonal factors, stress, air pollution, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and more.
We can say that today it is possible to eliminate these problems with hair transplantation methods.
The procedure is based on filling the bald or no-hair part (recipient site) of the head with hair follicles removed from the donor site.
Although men in their 50s mainly prefer it; however, hair transplantation is a widely applied procedure in the world regardless of age range or gender.
It permanently fills the bald or no-hair part of the head with hair to improve appearance and confidence.
What to Expect from a Hair Transplant Procedure
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a hair transplant can help you get ready for it and make sure your healing goes smoothly.
Before the Procedure
There are a few things that need to be done before a hair transplant can happen. These include a full consultation, pre-operative instructions, and maybe even blood tests. Before surgery, patients may be told to stay away from certain drugs and drink.
During the Procedure
The length of the process depends on how many grafts are being transplanted, but it usually takes a few hours. Local sedation is used to make pain less severe. The surgical team will take out hair cells and put them in where the hairline and density are supposed to be.
Aftercare and Recovery
The right aftercare is very important for mending and the transplant to work. This could mean taking prescribed medications, staying away from strenuous activities, and doing exactly what your hair care guidelines say. Most people can go back to work in a few days, but it can take up to a year for hair to grow back and for the body to fully heal.
Top 3 Hair Restoration Techniques
Now let’s have a quick look at the top hair transplant techniques used. First of all you should know that hair transplant is a surgical procedure to help treating male pattern baldness and restoring the hair growth in the areas affected.
It typically includes transplanting hair follicles from a donor site to the balding area, which is known as the recipient site. As a summary we can say that:
- There were two main surgical techniques in the field before. The Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
- But regarding the new developments, FUT technique is not preferred since the recent years.
- Sapphire FUE and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) are the new generation methods.
- DHI method can also be considered as the most effective option since few years.
- The FUE method can be ideal because it covers larger areas, when compared to DHI.
- On the other hand DHI method provides a good rate of achieving higher density.
- The Sapphire FUE and DHI techniques are extensively used in the best hair transplant clinics in Istanbul, Turkey.
- It is recommended that patients expect to see initial signs of their new hair follicles developing within 2 to 3 months.
- And the final effects, though, won’t be visible for around a year, so you should be patient when healing and getting your hair back.
FUE Technique
The FUE technique is very common and popular in Istanbul and Turkey. Each hair graft is removed from the donor one by one using a punch tool. This avoids scarring, and provides shorter recovery period, while the FUT technique leaves a permanent scar on the donor and recipient.
Sapphire FUE Technique
While Sapphire FUE is a quality stone known for its hardness, durability and brightness, this is also a kind of the FUE technique where sapphire blade is used.
With sapphire blade, small and thin channels are opened very well, so that the grafts won’t have much contact with the external side. And it provides a minimal risk for tissue damage, and shorter recovery process.
Both Fue and Sapphire FUE;
- Involves minimally invasive extraction of individual hair follicles, leaving tiny dots (not scars!).
- Pros: minimal scarring, good for smaller areas, quicker recovery.
- Cons: longer procedure time, can be more expensive.
DHI Technique
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a different way of FUE technique where the main difference is the method of how hair is implanted.
In the FUE technique, incisions made on the whole scalp and follicle units are placed on these incisions. And with the DHI technique, there is no need any incisions, as a patented tool is used during each implantation on the scalp.
In addition, with this method, robotic hair transplant system can also be applied. Summary of all:
- DHI involves extracting and directly implanting follicles in one swift move.
- Pros: minimal manipulation, better hair angulation, potentially higher survival rates.
- Cons: technically demanding, higher cost, longer learning curve for surgeons.
The Hair Transplant Procedure: Step-by-Step
Now let’s tell about what you can expect from this magical procedure. So that you can be more familiar.
Preparation: The process begins with preparing your scalp. The donor area, typically the back of your head, is identified and prepped for follicle extraction.
Extraction: In FUE, individual hair follicles are carefully extracted one by one from the donor area.
Sapphire FUE goes a step further, utilizing sapphire blades for making incisions, which leads to less scarring, quicker healing, and less discomfort compared to traditional steel blades.
DHI, although similar in extracting follicles individually, does not require creating prior incisions in the recipient area.
Follicle Preparation: Regardless of which technique is used, the extracted follicles are meticulously prepared and preserved under a microscope to ensure their viability for transplantation.
Implantation: In FUE and Sapphire FUE, after creating tiny incisions in the recipient area, the follicles are implanted carefully to the angle and direction of natural hair growth.
DHI technique is applied with a special tool known as the “DHI implanter” or “Choi pen”. So that it allows for the direct implantation of hair follicles into the scalp without a need for pre-made incisions.
Closure: FUE and Sapphire FUE are minimally invasive, involves no sutures, and so reduces the recovery time.
DHI’s unique approach also eliminates the need for sutures, provides a faster healing process and reduces the overall impact on the scalp.
Risks and side effects
You should keep in mind that hair transplants, like any surgery, carry risks and side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Swelling and Bruising: This is very common as you may experience swelling around your forehead and eyes. But it goes away within a few days. Bruising can also occur especially in the area where hair was extracted. But no problem.
