Who should consider getting a hair transplant?
A good candidate for a hair transplant is someone with healthy hair growth in the donor area and sufficient donor hair to transplant to the recipient area. Hair transplants are typically not recommended for individuals who have extensive hair loss or those who have an insufficient amount of donor hair. Additionally, those who have certain medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder, may not be good candidates for the procedure.
Is hair transplanted from one person to the other?
No, the hair used in a hair transplant procedure is taken from the patient’s own scalp, usually from the back or sides of the head, where hair is typically thicker and less prone to thinning or balding.
How long does the procedure take?
The length of a hair transplant procedure varies depending on the number of hair follicles being transplanted, but it typically takes several hours to complete. The length of the procedure also depends on the technique being used, with FUE typically taking longer than FUT. Patients should plan to spend the entire day at the clinic or hospital where the procedure is being performed.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. Patients may experience soreness or discomfort in the donor and recipient areas following the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long does it take to see results?
The timeline for hair transplant results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of hair transplant procedure performed, the patient’s individual healing process, and the rate of hair growth. In general, most patients will begin to see initial results from their hair transplant procedure within 3 to 4 months after the procedure. This initial growth will typically be thin and fine but gradually thickens and becomes more noticeable over time. By 6 to 9 months after the procedure, most patients will see significant improvement in the thickness and density of their hair in the transplant area. It can take up to 12 months or more for the full results of the hair transplant procedure to become visible.
How long will my hair transplant last and what is the maintenance? The great news is that hair transplants last forever. The reason why is pretty simple: hair follicles in the donor areas (the sides and the back of the head are immune to DHT. DHT is dihydrotestosterone. The reason why men lose their hair and women don’t is men have testosterone, and women don’t. That testosterone converts to DHT. DHT is the culprit, and it attacks the hair follicles, usually starting at the forehead and the crown, gradually working its way to the middle of the head. Luckily, DHT does not affect the follicles in the back of the head. When we move those follicles from the back of the head to the areas that you want taken care of, those follicles will live and grow forever. And the beauty of it is that there is no maintenance whatsoever once post-operative checks are completed. No Propecia. No laser hair comb, no minoxidil. However, it’s important to note that hair loss may still occur in other areas of the scalp over time. To maintain the results of the hair transplant, some patients may need to undergo additional procedures in the future.
How long do hair transplant surgery scars last?
The duration of hair transplant surgery scars can vary depending on the technique used during the procedure. With the FUT technique, the scar from the incision can be visible for several months after the procedure but can become less visible over time. With the FUE technique, the scars can be less noticeable than with FUT but can be more widespread.
The size and appearance of the scars will depend on factors such as the technique used and the individual’s healing process. Patients should discuss the potential for scarring with their surgeon before undergoing a hair transplant procedure and follow the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon to minimize scarring.
Do the results from a hair transplant surgery appear natural?
The results of a hair transplant surgery can appear natural when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. To create a natural hairline, the surgeon considers the patient’s hairline, facial features, and hair growth patterns. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully places the transplanted hair follicles to mimic the natural growth pattern of the patient’s hair, resulting in a natural-looking appearance.
How much does a transplant cost, and is there financing available?
The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of procedure, the extent of the hair loss, and the location and experience of the surgeon. On average, the cost for a hair transplant procedure in Turkey including hotel stay and airport transfer is approximately £1,500-£2,000. The average cost in the UK for hair transplant surgery is about £9,000 to £15,000 or more. Out of pocket or through financing options. Choosing a reputable and experienced surgeon is also important, even if it may mean paying a higher cost upfront.
Are there any alternatives to hair transplant surgery that I should consider?
Yes, there are several non-surgical alternatives to hair transplant surgery that you should consider. The following are a few options, however it’s important to note that these non-surgical treatments may not work for everyone and may not provide the same results as hair transplant surgery. It’s best to discuss your options with a qualified healthcare professional to determine which treatment is right for you.
Medications.
Two FDA-approved medications for treating hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride. Finasteride is an oral drug, whereas minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. Both medications can help slow down or even reverse hair loss in some patients.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
It is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting concentrated plasma from the patient’s blood into the scalp. The plasma contains growth factors that stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
LLLT is a non-invasive treatment that involves exposing the scalp to low-level laser light. The light is thought to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation in the scalp.
Scalp micropigmentation.
It is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that involves applying pigment to the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles. It can be a good option for patients with thinning hair but not candidates for hair transplant surgery.
