Hair loss is a widespread issue that affects millions of men and women worldwide. If you’re experiencing hair loss, the idea of a hair transplant might have crossed your mind. But what does the process involve, and how can you prepare yourself for the journey? Find out more about the hair transplant surgery process below.
What Is Hair Transplant Surgery?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to the areas suffering from hair loss. The two most popular procedures are Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Ultra-Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).
The FUE procedure is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the area of hair loss. This method results in multiple tiny, round scars, spread out over a larger portion of the donor scalp compared to the FUT single strip incision.
The FUT procedure is a more traditional hair transplant method that involves removing a strip of tissue containing hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting it to the recipient area. The FUT strip-harvest method produces a linear scar across the back of the scalp but with advancements in the strip-harvest method, FUT scars are becoming much less noticeable.
The FUE procedure is associated with less pain in the donor scalp, faster healing, less scarring, and a quicker return to physical activity than FUT, but it can be more noticeable immediately after surgery, because the donor area will to be more sensitive and require healing. The FUT procedure allows for the transplantation of a larger number of hair follicles in a single session, and because each follicular unit is transplanted as a whole, it ensures optimal hair growth.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Surgical Hair Restoration?
Ideal candidates for hair transplant surgery are those with sufficient donor hair and realistic expectations about the outcomes. Individuals with more advanced stages of hair loss or thin donor areas may not achieve the desired results. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
During your consultation, the hair restoration specialist will evaluate your hair loss pattern, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine which hair transplant technique is most suitable for your situation. Factors, such as the type and degree of hair loss, hair type, ethnicity, and hair style preferences are all considerations when deciding which type of hair restoration procedure is best for you.
It’s essential to be honest and open about any medical conditions you have or medications you’re taking, as this information will help your surgeon determine your eligibility for the procedure and any potential risks involved. Once you and your surgeon have decided on the best technique for your needs, they will let you know exactly what you can expect for your hair transplant procedure.
The Procedure – What Happens on the Day?
On the day of the surgery, the donor area will be prepared, and medication and local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Depending on the method chosen, either individual follicles (FUE) or a strip of tissue (FUT) will be extracted from the donor area. The follicles will then be carefully implanted in the recipient area, ensuring natural-looking results. Afterwards, you will receive your post-op instructions to promote healing and help keep you comfortable during your recovery.
Hair Transplant Recovery Process
Although the hair transplant recovery process varies depending on the procedure performed, in general you can expect three phases:
- Phase One – Initial Healing: For the first 1-2 weeks, you can expect redness, swelling, and minor discomfort. There may also be some swelling around the forehead, bridge of your nose, and eye area. Crusting will form in the donor and recipient areas of the scalp in the days following surgery. There may be some areas of numbness or reduced sensitivity, which typically resolves within 4-6 months after surgery. During the initial healing period, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative guidelines to avoid infection or damage to the graft.
- Phase Two – Hair Shedding: At around 2-4 weeks after surgery, the transplanted hair, and in some cases the surrounding non-transplanted hair, will start to shed as the follicles focus on reconnecting to your scalp circulation. This is a normal part of the healing process, and new hair will begin to grow back in the next few months. Other symptoms, such as redness, itching, and numbness will keep improving during phase two.
- Phase Three – New Hair Growth: 3-4 months post-transplant you can expect to see the growth of new, healthy hair in the transplanted area. You may also notice some red bumps/pimples, but this is normal and is where new hair is trying to penetrate the scalp. The new hair will steadily develop and grow in the transplant area over next 6-8 months. You can expect to see the finished result within 9-12 months.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely to promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery and the desired results.
Post-Op Care
After your procedure, you will be given specific aftercare instructions to care for your scalp and newly transplanted hair. This may include information on wound care, medications, and activity restrictions. It will also include directions for keeping the area clean and healthy, with the appropriate cleansing and moisturizing routine. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to avoid complications and ensure the best possible results.
You will require ongoing follow-up appointments every few months with your hair restoration surgeon to monitor your health growth and to discuss the best ways to protect and maintain your hair restoration for years to come.
With modern techniques like FUE and FUT, hair transplant surgery can provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for those suffering from hair loss. If you’re considering a hair transplant, consult with a hair restoration specialist to determine if it’s the right option for you.
Hair Transplant in Spokane, Seattle, and Tacoma, Washington
If you are considering hair transplant surgery, visit the dedicated team of hair restoration experts at Northwest Hair Restoration. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help find a solution for your unique needs. We offer a range of effective surgical and nonsurgical hair restoration options, including FUE and FUT hair transplant procedures, to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
To learn more about our services, call us at (253) 572-2949 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
