Understanding the Science of Hair Restoration
What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves removing healthy hairs from the back of your head, called the donor area, and placing them in areas that are thinning or have no hair. It is a very effective treatment for both men and women with hair loss.
The procedure typically takes about four to eight hours. During the process, the surgeon cleans and numbs the area where the transplant occurs. They then make small holes or slits in the scalp to place the hairs.
Then, a technician or two helps the surgeon place the hairs into the desired area. Then, a bandage or gauze will cover the grafts for about ten days.
How Does a Hair Transplant Work?
A hair transplant works like a hair restoration Chevy Chase MD way by relocating healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of the head to thinning or balding areas. Depending on the technique, these hairs are either grafted in a single session or over time.
In a punch graft method, a tube-like instrument punches round grafts from the donor site to be placed where hair replacement is desired. Other methods, such as the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure, involve the removal of individual hair follicles with tiny holes in the scalp skin.
The holes are then closed with stitches. Some surgeons use lateral incisions that bisect existing hairs perpendicularly like a T, while others use sagittal incisions that run parallel to and alongside the surrounding hairs. Sagittal incisions do better to slide in and around existing hairs, thus avoiding the risk of follicle transection. This results in a much smaller scar. It also allows for greater flexibility in the placement of grafts, allowing your surgeon to fill in thinning or balding areas with more natural-looking grafts.
What Are the Side Effects of a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, a person should discuss potential side effects with their doctor before having the system.
Some common side effects of a hair transplant include itching, swelling, and scarring. These side effects will fade as the transplanted hair grows but may persist for a few weeks.
An itchy scalp is the most common of these side effects. This is caused by scabs that form around the new grafts.
This itching can be treated by spraying a solution on the scalp and using a mild shampoo to keep it clean.
Scalp swelling is another common side effect of a hair transplant. This is due to the fluid injected into your scalp during the operation.
The hair follicles are implanted into minor cuts in your scalp, and these cuts can become infected. This is called folliculitis. This infection typically causes your scalp to feel itchy and hot.
What Are the Benefits of a Hair Transplant?
Unlike topical and drug-based hair loss treatments, a hair transplant provides permanent results. Moreover, it can help you achieve the most natural-looking results.
A fuller head of hair with fewer bald areas can make you feel more confident. People report feeling more attractive and happier with their appearance after a hair restoration procedure.
Select a surgeon with an excellent track record and extensive experience performing hair transplants for the best possible results. Be sure to consult the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons website and ask for a portfolio of patients.
There are two main types of hair restoration procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Both methods remove a strip of skin from the back or side of the head to collect individual follicles that can be used to restore the scalp.