What is Hair Transplantation?
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantIt is a treatment method performed through a surgical procedure for individuals experiencing hair loss or sparseness, in order to thicken the hair or transplant new hair. This process is generally based on the principle of taking hair follicles from the back or side areas of the head and transplanting them to areas where baldness or thinning occurs.
Hair transplant The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and since it requires a surgical intervention, it is important to perform it under the supervision of a specialist doctor. Although the recovery process after hair transplantation varies from person to person, it may generally require a rest period lasting several days.
Although hair transplantation is a treatment option that can offer permanent and natural results, a detailed evaluation and expert opinion before this procedure is important in making the right decision.
How to do hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure usually performed by specialist doctors with certain steps. The hair transplant procedure usually includes the following steps:
- Consulting and Planning: First, counseling takes place between the patient and the doctor. Details such as hairline design and determination of the transplantation area are planned.
- Preparation of Hair: The hair in the area where hair transplantation will be performed is prepared in a special way. The length of the hair can be shortened and the area is disinfected.
- Preparation of Grafts: The extraction and preparation of grafts with hair follicles is performed. Grafts are usually taken individually or in small groups.
- Transplantation Process: Grafts are placed at certain angles in the balding areas. This step is the most critical stage of hair transplantation and should be done very carefully.
- Wound Care: The patient is informed in detail about the care and healing process of wounds that may occur after hair transplantation.
- Control Visit: Post-hair transplant checks check that the patient has healed properly and achieved the desired result.
Hair transplantation operation is a procedure carried out meticulously by experts and is an important decision stage for the patient. Since this procedure usually requires a surgical intervention, it is of great importance that the doctor who will perform the procedure is experienced.
Hair Transplantation Methods
Hair transplantation has developed different methods and techniques with the advancement of technology. Hair transplantation methods are determined according to the person's hair structure, degree of hair loss and preferences. Here are the most common hair transplant methods:
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
- It is a method in which hair follicles are removed and transplanted one by one.
- Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery process is fast.
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation):
- It is a technique in which strips of tissue are taken from the scalp and this tissue is divided into follicular units and transplanted.
- Stitch scars may remain, but natural results can be achieved when performed by expert surgeons.
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):
- It is a technique in which hair follicles are transplanted one by one at determined angles using special pens.
- There is less risk of damage to capillaries and nerves.
- Sapphire FUE Method:
- It is an improved version of the FUE technique.
- It is a technique in which the channels for hair transplantation are opened with sapphire tips.
- Stem Cell Supported Hair Transplantation Method:
- After the hair follicles are removed, the stem cells are separated and prepared in the laboratory environment. This process is a special procedure performed to activate the cells of the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Before Hair Transplantation
There are some important steps that individuals should consider before deciding on hair transplantation. Things to consider before hair transplantation are:
- Doctor's Recommendation: It is important to get an opinion from a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon before deciding on hair transplantation. The specialist doctor evaluates the cause of the person's hair loss and recommends the most appropriate treatment method.
- Hair Transplantation Techniques: There are different hair transplantation techniques that a person can choose before hair transplantation. When deciding between techniques such as FUE and FUT, the recommendations of the specialist doctor should be taken into consideration.
- Pre-Surgery Preparation: After deciding on hair transplantation, there are some preparation steps before the surgery. These steps include quitting smoking and alcohol use, cutting your hair to a certain length, and having the necessary blood tests done.
- Medicine and Vitamin Use: Before hair transplantation, medication and vitamin supplements recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. These supplements can help hair recover faster and healthier after transplantation.
- Preoperative Nutrition: It is also important to take care of a healthy and balanced diet before hair transplantation. Drinking adequate amounts of water and consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help strengthen and regenerate hair.
Following these steps carefully will contribute to the successful and trouble-free hair transplantation process.
