Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from a dense area of the scalp to a balding or thinning area. The process involves removing hair follicles from a donor site, typically the back or sides of the head, and transplanting them into the recipient area. The most common methods are strip harvesting (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE), which differ in how the follicles are harvested.
How it works
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Harvesting: The physician removes hair follicles from the donor area.
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FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): A thin strip of scalp with hair is surgically removed, and then the strip is meticulously dissected into tiny grafts, each containing one to a few hairs. The donor area is then stitched closed.
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FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual follicular units are extracted one by one using a small punch tool. This method leaves tiny, dot-like scars that are less visible and heal on their own without stitches.
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Transplanting: Using a needle or scalpel, the surgeon creates tiny holes or slits in the recipient area and carefully places the grafts. The placement is done with consideration for the natural hairline and growth pattern.
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Healing and growth: After the procedure, the transplanted hair will typically fall out within a few weeks, but the root remains intact. New hair will then begin to regrow from the transplanted follicles, with results becoming more visible over several months to a year or more.
Recovery and Results
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Downtime: Recovery time varies by method, with FUE typically having a faster recovery than FUT. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a few days.
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Initial Shedding: It is normal for the transplanted hair to fall out within a few weeks after the procedure.
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Regrowth: New hair growth typically becomes noticeable approximately 3 to 4 months after the procedure, with full results visible in 6 to 12 months.
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Longevity: The transplanted hair is genetically programmed to resist hair loss and will continue to grow naturally for the rest of the patient's life.
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Success rate: Most hair transplants are successful, but the final results depend on how well the transplanted
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Risks: Potential side effects can include minor bleeding, infection, swelling, and scarring.
