How exactly is hair transplant done? What are the risks involved?
Your ‘crowning glory’ that is your hair can make you look young or old depending on their texture, colour and density. People who suffer from premature hair loss or baldness start looking old much earlier than others. Looking good and young is the biggest fetish nowadays. This is why, hair transplant surgeries have become quite the rage right from celebrities to common people. But what exactly happens during the surgery and what are the risks is something we will discuss in this article.
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS).
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is the most common type of hair transplant surgery. In FUE, the surgeon removes individual hair follicles from the donor area, usually the back of the scalp, using a small needle or punch. The grafts are then placed in the recipient area, where the hair is thinning or balding.
Follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) is a more invasive procedure than FUE. In FUSS, the surgeon removes a strip of skin from the donor area, usually the back of the scalp. The strip is then divided into individual grafts, which are placed in the recipient area.
The type of hair transplant procedure that is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Your doctor can help you decide which procedure is right for you.
Here are the steps involved in a hair transplant procedure:
1 The surgeon will numb the scalp with local anesthesia.
2 The surgeon will remove the grafts from the donor area using either FUE or FUSS.
3 The surgeon will make small incisions in the recipient area.
4 The surgeon will place the grafts in the incisions.
5 The surgeon will close the incisions.
6 The entire procedure typically takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the amount of hair that is being transplanted. Most patients can return home the same day as the surgery.
There is some pain and discomfort associated with a hair transplant procedure, but most patients find that the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. The scalp may also be swollen and bruised for a few days after the surgery.
The results of a hair transplant procedure are usually permanent. However, it is important to note that hair loss may continue in other areas of the scalp, so you may need to have additional hair transplants in the future.
Hair transplant surgery is a safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it. These risks include:
Infection : The scalp is a good environment for bacteria, so there is a small risk of infection after a hair transplant. This risk can be minimized by taking antibiotics before and after the surgery.
Bleeding : There is a small risk of bleeding during or after a hair transplant. This risk can be minimized by using local anesthesia.
Scarring : There is a small risk of scarring after a hair transplant. The scarring is usually not noticeable, but it can be more noticeable in people with fair skin.
Graft loss : A small number of grafts may not survive after a hair transplant. This is usually due to poor blood supply to the grafts.
Unnatural-looking results : In rare cases, the results of a hair transplant may be unnatural-looking. This can happen if the grafts are not placed correctly or if the hair grows back too thick.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of hair transplant surgery before you decide to have the procedure. Your doctor can help you decide if hair transplant surgery is right for you.
Here are some additional tips to help you minimize the risks of hair transplant surgery:
- Choose a board-certified surgeon who has experience performing hair transplant surgery.
- Do your research and ask about the surgeon’s success rate.
- Ask about the surgeon’s technique and the type of anesthesia that will be used.
- Make sure that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
- Follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully after the surgery.
- By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hair transplant surgery is a safe and successful experience.
