What outcome can I expect from hair transplantation?
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Aging causes a large proportion of men as well as women to experience hair loss when they reach their forties and fifties. You can effectively reverse the effects of hair loss with hair transplantation surgery and you can expect to fill in bald areas with hair transplantation.
How is hair transplantation performed?
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Hair transplantation involves removing hair grafts from a donor site, normally the side or the back of the head, and then implant the donor hair on the areas affected by hair loss. Before surgery, the "donor area" will be trimmed so the hair grafts can be easily accessed and removed. The doctor will then use a scalpel to remove small sections of hair-bearing scalp, which will be divided into tiny sections and transplanted into tiny holes or slits within the scalp. The hair grafts are inserted into scalp by means of a microscope. When grafts are taken, your doctor may periodically inject small amounts of saline solution into the scalp to maintain proper skin strength. Your doctor will take great care in removing and placement of grafts to ensure that the transplanted hair will grow in a natural direction and that hair growth at the donor site is not adversely affected. After the grafting session is complete, the scalp will be cleansed and covered with gauze. You may have to wear a pressure bandage for a day or two. The density after surgery may be less than the natural density. This can be improved with another hair transplantation session 6 months to 3 years after the first session.
How long will the surgery take?
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The length of the procedure depends on the amount of hair grafts needed. For 800-1000 hair grafts the procedure takes approximately 4 hours, while it can take 7-8 hours for 2000 or more hair grafts.
Hair transplantation is usually performed under local anesthesia along with sedation to make you relaxed and you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Is the surgery an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
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Hair transplantation is normally performed as an outpatient procedure which means that you do not need to stay in the hospital after the surgery.
Am I a candidate for hair transplantation?
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To be a good candidate for hair transplantation it is important that you have realistic expectations about the possible outcome. Hair transplantation can improve your appearance and self-confidence but the result may not necessarily match your ideal. Furthermore, it is important to understand that hair transplantation involves using your existing hair. Therefore, you must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor hair.
How do I prepare for hair transplantation?
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You must stop smoking tobacco products, consuming alcohol, taking any medications and vitamins 2 weeks before the date of the surgery. In addition, you must fast 8 hours before the surgery which means you should not eat anything on the day of the surgery.
It is also important that you understand the procedure and the potential risk and complications.
Your scar will be a straight-line scar that will usually be concealed with the surrounding hair.
What temporary side effects can I expect after hair transplantation?
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How you feel after surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. Any pain or discomfort can be controlled with pain relief medication. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 3 weeks and sexual activity should be avoided for at least 10 because it increases blood flow to the scalp and may cause your incisions or transplants to bleed. It's important that you carefully follow any advice you receive from your surgeon to secure proper healing.
How is the recovery after hair transplantation?
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How soon you resume your normal routine depends on the extent of your surgery. 6 weeks after the hair transplantation the hair grafts will fall out and the new hair will begin to grow out after another 5-6 weeks. The density may be less than the natural density. However, you can return after 6 months to 3 years for additional treatment to achieve a complete natural-looking density if this is necessary.
The new hair transplants will fall out 6 weeks, but after they grow out this hair will be permanent. However, future hair loss may result due to aging.
What are the risks and complications?
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Hair transplantation is normally a safe procedure. However, individuals vary greatly in their reaction and healing abilities and the outcome is never completely predictable. Possible complications include infection, bleeding and wide scars. There is also a risk that the hair grafts will not “take”. If hair loss progresses after surgery, there is a risk of an unnatural look. Especially if their newly placed hair grafts lie next to the thinning hair.
How many grafts do i need?
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500 - 1000 grafts |
1000 - 1500 grafts |
1500 - 2000 grafts |