Care After Hair Transplantation
Proper care after hair transplantation is very important. The patient should be guided carefully to ensure that the hair follicles adhere healthily and the new hair becomes stronger. Here are the basic elements of care after hair transplantation:
- First 2 Weeks: The first 2 weeks after hair transplantation are very critical. During this process, the hair should not be washed and the head should not be constantly wet. Antibiotics and painkillers should be used regularly as recommended by the doctor.
- Mild Shampoos: As permitted by your doctor, hair washing process usually starts after the 3rd day and mild shampoos should be preferred. It is important not to put too much pressure on the scalp.
- Sunscreen: Sun protection is very important after hair transplantation. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided and a hat or umbrella should be used.
- Alcohol and Cigarettes: To strengthen hair follicles, alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided. These substances can negatively affect the nutrition of the hair.
- The Healing Process: It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions during the post-transplant recovery process. Crusting and redness are normal, but the indicated medications should be used regularly.
Meticulous care after hair transplantation both accelerates the healing process and ensures successful adhesion of the hair. Therefore, it is of great importance for patients to fully comply with the doctor's recommendations.
Hair Transplant Risks
Although the hair transplantation procedure is generally a safe procedure, it carries some risks. Some of these risks include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection after hair transplantation. The risk of infection may increase if appropriate hygiene measures are not taken during or after the surgical procedure.
- Bleeding: It is possible to experience bleeding during hair transplantation. For this reason, it is important that the specialist performing the procedure is experienced.
- Swelling and Pain: After hair transplantation, slight swelling and pain may occur in the head, forehead or other areas. This is usually temporary, but in some cases it can last a long time.
- Itching: An itching sensation may occur after hair transplantation. However, care should be taken as scratching may pose a risk of infection.
- Hair loss: After hair transplantation, hair loss may occur in the transplantation area. This is a normal process and usually ends with the growth of new hair.
Hair transplantation performed in a professional clinic and by an experienced surgeon can minimize the risks. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor carefully before and after the procedure.
Hair Transplant Prices
Hair transplantation is a surgical method generally preferred to solve a person's hair loss problem or to give a fuller appearance to sparse hair. Hair transplantation prices may vary depending on many different factors. Here are some factors that determine hair transplantation prices:
- Hair Transplantation Method: There are different hair transplantation techniques such as FUE and FUT. There may be price differences between these techniques.
- Technology Used in Hair Transplantation: The technology and equipment used in hair transplant surgeries may also affect prices. Prices may be higher in clinics with more advanced technologies.
- Size of the Area to be Transplanted: The width of the area to be transplanted and the hair follicle requirement are important factors that determine the prices.
- Doctor's Experience: The experience and expertise of the doctor who will perform the hair transplantation operation may also affect the prices. More experienced doctors can often charge higher fees.
- Clinic Location: The economic structure of the region where the clinic where hair transplantation will be performed is another factor that affects the prices.
Hair transplantation prices are generally determined by the number of hair follicles to be transplanted, and fees may vary between different clinics. Those who want to get detailed pricing for hair transplantation are recommended to compare prices by getting quotes from several different clinics.
Hair Transplant Results
Hair transplantation results often show significant improvement in a person's hair loss and baldness. In the post-procedure period, patients usually notice a significant improvement and the hair growth process begins. However, since every patient is different, results may vary from person to person.
There are some factors that affect the results of hair transplantation. For example, factors such as the patient's degree of hair loss, the number of hair follicles, the elasticity of the scalp, the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure and the technique applied may affect the results.
Hair transplantation results usually begin to become apparent in the first months after the procedure. It may take time for hair to grow and grow, it is important to be patient in this process. Proper care after hair transplantation can also affect the success of the results.
In summary, although hair transplantation results generally meet the person's expectations, the results may vary for each patient due to individual differences. For a successful result, it is important to have a detailed discussion with an appropriate doctor before having the procedure and to follow the recommended care instructions after the procedure.
