Like other things in life, most people take their hair (aka their crowning glory) for granted — that is, until they’re gone.
As people reach a certain age, they notice some hair thinning when they stare at their reflections. Men, in particular, are susceptible to hair loss but the process of experiencing hair loss can be a shocking process for both men and women. It’s a disheartening journey of accepting the patchiness, thinning, recession and a permanently shaved look.
Fortunately, a hair transplant can restore a full head of hair. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of living life without your locks, this procedure is one of the best ways to feel more confident about your looks. After your transplant, you can enjoy fuller locks, perfect for styling, Japanese hair straightening — among other things.
So, what is the procedure? How does hair transplant work? Here are things you need to know about this procedure.
What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a type of surgery that moves your current locks to fill an area with thinning hair or none at all. This surgical process removes hair follicles from any area in the body and transplanting them on the hairless portion of the head. This procedure is also used for transplanting hair in the brows and lashes.
One of the latest hair transplant techniques, called Follicular Hair Transplantation, has two methods: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (strip harvesting).
FUE can be done in single or multiple settings. This manual process may be time-consuming but it results in natural-looking locks without leaving behind marks. Thanks to advanced robotics, the formerly tedious task is now simplified and easier to do.
Strip harvesting, on the other hand, is a common procedure adopted by surgeons. With strip harvesting, the surgeon will remove a six to 10-inch strip of skin from your head. They set it aside and close the scalp by sewing, immediately hiding the patched area with hair. This procedure leaves a slim scar.
Is There an Age Limit for Hair Transplant?
There is no upper or lower age limit on candidacy for a hair transplant. What matters is the patient’s suitability for the procedure, as well as their overall health. If hair loss is negatively impacting your confidence, to the point that you are withdrawing from opportunities in relationships or at work, then discuss the situation with your GP.
It’s also a great idea to meet with a surgeon before you proceed with the surgery. This way, you’ll know whether they can recommend you to undertake the transplant.
What’s the Lead Time for the Transplant?
This depends on your specific situation and your surgeon’s availability. In most cases, the lead time is a month. It could be more or less, depending on your surgeon’s schedule, the clinic’s volume of patients and the current COVID-19 situation.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
After the hair transplant, your scalp may feel tender. Your doctor may recommend taking pain medications for several days. They may also require you to wear bandages over your scalp for at least two days. You may also have to take anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics for several days. Most patients can return to work five days after the ope
ration.
Within two to three weeks after the procedure, your new hair will fall out but you’ll notice growth soon. Some surgeons require using hair-growing drugs to improve hair growth after the surgery.
Around the time your new hair grows, you may experience an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles. Compresses and antibiotics can offer relief.
There is always hope for your crowning glory. If you are experiencing thinning hair or baldness, talk to your GP about hair transplant procedures to restore your hair’s glory days.
