Hair Transplant

Yes. The transplanted hair is removed from one area of the body (donor site) and transferred to another (recipient site). The transferred tissue is not "rejected" as it is not foreign tissue. The transplanted hair maintains it's own characteristics; color, texture, growth rate, and curl, after transplantation and regrowth. The vitality of the grafted follicle(natural growth of a group of hair) is maintained by the rich blood supply to the scalp. Hair grows from the scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles. We transfer these groups of follicles after eliminating the excess surrounding fatty tissue. This allows the grafts to be placed closer together resulting in a denser and more natural result.

It's important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair.

There are a number of techniques used in hair replacement surgery. Sometimes, two or more techniques are used to achieve the best results.

The most commonly used techniques used for hair restoration are FUT (Folliculer Unit Transport) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).

In the FUT technique, a thin hairy strip between two ears is cut out from the back of the scalp. This hairy strip is dissected to each and every hair follicle under the microscope with maximum care to prepare each follicle for transplantation. After that each follicle is relocated in the bald areas of the scalp.

In the FUE technique each follicle is taken from the donor area one by one using a very delicate punch needle and the follicles are restored at their new place. The restoration procedure is the same for the both techniques. This technique differs fron FUT by allowing the patient not to have a suture on the scalp.

Hair replacement surgery is normally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced physician. Still, individuals vary greatly in their physical reactions and healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Like any other cosmetic surgical procedure, hair replacement surgery is an individualized treatment. So your surgeon will evaluate your hair growth and loss in your initial consultation.

Medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars, should also be checked by your doctor. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting. You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

Hair replacement surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center. Hair replacement surgery, no matter what technique is used, is usually performed using a local anesthesia along with sedation to make you relaxed and comfortable. Your scalp will be insensitive to pain, but you may be aware of some tugging or pressure.

How you feel after surgery depends on the extent and complexity of the procedure. Any aching, excessive tightness, or throbbing can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your physician.

Small scabs will form on the scalp at the graft sites. Generally speaking, these scabs disappear in 4-7days. New growth will begin in 3-4 months. By keeping the scalp moist, the scabs usually come off in about a week or so. After surgery you will be instructed on how to make delicate shampooing. Shampooing can be resumed 24 hours after surgery. The suture used in the donor area will soon be undetectable as it is completely covered by your existing hair. An appointment will be made for the suture to be removed one week after surgery. It is advisable to take at least two days off work after surgery.

Your transplanted hair falls out within six weeks after surgery. Remember, this condition is normal and almost always temporary. After hair falls out, it will take another five to six weeks before hair growth resumes. YOu have to be patient to see the absolute results of your surgery. You will obtain your new appearance totally within 1 year.

Depending on the type of procedure you have had and the type of work you do, it is often possible to go back to work the next day. Your hair restoration surgeon will discuss this with you during the consultation.

You may need a surgical "touch-up" procedure to create more natural-looking results after your incisions have healed. The number of the sessions can be discussed during the consultation with your surgeon. In general,the number of the sessions depend on the number and size of the grafts used and the individual characteristic of your hair, its coarsness, its density and so. But it is best to keep in mind that you may need a touch-up procedure. Your surgeon can usually predict how extensive your follow-up surgery is likely to be.