Hair loss is an increasingly common issue. Approximately 60% of men and 50% of women worldwide suffer from hair loss. Many opt for over-the-counter solutions, wigs, or hair transplants to combat the issue. Most choose a hair transplant for a more permanent solution. However, there is one question on everyone’s minds when selecting a hair loss solution – ‘Will it look natural?’
The short answer is ‘Yes.’ Thanks to advancements in technology, hair transplants yield natural-looking results.
What is a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplants are performed by grafting hair from thicker areas of the scalp or other regions of the body to thinning or balding areas of the scalp. Most people remain awake throughout the procedure that requires an anesthetic to numb the scalp. You can also request a mild sedative to help you sleep through the process.
There are two kinds of hair transplant surgery:
- Follicular Unit Extraction: Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a current process that leads to less apparent scarring and more natural-looking outcomes. No noticeable scarring can be observed in the donor region. Hair follicles are removed and implanted in the recipient region using a specific extraction instrument. Hair grows back to appear natural when it heals.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation: In Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, a strip is cut from the back of your head, then separated into individual hair follicles before being implanted in the recipient location. FUT might result in noticeable donor scars, especially if you have short hair. Longer hair is preferred to keep the surgery scar hidden.
The following factors determine the number of grafts you receive:
- Your hair type
- The size of the transplant location
- Hair quality (including thickness)
- Color of your hair
In addition to the procedure you choose, finding the right hair transplant surgeon and clinic also impacts the final appearance. Training and experience are significant factors in how the last transplant looks. Because it is a team effort and the technicians perform most of the hair follicle placement, you must select the best hair transplant facility with a high success rate. For the best results, the surgeon must be able to construct a natural-looking hairline. They should determine the appropriate thickness for you, and implant the grafts at the precise angle.
Also Read: Which treatment is best for hair?
Recovery & Results
Both FUT and FUE procedures can take a few hours to days to complete. After the process, your surgeon will gently remove any bandages. Because the region may be swollen, your surgeon may inject triamcinolone into it to reduce swelling.
You will most likely feel discomfort or soreness. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to help manage the pain and swelling. They may also include an antibiotic to prevent infections. To stimulate hair growth, you must administer medications such as finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine).
The majority of people experience results six to nine months following surgery. It might take up to a year for some. It is critical to follow the aftercare guidelines provided by the hair transplant clinic to speed up the healing process and get optimal results. Some pointers are as follows:
- Do not wash your hair immediately; wait a few days. For the first several weeks, use a gentle shampoo.
- Wait at least three weeks before brushing or combing over your new grafts.
- Avoid hats, caps, pullover shirts, and jackets until your doctor says it’s OK.
- Wait for seven days before exercising.
The transplanted hair will fall out between two and eight weeks after surgery. By the third month, your hair may appear thinner than before the transplant. This effect is typical and an essential part of the healing process.
Is a Hair Transplant the Right Option?
When considering a hair transplant, you need:
- Sufficient healthy hair to be transplanted to the region in need of hair, and
- The capacity to grow hair on your thinning scalp.
A scalp exam with a dermatologist will help you determine if you have both requirements for a successful transplant. A blood test may be necessary to diagnose the cause of your hair loss. This test can screen for issues in your body that could be causing your hair loss.
If the evaluation and testing confirm that you are suitable for a hair transplant, your dermatologist can tell you what kind of outcomes to expect. A full head of hair cannot be expected in most circumstances, but an improvement in your existing condition can.
Summary
Thanks to the advances in the cosmetology world, natural-looking permanent hair transplants are possible. However, it is vital to understand that while neither operation is sure to be effective, scarring is a possibility. Speak with your doctor to see if hair transplantation is the right choice for you.
