How Hair Transplant Works
A hair transplant patient
Ever wondered how to bid farewell to receding hairlines or thinning crowns?
Understanding the magic behind hair transplants is key in searching for the perfect locks.
Join us on a captivating exploration of the intricate artistry that revives lush manes and restores confidence. From grafting techniques to unraveling the secrets of suitability, this journey unveils the magic of follicular rejuvenation.
Say goodbye to hair loss mysteries as we delve into the fascinating world of “How Hair Transplant Works.”
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure where science meets style!
What is a Hair Transplant?
There are various methods for rearranging hair on your head during a hair transplant. The most typical method is grafting. To be a good candidate, you must have thicker hair in certain places of your head. Alopecia can develop due to various factors, including irreversible hair loss.
An easy way to describe a hair transplant is as a surgical treatment for baldness or hair loss.
Before transplanting hair follicles into any parts of the scalp experiencing thinning or baldness, they are extracted from a designated donor area, usually the back or sides of the head. The surgeon thoroughly cleans the scalp and then uses a small needle to numb your head (the target area) with local anesthesia.
Afterward, when the transplanted hair follicles develop in their new home, your overall hair density will increase, and your hairline will revert to its more natural state. Generally, your surgeon will perform a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit transplantation (FUT) hair transplant. How do these procedures work? Read on.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Curious about how the FUT is carried out?
FUT, also popularly known as Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS), involves a set of procedures performed by your surgeon:
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- Using a scalpel, a segment of your scalp, typically 6 to 10 inches long (though it can extend from ear to ear), is excised, usually from the back of your head.
- The stitches come in handy when it comes to closing up the scalp strip.
- Using a scalpel, your surgeon and their team divide the scalp strip into smaller pieces, known as grafts.
- These grafts can be as numerous as 2,000, with some containing just a single hair.
- Small incisions, where hair will be transplanted, are made in your scalp using a needle or blade.
- Hairs from the excised scalp piece are inserted into these puncture holes in a process called grafting.
The surgical sites are then covered with bandages or gauze.
The number of grafts you receive is influenced by factors such as:
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- Your hair type
- Transplant site size
- Hair quality (including thickness)
- Hair color.
What about the FUE procedure?
Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE)
Conducting a FUE procedure involves the following steps by your surgeon:
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- The hair on the back of your head is shaved.
- Individual follicles are extracted from the scalp skin.
- Like the FUT procedure, the surgeon creates small openings in your scalp and implants hair follicles into these incisions.
- Bandages or gauze are applied to cover the surgical site.
That is how you get the FUE done.
Are you curious about how long a hair transplant takes to grow?
Hair Transplant Growth: The Chronology
The success of your hair transplant hinges on how diligently you adhere to the postoperative care instructions.
The better you care for your hair, the more natural and successful the transplant outcome.
As a general overview of the weeks and months following the procedure:
Month 1: Rigorous attention to aftercare instructions is crucial for graft settlement.
During this phase, it is vital to protect grafts from external contact and avoid scratching them, even if they itch.
Months 2–3: Some shedding may occur, but it’s normal. Your new hair will emerge in due time.
Months 3–12: As you progress through the first postoperative year, your new hair will gain volume and steadily advance toward your desired hairline.
Months 12–18: Results become more definitive and noticeably observable a year or so after the operation.
Do hair transplants last? Check this out.
What is the Duration of Hair Transplants?
A hair transplant can produce permanent effects, even lasting a lifetime. How well you take care of your hair and adhere to any advised medicine for hair loss will depend on how pleased you are with your results. Therefore, you must get your hair transplant from a specialist at a clinic you can rely on.
What are the Side Effects Associated With Hair Transplant?
The primary side effect of a hair transplant is scarring, which is unavoidable in any procedure.
Additionally, potential side effects encompass:
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- Infections
- Crust or pus leakage around the surgical sites
- Scalp pain, itching, and swelling
- Follicular inflammation (folliculitis)
- Bleeding
- Loss of sensation around surgical sites
- Visible hair loss in regions that do not match the surrounding hair or are markedly thinner
- Continued hair loss if your hair is still experiencing balding
Minoxidil and Propecia, commonly used for hair loss, may also present side effects, including
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- Irritated scalp
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Irregular heart rate
- Swelling in hands, feet, or breasts
- Sexual dysfunction
How to Find a Good Clinic
The clinic you select for your hair transplant can greatly impact its smoothness and long-term success. With that in mind, here are some essential questions to consider when looking for your ideal clinic.
Is the Clinic Licensed and Registered?
When selecting a clinic in the UK, ensure it has been registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has surgeons licensed by the General Medical Council (GMC).
What Unique Experience Do They Have?
Performing a hair transplant procedure requires specialist skills, so it is important to choose an experienced professional trained in hair loss and transplantation.
What is Their Location?
Be wary of black-market or multinational clinics that lack sufficient accreditation. Instead, select a UK-based clinic with strong standards.
How Are Their Reviews?
Your clinic should have a visible online presence, so make the most of it. Read the experiences of former patients on their websites and via a quick Google search.
The Bottom Line
Embark on the journey to reclaiming your crowning glory. Remember, the success of your transformation lies in the meticulous care and expertise you invest in.
When it comes to making this crucial choice, look no further than Merchant City Medical Group—the epitome of excellence in the UK and Europe for hair transplants. Our expert team, dedicated to precision and customer satisfaction, ensures that each process is a piece of art.
Your follicular journey deserves nothing less than the best, and we thrive in delivering natural, seamless results.
Say goodbye to hair loss and be ready to be more confident and energised.
Contact us since we are the best to help you embrace the extraordinary.