Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp, called the donor area, to another area that is experiencing hair loss, called the recipient area. The procedure is typically performed to address male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to restore hair in women or to correct hair loss caused by injury, scarring, or medical conditions.
The most common hair transplant technique is called Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and then dissecting it into individual hair follicles for transplantation. The recipient area is then prepared with tiny incisions, and the hair follicles are carefully inserted into these incisions.
Another technique is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which involves removing individual hair follicles directly from the donor area using a tiny punch tool, and then transplanting them to the recipient area.
Hair transplant procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients can typically return to work and resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure. However, it may take several months for the transplanted hair to begin to grow, and patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result.
A hair transplant is suitable for people with hereditary, permanent baldness. It’s not usually suitable for people with other types of hair loss, such as the type that causes bald patches (alopecia areata).
Hair transplants usually take a day, and there is no need to stay at the hospital overnight. If a large area is being treated, you may need to have 2 or more sessions a few months apart.
Most people can return to work 3 days post hair transplant. However, you need to be very careful with your transplanted hair for the first 2 weeks after your operation. The grafts will not be secure. Some common side effects that may occur after a hair transplant include:
- A tight, achy and swollen scalp for a few days
- Temporary scabbing where the hair was transplanted
- A single scar or several very tiny scars
Frequently Asked Question on Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves removing healthy hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the scalp) and transplanting them into areas where hair is thinning or balding.
There are two main techniques used in hair transplantation: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
In FUT, a strip of skin is removed from the donor area, and the hair follicles are extracted from this strip under a microscope. These follicles are then implanted into the recipient area.
In FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor area using a small, circular punch tool. These follicles are then implanted into the recipient area.
Both techniques involve making small incisions in the recipient area and carefully placing the hair follicles into these incisions. The placement and direction of the implanted follicles are crucial in achieving a natural-looking result.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and can take several hours depending on the extent of the transplantation. After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort, which typically subside within a few days. The transplanted hair will initially fall out within a few weeks but should start to grow back within a few months.
A good candidate for hair transplantation is someone who has:
- Sufficient donor hair: Hair transplantation involves transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. A good candidate should have enough healthy hair follicles in the donor area to achieve the desired results.
- Stable hair loss: Hair transplantation is most effective when hair loss is stable. If hair loss is still progressing, the transplanted hair may eventually be lost as well.
- Realistic expectations: A good candidate for hair transplantation should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. While hair transplantation can produce a significant improvement in the appearance of thinning or balding areas, it may not be able to restore a full head of hair.
- Good overall health: Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, and candidates should be in good overall health to minimize the risk of complications. Candidates with underlying health conditions should discuss their suitability for hair transplantation with their doctor.
- No active scalp conditions: Candidates with active scalp conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may not be good candidates for hair transplantation. These conditions can affect the healing process and may increase the risk of infection.
- Adequate financial resources: Hair transplantation can be expensive, and candidates should have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of the procedure.
Overall, the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for hair transplantation is to schedule a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. They will be able to assess your individual situation and help you decide if hair transplantation is right for you.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, so some discomfort during and after the procedure is normal. However, most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure and in the days following the procedure.
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to numb the scalp, so patients should not feel any pain during the transplantation itself. However, some patients may feel mild discomfort or a pulling sensation during the extraction or implantation of the hair follicles.
After the procedure, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and tenderness in the scalp, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your surgeon may also prescribe medication to help manage any discomfort.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to minimize any discomfort and ensure proper healing. These instructions may include avoiding strenuous activity, keeping the scalp clean and dry, and avoiding certain hair care products.
Overall, while hair transplantation may involve some discomfort, most patients find the procedure to be well-tolerated, and any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
The length of a hair transplantation procedure depends on several factors, including the extent of the transplantation and the technique used.
A typical hair transplantation procedure can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to complete. However, more extensive procedures may take longer.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) typically takes longer than follicular unit extraction (FUE), as it involves the removal of a strip of scalp from the donor area, which must be carefully dissected under a microscope to extract the hair follicles.
The length of the procedure can also depend on the number of hair follicles being transplanted. The more hair follicles that need to be transplanted, the longer the procedure will take.
In addition to the transplantation itself, the procedure may also involve preparing the donor area, making incisions in the recipient area, and implanting the hair follicles. Your surgeon may also take breaks during the procedure to minimize fatigue and ensure the best possible results.
Overall, it is important to allow enough time for the procedure and to plan accordingly. Your surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the length of the procedure based on your individual situation.
After a hair transplantation procedure, it typically takes several months to see the full results. The transplanted hair follicles go through a normal hair growth cycle, and it takes time for the new hair to grow in.
Within the first few weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hair will fall out, which is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. This is followed by a period of dormancy where the hair follicles are inactive, which can last for several months.
After the dormant period, new hair growth should start to become visible. Patients typically start to see some new hair growth after 3-4 months, but it can take up to 6-12 months to see the full results.
The exact timing of new hair growth can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s hair growth cycle, the extent of the transplantation, and the technique used. It is important to have realistic expectations about the timing of results and to be patient as the new hair grows in.
It is also important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, as this can help ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
We listed the starting prices for hair transplants across a number of European countries and US. These prices are not fixed and may vary from clinic to clinic. Call us to have a non-binding consultation to learn more on treatments and international packages.
Country | Price (€) |
---|---|
Turkey | € 1,700 |
Poland | € 2,600 |
Germany | € 3,000 |
Spain | € 3,100 |
United Kingdom | € 5,000 |
United States | € 8,000 |
Why Chose Eton Medical
Our mission is to connect patients with high-quality and affordable overseas clinics and we always put the needs of patients first before anything else. Our network of well-established and accredited clinics at home and overseas can make a big difference in your cosmetics treatment journey to find the personalised treatment plan, and this is why Eton Medical exist.
✔ 100% free, non-binding assessment: We provide initial non-binding consultation regardless of your decision, and share our best of knowledge and experience in cosmetics treatments overseas and abroad.
✔ Best-in-class clinics just a phone call away: You can communicate to us via call, whats app, email, or schedule a call at your convenience.
✔ Affordable Prices: Price should not be a blocker for people to access to the best services, and we always help you to negotiate the best price with the clinics.
✔ All-inclusive treatment packages: Most of well-established clinics abroad offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, airport pick-up, and transfers to and from the clinic. In some cases, they might also cover your flights.
Sources:
https://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/hair-transplant-surgery
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/hair-transplant/