Suitable Candidates for Hair Transplantation
It is important for individuals considering a hair transplant procedure to have certain characteristics. Suitable candidates for hair transplantation may meet the following criteria:
- Hair loss: Hair transplantation is generally suitable for individuals experiencing permanent hair loss. Those who have baldness problems due to genetic factors may be among the suitable candidates for hair transplantation.
- Hair Density: There must be a sufficient amount of hair follicles on the scalp of the individual who will undergo hair transplantation. Suitable candidates for hair transplantation are generally individuals with dense hair in the back head area.
- Health situation: Since the hair transplantation procedure is a surgical procedure, the general health condition of the candidate is important. Suitable candidates for hair transplantation are healthy individuals and should not have any health problems.
- Age Factor: Suitable candidates for hair transplantation are generally individuals over a certain age. Since hair loss generally increases with advancing age, older individuals may be more suitable for hair transplantation.
- Expectations: It is important for hair transplant candidates to have realistic expectations before the procedure. Candidates must be accurately informed about the results they will obtain after hair transplantation.
Suitable candidates for the hair transplant procedure are generally individuals who meet the above criteria. However, if you have any doubts, you can consult a specialist to find out whether your personal situation is suitable for hair transplantation.
Hair Transplantation Side Effects
Although hair transplantation is generally a safe procedure, it may cause some side effects. These side effects are usually temporary and can be relieved with treatment. Possible side effects that may occur after hair transplantation are:
- Swelling and Bruising: After hair transplantation, slight swelling and bruising may occur on the scalp. This condition usually goes away on its own within a few days.
- Itching: Itching may occur on the scalp after hair transplantation. Itching usually occurs during the healing process and is temporary.
- Pain and Discomfort: There may be slight pain and discomfort during or after the hair transplantation operation. This condition can usually be controlled with medications.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection after hair transplantation. Wound care as recommended by the doctor after hair transplantation can reduce the risk of infection.
- Interim Review: After hair transplantation, the transplanted hair may fall out and a temporary thinning may occur until new hair starts to grow. This process is normal and the hair usually grows back within a few months.
It is important for both the patient and the surgeon to get detailed information about the possible side effects that may be experienced before and after the hair transplantation procedure and to learn what to pay attention to after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplantation
- Question: What is hair transplantation and how is it done?
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure to regain hair for people suffering from hair loss. It is generally a process in which hair follicles are removed and transplanted to areas experiencing baldness or sparseness.
- Question: How long does the hair transplant operation take?
The duration of the hair transplantation operation may vary depending on the degree of hair loss of the person, the number of grafts to be transplanted and the techniques used. However, it can usually last from a few hours to a few days.
- Question: Is hair transplantation a painful procedure?
Hair transplantation operation is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt during the operation. However, there may be minimal pain, discomfort or swelling after the operation.
- Question: What is the recovery process like after hair transplantation and what should be taken into consideration?
The recovery process after hair transplantation may vary from person to person, but normal daily activities can usually be resumed within a few days. There are some points to consider after the operation, these include washing the hair, protecting the stitches, and sun protection.
- Question: Does the hair transplant operation have a permanent effect?
Yes, hair transplantation has a permanent effect because the transplanted hair follicles are permanent and do not fall out. However, the transplanted hair may continue to thin or dilute with the aging process.
- Question: What are the risks of hair transplantation and what kind of complications may occur?
Risks of hair transplantation may include infection, bleeding, hair loss, fluffy or poor results, skin damage or numbness, and prominence in suture lines. However, these complications are rare and risks are minimized under the management of an expert surgeon.
- Question: Who are suitable candidates for hair transplantation and who cannot have hair transplantation?
Suitable candidates for hair transplantation are generally people who experience genetic hair loss and have sufficient hair follicles for hair transplantation. However, health status or other factors may not be suitable for hair transplantation.
- Question: How long does it take for the hair transplantation operation to heal completely and when do the results become apparent?
Complete recovery from the hair transplantation operation and the apparent results may vary from person to person. However, the healing process is usually completed within a few weeks to a few months, and the results begin to become apparent after about six months.