Things to consider after hair transplantation
After a hair transplant, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for caring for the treated area. This may include:
Keeping the area clean: You will be given instructions for how to clean the treated area to prevent infection.
Avoiding direct sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause the transplanted hair to fade, so it is important to protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat or using a sunscreen with a high SPF.
Avoiding certain activities: You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities that could cause sweating, such as exercise or hot baths, for a period of time after the procedure.
Taking medications as prescribed: You may be given medications to help with pain and swelling after the procedure. It is important to take these medications as directed by your surgeon.
Managing your expectations: It is important to understand that it will take time for the transplanted hair to grow. It may take several months for the transplanted hair to start to grow, and it can take up to a year for the hair to fully grow in.
Seeing your surgeon for follow-up appointments: It is important to attend any follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure that the transplanted hair is healing properly.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair is moved from one part of the body (called the “donor site”) to another part of the body (called the “recipient site”). The most common type of hair transplant is called “follicular unit transplantation,” in which a small, naturally occurring group of hairs, called a follicular unit, is transplanted from the donor site to the recipient site. Hair transplants are usually done to treat male pattern baldness, but they can also be used to restore eyebrows, beard hair, and to fill in scars caused by accidents or surgery.
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures:
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): This is the most common type of hair transplant. It involves removing a strip of skin from the back of the head (the donor site) and dividing it into small grafts containing one to four hairs each. These grafts are then transplanted to the recipient site.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE): In this procedure, individual hair follicles are removed from the donor site using a small punch tool. The follicles are then transplanted to the recipient site.
Both FUT and FUE are outpatient procedures that are typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure can take several hours to several days, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. After the procedure, the transplanted hair will fall out, but new hair should start to grow within several months. It can take up to a year for the transplanted hair to fully grow in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hair transplants are permanent. The transplanted hair is not subject to the same factors that cause hair loss, so it should continue to grow for a lifetime.
It may take several months for the transplanted hair to start to grow, and it can take up to a year for the hair to fully grow in.
Hair transplants are typically done under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Some patients may experience discomfort or swelling after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with pain medication.
Recovery time after a hair transplant varies from person to person. Most people are able to return to work and normal activities within a few days of the procedure. However, it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions for caring for the treated area and to avoid strenuous activities for a period of time after the procedure.
Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. It is important to discuss the potential risks and complications with your surgeon before the procedure.
The cost of a hair transplant can vary widely, depending on the extent of the procedure and other factors. It is important to discuss the cost with your surgeon before the procedure. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of a hair transplant if it is done to correct a medical condition, such as scarring or injury.