- Pain and Discomfort: Pain is a typical side effect. No problem again as doctors usually prescribe pain medication for you to manage it effectively.
- Itching and Numbness: Many patients report a feeling of itchiness and numbness on the scalp. These are also temporary in general.
Potential Risks
- Infection and Bleeding: This is a rare issue. There can be a risk of infection and bleeding during and after the surgery. Sterile conditions and good post-operative care mostly minimize these risks.
- Graft Failure and Hair Shedding: All of the transplanted hair grafts may not successfully take root.
- Additionally, there is a phenomenon known as “shock loss”, that is where transplanted hair falls out before new growth begins. This is possible but don’t panic! This is often a sign of the follicles adjusting to their new environment.
- A 2020 study in the International Journal of Trichology shows that, up to 50% of patients has this temporary situation. So no need for panic.
- Scarring: Scarring can occur but this is mostly in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedure and you know this technique is not common now.
Long-term Side Effects
- Unnatural Appearance: This is one of the biggest concerns. That’s why there is an issue before-after photos, etc. This unnatural-looking hairline post-surgery mostly depends on the skill of the surgeon.
- Progressive Hair Loss: You may continue to experience natural hair loss in your other parts of the head. This can affect the overall appearance and may require further procedures.
Post-Procedure Care and Follow-up
- Detailed Cleaning Instructions: How to wash the scalp in a gentle manner so as not to agitate the just transplanted follicles.
- Activity Recommendations: A list of physical activities or behaviors that should be avoided in the early stages of recovery.
- Advice about Medication: if required, prescription drugs or guidance on over-the-counter alternatives for treating pain and lowering swelling.
Alternatives to hair transplants
Hair loss can be an unpleasant experience for many reasons. You should also know that there are also lots of good alternatives that may provide a range of advantages without requiring surgery. We put them below:
- Medications: FDA-approved therapies for hair loss include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Finasteride is an oral drug, whereas minoxidil is a topical solution. Both have the capacity to promote regeneration and lessen hair loss.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): To promote hair growth, LLLT uses laser light. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be carried out in a clinic or at home. Most often, it’s used in addition to other therapies.
- Scalp Micropigmentation: Microneedles are used in a non-surgical procedure called “scalp micropigmentation” to apply pigment to the scalp. It gives the impression of having more hair on the head or being clean-shaven.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is done with the injection of a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It’s a non-surgical procedure gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating hair loss.
- Hair Pieces and Wigs: High-quality wigs and hairpieces provide an instant solution to hair loss. They come in various styles and colors, allowing for personalization and style changes.
- Herbal and Nutritional Supplements: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those known to promote hair health like iron, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help maintain hair strength and prevent loss.
- Scalp Massage and Essential Oils: Regular scalp massages may stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This can be combined with essential oils known for their hair health benefits.
- Hair Concealers: Hair fibers made from keratin protein blend with natural hair to create a fuller appearance. They are a temporary, cosmetic solution ideal for covering thinning areas.
Am I a good candidate?
This is a must that you should convince yourself that you need it. To make it clear, you should check out whether your hair loss is stable or not. If so then you can be a good candidate, as the treatment will not prevent progressing hair loss.
You are also advised not to take this treatment at the young ages, and just after your hair loss has begun. The legal and medical age limit of hair transplantation is 20. Anyone who is over the age of 20 or over can have a hair transplant surgery for sure.
So, if you are wondering whether you are a good candidate or not, you should consider the cause of hair loss, your overall health, and treatment expectations. They are a must:
- Genetic Factors: If your hair loss is genetic in nature, such as male or female pattern baldness, then you can be a good candidate.
- Medical Conditions: If your hair loss is caused due to some reasons like illnesses or therapies such as chemotherapy, then you should speak with a medical expert.
- Stage of Hair Loss: Your eligibility may depend on the stage of your hair loss. While late stages may necessitate surgical intervention, early stages may respond very well to medicine or non-surgical treatments.
- Hair Density and Quality: The quality and density of your natural hair mostly influence how well hair restoration procedures work.
- Overall Health Status: People who are healthy enough to be considered for surgical procedures such as hair transplants are generally in good health. Your suitability may be impacted by health issues like diabetes or heart disease.
- Age and Hormonal Factors: Hair growth may be impacted by age and hormonal changes. Results for younger people may differ from those for older adults.
- Results of Treatment: You should understand the possible effects and restrictions of hair loss treatments. And have realistic expectations.
- Aftercare: Strict aftercare protocols is necessary for certain treatments.
Who might not be a good candidate?
You should bear in mind that if you have any disease that will constitute a contraindication to an operation to be performed under local anesthesia, you should first get treated with your disease and then start your hair loss treatment.
Also if you have unrealistic expectations and your donor area is insufficient, you are not a good candidate and you should not take this treatment. Again, in patients with active skin disease, it should be done after active disease treatment.
You should also keep in mind that a hair transplant does not promise a dense hair.
Other must be treated health situations for your hair transplant include;
- Your B12, B6, and zinc levels should be normal,
- If you have any thyroid issues, it should be treated,
- Your blood sugar levels should be at the normal levels especially for those who have diabetic,
- If you have psychological disorders such as trichotillomania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and body dysmorphic syndrome, you should be aware with this treatment and all those should be investigated.