Hair loss is a common issue that affects many people. The truth is that some people conceal it very well, which is why we don’t understand how universal this problem is. Nowadays, there are numerous products, such as shampoos and remedies, as well as techniques people use to deal with this issue.
Nevertheless, after some time, they all think of the same thing – Should I have hair transplant surgery? A lot of misconceptions exist regarding this procedure, so in the following article, we will discuss it in great detail. We will tell you about numerous aspects of it and list a few pros and cons so that you can make a well-informed decision.
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from one area of your scalp, the loss resistant one, which is also called “the donor site,” to the area affected by this condition. The fact that all hairs retain their DNA and that they are harvested from your scalp enables them to resist the effects of DHT, a hormone that causes baldness.
This surgery was performed, for the first time, in the 1950s, and the technique has changed significantly. One of the main worries people have is that the transplant cannot provide them with a “natural look.” This isn’t surprising since the hair was harvested in groups, i.e., “plugs,” and the space between these was noticeable. Nevertheless, today, doctors use state-of-the-art methods depending on the type of transplant you are eligible for.
What are the two methods?
When you go to the doctor’s office, they will examine you and determine which of the two methods they will use – Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The former includes the removal of a strip of skin from the back of your head, and the incision is immediately closed with stitches. Then, the doctor uses a microscope to divide follicles into units of a single or multiple hairs, and then they transfer them to the affected area of the scalp.
When it comes to the latter, the surgeon uses specific tools to remove one hair follicle at a time. The main advantage of this method is that instead of a large scar at the back of your head, there will be many little ones, but as you can assume, these won’t be very visible. The truth is that these two methods are fairly similar, so if you have any questions, you should contact professionals via the clinicmono website and get all the answers you need.
What should you know?
Before you make a doctor’s appointment, there are many things you have to be aware of, and it is crucial to consider all of them. It is the only way to understand whether a transplant is the best solution for you.
Remember when we mentioned the DHT hormone, the one that causes baldness? Well, if your hair is sensitive to it, the transplanted ones may get thin and even fall out. To prevent this, the doctor will prescribe you some treatments after the procedure.
Next, there is the question of scarring. We have already explained the two techniques, and the main difference between them is the shape and size of the scars – FUSS leaves one large scar, while FUE produces many small ones. Depending on the type and color of your hair, the chances are that the scars will be completely invisible. Still, keep in mind that you may not be able to shave your head in the future if you want to conceal these marks.
You need to have realistic expectations. Yes, this procedure will improve your overall appearance, but it cannot produce a miracle. If your hair loss problem is minor and there is a lot of it in the donor area, this procedure is probably the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are completely bald, it will not provide you with a full head of hair, although there will be some improvements.
Recovery time
Hair transplant has become so ordinary nowadays that people don’t quite understand that it is a surgery, meaning that they have to go through a recovery period after it. First of all, your scalp will be very tender, and you will probably have to take some pain medication for a few days, as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection. You will also have to wear bandages for a day or two, but most people return to work two to five days after the procedure.
The transplanted hair will fall out after two or three weeks, but it won’t be for another few months that you will start to notice the new growth. Generally speaking, this period can stretch anywhere between six and nine months. This means that you cannot expect immediate results if you decide to go with the surgery, but instead, you will have to be patient.
What are the side effects?
Just like any surgery, this one also comes with some side effects, and it is vital you understand these before going with the procedure. First of all, there are scars, and we have already mentioned them a few times, so we won’t discuss them further.
Furthermore, there is a risk of bleeding or infection. This is to be expected since the doctor will make incisions on your scalp. This is why you will likely be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics. What’s more, you may experience swelling and itching, which are common side effects that can be quite annoying and uncomfortable, but they will subside after a few days.
However, the risks don’t disappear once you recover from the surgery completely. As already stated, it takes a few months for new one to start growing, which is when some people suffer from infection of follicles or inflammation. In some cases, people lose the transplanted hair, which is called “shock loss,” but most of the time, it is not permanent, meaning that the new one will grow eventually.
Conclusion
To sum up, this is a short guide that contains the most important information regarding this procedure. Even though it is fairly common nowadays, you still have to research it thoroughly to gather all the details and decide whether it is the right step for you.
