Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Transplants
Hair transplants have become an increasingly popular solution for those experiencing hair loss. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this procedure.
What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the ‘donor site’, to a bald or balding part of the body known as the ‘recipient site’. It is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness.
How Does Hair Transplant Work?
Hair transplantation involves removing tiny punch grafts from the hair-bearing scalp or a larger piece of this scalp from a donor area and cutting this into smaller pieces to use as grafts. These grafts are then relocated to a bald or thinning area of the scalp.
Are Hair Transplants Painful?
Patients are given a local anesthetic in the donor and recipient areas. While the procedure should not be painful once the anesthetic has taken effect, some discomfort or pain may be felt.
What Are the Different Types of Hair Transplant Procedures?
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Also known as the strip method, a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area and hair follicles are extracted from this strip.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): In this method, individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the scalp rather than from a strip of scalp.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Procedure Take?
The time varies significantly depending on the transplantation method used and the size of the area being treated, but it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
What is the Success Rate of Hair Transplants?
The success rate of hair transplant surgery depends on many factors including the skill and experience of the surgeon and the quality of the donor hair. Generally, between 10% and 80% of transplanted hair will fully grow back within three to four months.
Are Hair Transplants Permanent?
Hair transplants are considered to be permanent. The transplanted hair will grow in its new location for the rest of your life.
What Are the Risks or Potential Side Effects of Hair Transplants?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and unnatural-looking new hair growth. After the surgery, some patients might experience swelling, bruising around the eyes, a crust that forms on the areas of the scalp where hair was removed or implanted, numbness or lack of sensation on the treated areas of the scalp.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of a hair transplant varies greatly depending on the extent of your procedure and the country in which it is performed. It can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars.
How Soon After a Hair Transplant Will I See Results?
It is normal for the transplanted hair to fall out two to three weeks after the procedure. This makes way for new hair growth. Most people will see some amount of new hair growth 8 to 12 months after surgery.
Can Women Have Hair Transplants?
Yes, women can have hair transplants; however, they typically do not lose their hair in the same pattern that men do, and the procedure may be used differently in female patients.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities After a Hair Transplant?
Most people can return to work and normal daily activities within a few days post-operation. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity for at least a week to allow time for healing.
Remember to consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist to get advice that’s tailored to your individual situation.