Hair Transplants: 4 Things You Need to Know
By
Steven McCracken
1. You must be in very good general health
Before you begin your search for a hair transplant provider, it is worth investigating whether or not you are a suitable candidate for surgery. NOTE: an experienced surgeon will always undertake a full assessment and examination prior to surgery. Unfortunately, a high proportion of prospective candidates find that a hair transplant is not an available option. This is because hair transplant surgery - which is major surgery performed under local anaesthetic - requires you to be in general good health i.e. there should be no underlying medical conditions that could affect your recovery. After undergoing surgery, there are certain side-effects that occur e.g. crusting or scarring of skin, numbness of the operated area (sometimes these can last up to 8 months). You must be fit and well enough to withstand any possible side effects.
2. You must have good quality existing or 'donor' hair
A successful hair transplant relies on excellent quality existing hair which will then be replanted elsewhere on the head. There must be a significant amount of hair - probably growing around the back and sides of your head - which should also be strong and in good condition. The replanted hair should be resilient enough to withstand the removal and replanting procedures. Ultra-fine hair provides more difficulties but a good hair transplant surgeon will undertake a thorough assessment.
3. Hair Transplant techniques vary
Thanks to advances in technology, surgical techniques have advanced significantly. No longer is a conspicuous strip 'harvested' from the back of the head which leaves unsightly and large areas of scarring. One of the most popular techniques is called FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). This involves taking sections of hair from the back of the head and replanting hairs from those sections. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a method which involves removing and replacing hairs individually, rather than in larger sections. An outstanding surgeon will leave you with very little visible scarring which should also fade over time. Hair growth should resume as normal and can last for the rest of your life.
4. Hair loss can still occur post-surgery
Despite the high success rate of hair transplants, hair loss can still occur post-surgery. This is because hair loss can be caused by a wide number of factors including poor diet or nutrition; ill-health or medical conditions; stress and genetic reasons. In terms of genetics, if thinning or balding runs in your family - also known as male or female pattern baldness - then it is likely that it could continue over the years to come. Look to relatives for an indicator of hair thinning and loss!
Before you begin your search for a hair transplant provider, it is worth investigating whether or not you are a suitable candidate for surgery. NOTE: an experienced surgeon will always undertake a full assessment and examination prior to surgery. Unfortunately, a high proportion of prospective candidates find that a hair transplant is not an available option. This is because hair transplant surgery - which is major surgery performed under local anaesthetic - requires you to be in general good health i.e. there should be no underlying medical conditions that could affect your recovery. After undergoing surgery, there are certain side-effects that occur e.g. crusting or scarring of skin, numbness of the operated area (sometimes these can last up to 8 months). You must be fit and well enough to withstand any possible side effects.
2. You must have good quality existing or 'donor' hair
A successful hair transplant relies on excellent quality existing hair which will then be replanted elsewhere on the head. There must be a significant amount of hair - probably growing around the back and sides of your head - which should also be strong and in good condition. The replanted hair should be resilient enough to withstand the removal and replanting procedures. Ultra-fine hair provides more difficulties but a good hair transplant surgeon will undertake a thorough assessment.
3. Hair Transplant techniques vary
Thanks to advances in technology, surgical techniques have advanced significantly. No longer is a conspicuous strip 'harvested' from the back of the head which leaves unsightly and large areas of scarring. One of the most popular techniques is called FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). This involves taking sections of hair from the back of the head and replanting hairs from those sections. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a method which involves removing and replacing hairs individually, rather than in larger sections. An outstanding surgeon will leave you with very little visible scarring which should also fade over time. Hair growth should resume as normal and can last for the rest of your life.
4. Hair loss can still occur post-surgery
Despite the high success rate of hair transplants, hair loss can still occur post-surgery. This is because hair loss can be caused by a wide number of factors including poor diet or nutrition; ill-health or medical conditions; stress and genetic reasons. In terms of genetics, if thinning or balding runs in your family - also known as male or female pattern baldness - then it is likely that it could continue over the years to come. Look to relatives for an indicator of hair thinning and loss!
Hair transplants
remain a very effective form of hair restoration - if you're interested
in taking your first step, speak to hair transplant experts A&A Studios for a free consultation.
