Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure applied to people suffering from hair loss or baldness. This process involves removing the hair from the donor area and placing it back in the area experiencing baldness or hair thinning. Hair transplantation is usually performed under local anesthesia and is completely painless.
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What Is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplantation is the process of relocating hair follicles to areas where the hair is sparse or completely shed. This procedure is generally applied for the treatment of baldness in men and hair loss in women.
Hair transplantation is usually performed by placing hair follicles taken from the scalp in areas with baldness or sparseness. This procedure can be done as individual hair follicles or small grafts.
There are two different methods, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). While the FUE method is performed by removing and placing the hair follicles one by one, the FUT method is by cutting a strip from the scalp and then placing the hair follicles in this strip in areas with sparse or baldness.
Hair transplantation is recommended after an examination by a specialist doctor and is considered a surgical procedure without any risk.
To Whom Hair Transplantation Is Performed?
Hair transplantation is usually applied to people with baldness or sparseness in men. However, hair transplantation can be an option for women who also have hair loss problems.
Hair transplantation can be done to people who experience permanent hair loss. Usually, hair loss occurs due to genetic causes, hormone imbalance, aging, stress, malnutrition or some kind of disease.
Hair transplantation can also be applied to people with hair loss after burns or injuries. Hair transplantation can be applied if there is a sufficient amount of hair follicles on the scalp of the person. For this reason, it is necessary to examine the scalp of the person to be transplanted and determine whether he is a suitable candidate.
The minimum age limit for hair transplantation in a healthy person is 18. However, this age may be different for people with hair loss or thinning hair. The general health status of the person to be transplanted is also important and is evaluated by the doctor before the operation.
What Are Hair Transplant Techniques?
Hair transplantation techniques can be examined in two main groups as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation).
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Method:
This technique is performed by taking the hair follicles one by one and placing them in the balding or sparse area. In the FUE method, local anesthesia is applied before the procedure and each hair follicle on the scalp is taken one by one with a special device. The hair follicles taken are examined under a microscope and then placed on the balding or sparse area. FUE method can be preferred because it is a less invasive technique, faster healing process and less scarring.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) Method:
In this technique, a strip is cut from the scalp and the hair follicles in this strip are then placed in the balding or sparse area. In the FUT method, local anesthesia is applied before the procedure and a strip is cut from the scalp. The cut strip, hair follicles are then placed on the balding or sparse area. Although the FUT method is a more invasive technique, it can provide a wider area of hair transplantation.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
It is a hair transplantation method performed using a technique similar to the FUE method in hair transplantation. However, the DHI method allows the hair follicles to be placed directly in the transplantation area with a special device, instead of taking the hair follicles one by one and then placing them in the balding or sparse area.
In the DHI method, the scalp is anesthetized with local anesthesia before the procedure. Then, the hair follicles taken using a special device are placed directly in the transplantation area with the help of a special needle in the hair transplantation area. In this way, the planting process becomes faster and less invasive.
The advantages of the DHI method include providing a more natural appearance, requiring less recovery time and less scarring. However, the DHI method is more costly than other methods.
Which method will be preferred depends on factors such as the scalp of the person, the cause of hair loss and the size of the planting area.
Things to Do Before Hair Transplant
Things to do before hair transplantation are as follows:
Talking to Your Doctor: Before deciding on hair transplantation, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist or hair transplant specialist. The specialist evaluates the cause of hair loss, determines whether you are suitable for hair transplantation and recommends the most suitable hair transplantation method for you.
Medication Use: Do not use any medication without the approval of your doctor before hair transplantation. Some drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in hair transplantation due to their blood thinning properties.
Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and alcohol use before hair transplantation may adversely affect the healing process. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol use as much as possible.
Vitamin Supplements: Before hair transplantation, you can take vitamin and mineral supplements in line with your doctor’s recommendation. These supplements can speed up the healing process and support hair health.
Nutrition Before the Procedure: Adopting a healthy and balanced diet before hair transplantation can accelerate the healing process. Before the procedure, it is recommended to consume foods rich in vitamin C, protein and iron.
Hair Shortening: Before hair transplantation, it may be requested to shorten the hair in the area to be transplanted. Therefore, you may need to shorten your hair.
Pre-Process Cleaning: Before hair transplantation, you should carefully clean your hair and scalp. Before the procedure, it is recommended to clean your hair with shampoo.
Before hair transplantation, you should learn about what to do before the procedure, taking into account the recommendations of your doctor. This can help you achieve better results during and after the procedure.
What are the Risks of Hair Transplantation?
