10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE HAVING A HAIR TRANSPLANT
Are you suffering from baldness and are you considering a hair transplant? Like any surgical intervention, hair transplantation should be caused by the true reflection. To make sure you make the right choice, here are some questions to ask yourself before diving in.
Which transplantation method should you choose?
There are now several hair transplant methods:
- The FUT method consists of taking a thin strip in the middle of the donor area, behind the skull, to collect the hair grafts to be transplanted into the balding area. This method gives very good results, but should not be used on a skull with very short combed hair.
- FUE transplant is different. It removes grafts one by one from the entire donor area. Therefore, it can be used on a skull with very short hair.
The choice of the best transplant method is determined on a case-by-case basis during consultation with the surgeon.
How long will the intervention take?
The duration of the intervention depends on several factors. First of all, it varies from one method to another. FUT transplant is faster than FUE implantation. Likewise, the more hair to be transplanted, the longer the operation will be. On average, a hair transplant takes between 4 and 9 hours. Remember that sometimes it is necessary to spread it over several days.
Is hair transplant painful?
At the beginning of the operation, no pain is felt during the operation, except for the anesthetic prick applied to the scalp. After transplantation, the recovery time of the scalp may be a few days of mild discomfort.
Will the scar be visible after the operation?
The size and shape of the wound in the donor area of the skull depends on the technique used for the transplant. As mentioned earlier, the FUT method leaves a linear scar on the back of the skull that disappears as the hair grows. Even if this scar is very thin, it is better not to choose this grafting technique for people who want to wear very short hair. In the case of FUE hair transplantation, the incisions are circular and almost undetectable.
How long will it take to see the first results of transplantation?
If the hair grows out quickly after the transplant, you should wait about 8 months for the first real results to appear. In addition, the final density of the hair does not occur until 12 to 18 months after the operation.
How many days does the scalp heal?
After the operation, crusting occurs along with small scars on the scalp. The latter can be sensitive for several days, calming down with an analgesic treatment if necessary. Gradually, the redness subsides and the crusts fall off. In general, hair transplantation does not cause complications and the results of the intervention are very mild.
What are the disadvantages of medical tourism for hair transplantation?
If medical tourism is very attractive in terms of price, beware of illegal practices. There is a black market in hair surgery and some transplants are done illegally by incompetent people and to the detriment of patients. The real problem is that there is no follow-up visit one week after the operation. In some cases, except for the failure of the operation, the entire scalp may be permanently destroyed, preventing any restorative transplantation.
Is the result permanent?
Newly transplanted hair is very durable. Thus, new follicles arising from transplantation are permanently planted and the result obtained is permanent. On the other hand, hair transplantation does not stop hair loss. If you spread alopecia, continued hair loss treatment or a second procedure may be necessary.
What should be done after hair transplantation?
The first washing of the skull should be done 48 hours after the operation. After one to two weeks, it must be repeated to remove the scabs. It is better to sleep with your head slightly elevated and not participate in vigorous sports for at least two weeks. Also choose to eat a healthy and balanced diet as well as rest to support the result of your transplant.
What are the contraindications for hair transplantation?
Not recommended during hair transplantation, hair density is very low in the whole skull. In this case, for example, if the donor area is insufficient, the results obtained may not be satisfactory. Similarly, like any surgical intervention, transplant may be contraindicated or require special precautions, for example for people suffering from coagulation disorders, respiratory failure or cardiovascular diseases, as well as for certain diseases.
In all cases, a preliminary examination is mandatory before the operation, and the surgeon reviews the feasibility of the transplant on a case-by-case basis. Healthcare teams are ready to answer all your questions.
