Hair transplants aim to restore hair growth with limited growth. It is a surgical procedure of transplanting hair follicles on bald areas of the scalp. It is also considered the most effective method to address hair loss, especially male or female pattern baldness. It is a boon for individuals who have been experiencing severe hair loss problems. When it comes to hair transplant, many people wonder if the procedures work, what side effects it has, and what its recovery will be like.
In this article, we will look at the success rate of hair transplants, their types, side effects, and recovery. To make this guide factual, the insights have been taken from Dr. Akangsha Sharma, who is considered the best cosmetic surgeon in India and practices at AK Aesthetics. Let us begin by understanding the hair transplant types.
What are the Types of Hair Transplants?
Hair transplants can be divided into two types, i.e.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT is also called follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS). To perform a FUT procedure, the surgeon performs the following steps:
A scalpel is used to extract the portion of the scalp, usually from the back of the head. The size of the strip is around 6-10 inches long and can be extended from ear to ear.
Using a needle, the surgeon makes smaller holes in the scalp, where hair is transplanted.
The total number of grafts depends on the type of hair the patient has, place, size of transplantation, hair consistency, and color of hair.
2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
For FUE, the hair transplant surgeon shaves off the hair on the back. Then, they take individual follicles from the scalp, which leave tiny marks where each follicle is removed. To perform an FUE procedure, the following steps are performed:
The hair is cleaned on the back of the head.
The surgeon extracts individual follicles where tiny marks are seen with every follicle being cut out.
In the case of FUT, the surgeon makes tiny holes in the scalp and grafts the healthy tissues in the holes.
To learn more about these types of hair transplants, one can pay a visit to AK Aesthetics which offers the best hair transplant in Jaipur.
Does Hair Transplant Really Work?
Hair transplants definitely offer effective results. However, the patient needs to be aware of certain factors:
Almost 10-80% of the transplanted hair grows back fully in 3-4 months.
Similar to natural hair, the transplanted hair experiences thinning over time.
Individuals with dormant hair follicles have less chance of effective hair transplants. In that case, plasma therapy can help 75% and more transplanted hair to grow fully.
It is believed that hair transplants may or may not work for everyone. Most of the hair transplants are done using existing hair. However, they might not be effective for treating individuals with conditions such as:
Wide area with severe hair thinning and baldness
Losing hair due to chemotherapy
Deficient donor area on the scalp
What is the Success Rate of Hair Transplants?
Hair transplant is a successful procedure for restoring hair growth due to several causes of hair loss. The success of a hair transplant depends on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the thickness of the donor's hair. However, it is vital to choose a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon to achieve effective results from a hair transplant.
What are the Side Effects of Hair Transplants?
Hair transplantation surgery is incredibly popular and safe compared to other cosmetic procedures. Risk factors often decrease significantly when carried out by a skilled, knowledgeable, and certified hair transplant surgeon. However, each person has a different body response and healing ability. Hair transplants do have a risk of infection like any other surgical procedure. Some of the other side effects include bleeding, wide scars, stretch back, body pain, etc. However, all these side effects are temporary and will subside within some time.
How is Recovery After a Hair Transplant?
Both FUE and FUT take several hours to complete. However, the patient goes home on the same day of the procedure. When the surgery is complete, the surgeon removes the bandages carefully. The surgeon injects medicines while the surgery is completed to ensure the swelling lessens. The patient is likely to experience soreness and discomfort at the transplant site as well as in the area where the hair has been cut.
Following are some tips for a quicker healing post-hair transplant procedure:
Wait for a couple of days after the surgery to wash the hair.
Do not wear caps or sweatshirts unless the hair transplant surgeon allows.
Avoid going out for a week.
Avoid using harsh shampoos for the first few weeks of the surgery.
Do not press a comb over the new grafts for around three weeks.
Avoid indulging in heavy workouts for a week.
Do Hair Transplants Leave Scars?
The type of hair transplant one chooses determines the extent of scarring. While FUE treatments result in several tiny scars shaped like dots on the scalp, FUT procedures leave a line-shaped scar on the back of the head where the strip graft was extracted. However, any scarring won't be very noticeable. An experienced hair transplant surgeon will perform the procedure at the base of the head so that it gets easily covered by the newly grown hair. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss regarding scarring, and before and after pictures of previous work can demonstrate how the scars will be hidden.
Final Takeaway
Hair transplant is the most advanced procedure available for treating baldness. Implementing this procedure has given patients better outcomes and increased their confidence, too. If one is suffering from baldness, one must consider consulting a popular hair transplant surgeon who can help them achieve a natural look.
One can schedule an appointment with Dr. Akangsha Sharma, the best hair transplant surgeon in Jaipur, at AK Aesthetics. One can trust her to offer natural-looking results as she pays attention to every detail and completely understands her patient's expectations.
For more details on hair transplant, visit AK Aesthetics today to regain natural-looking and healthy hair!