Hair transplantation is generally considered a safe procedure, but as with any surgical procedure, it has risks. Some complications may occur during or after the procedure. The risks of hair transplantation are as follows:
Infection: There is a risk of infection after hair transplantation. To prevent post-procedure infection, you should choose a hair transplant center that operates in a sterile environment.
Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during the hair transplant procedure. To reduce the risk of bleeding after the procedure, you should avoid using blood thinners.
Pain: You may feel pain during or after the hair transplant procedure. However, the pain is usually mild and can be controlled with medications.
Swelling and Bruises: Swelling and bruises may occur on the scalp after hair transplantation. These conditions are usually temporary and disappear over time.
Hair Loss: After the hair transplantation process, some or all of the transplanted hair follicles may fall out. This is a normal process and must be waited for new hair to grow.
Different Appearance: Newly transplanted hair after hair transplantation may have a different appearance from your other hair. This does not affect the natural results of the hair transplant method.
Bald Area: After hair transplantation, a bald area can be seen in the transplanted area. This is a normal process and should be waited for new hair to grow.
Other Hair Transplant Procedures May Be Required: After the hair transplantation process, hair loss may continue and the transplantation process may need to be repeated.
These risks apply to any method of hair transplantation. However, most of these risks can be minimized after properly performed procedures. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations before and after hair transplantation.
What Should Be Considered After Hair Transplantation?
There are some important points to be considered after hair transplantation. Here are the things to consider after hair transplantation:
The first few days are very important: The first few days after hair transplantation are very important. Keep your head elevated and do not lie face down on the bed. Also, do not wash your hair in the first 48 hours.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations: Strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor after the hair transplant procedure. These instructions will help speed up the wound healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
Take medications regularly: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as pain relievers and antibiotics. Taking these medications regularly will help relieve pain and prevent infection.
Avoid exercise: Avoid heavy exercise for the first few days after hair transplant. Also, avoid hot baths, saunas, or baths that can cause sweating.
Protect your hair: You can wear a hat or bandana to protect your hair after hair transplantation. Also, avoid any activities such as styling or combing your hair.
Avoid smoking: Smoking slows wound healing and increases the risk of infection. Avoiding smoking after hair transplantation will accelerate the wound healing process.
Pay attention to your diet: Pay attention to your diet to speed up the wound healing process. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and protein.
If you apply these precautions after hair transplantation, you can accelerate the wound healing process and achieve better results. However, if you experience any problems or complications, contact your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplantation
There are many questions about the hair transplant process and the answers to these questions can help people make a more informed decision about the hair transplant process. Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the hair transplant procedure:
What is the hair transplant procedure?
Hair transplantation is the process of transplanting hair follicles from one area to a balding or sparse area for people with hair loss problems.
How much hair is needed for hair transplantation?
The amount of hair required for hair transplantation depends on the severity of hair loss and many factors that determine the cause of hair loss. The hair transplant specialist will evaluate the person’s hair condition and determine the amount of hair required.
Is hair transplantation a painful procedure?
Local anesthesia is applied during hair transplantation, so pain is not felt during the procedure. However, mild pain, itching or tenderness may occur after the procedure.
How many days is it possible to go to work after hair transplantation?
Returning to work after hair transplantation depends on the recovery process after the procedure. Generally, it is recommended to rest for a few days after hair transplantation, and it is recommended to wait at least 7-10 days to return to work.
How long does it take to see results after hair transplantation?
The growth of hair after hair transplantation may vary depending on the genetic characteristics of the person, the quality of the hair follicles and the region where the hair transplantation is performed. Usually, the first hair growth is seen between 3-6 months and full results appear after 12-18 months.
How long should hair be protected after hair transplantation?
After hair transplantation, it is recommended to wear a special hat or bandana for 10-14 days to protect the hair. Also, care must be taken when combing or styling the hair for the first few weeks.
How long does the hair transplant process take?
Hair transplantation may vary depending on the person’s hair condition and the size of the area to be treated. Generally, a processing time of 6-8 hours is required.
What is the price of hair transplantation?
Hair transplant prices may vary depending on many factors such as the person’s hair condition, the severity of hair loss, the size of the area to be transplanted, the hair transplant method, and the experience of the hair transplant specialist. Prices may vary from country to country and even from city to city in the same country.
For example, hair transplant prices in Turkey generally range between 1500-5000 USD on average. However, these prices may vary according to the hair condition of the person, the method to be used in hair transplantation and the clinics.
It is recommended to contact hair transplant clinics to get clear information about hair transplant prices. Hair transplant specialists can give you information about the amount of hair required for the hair transplant process, the techniques and methods to be used, and the prices depending on these.
