Hair loss affects individuals across various age groups in today’s world. The available options in our Enfield Royal Clinic for hair recovery vary depending on the extent of hair loss. Discovering the appropriate solution requires considering your specific goals for hair restoration, the severity of your hair loss, and the range of treatment options available to you.
What is a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery, also known as hair restoration or hair replacement, involves the relocation of hair from areas of the scalp with adequate growth to bald or thinning areas. This procedure is typically pursued by individuals who have previously attempted other treatments for hair loss. Dermatologists, who specialize in skin care, and plastic surgeons, who specialize in reconstructive procedures, are the healthcare professionals responsible for performing hair transplants.
Is this a Permanent Treatment?
The healing phase of a hair transplant typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. After the completion of the healing process, the transplanted follicles initiate the growth of hair, effectively filling in the bald patches on your scalp. This new hair will continue to naturally grow alongside your ageing process, providing a lasting and natural solution to hair loss.
Once the hair follicles have been transplanted, their new position becomes permanent, and it is not possible to revert them to their previous location. However, similar to natural hair follicles, transplanted follicles have a lifetime. Over time, it is possible that their hair production may gradually decrease, resulting in less hair growth compared to their initial state.
Types of procedures
FUT
Follicular Unit Transplantation, often referred to as the “strip method,” involves the extraction of a narrow strip of tissue from the back of the scalp. Subsequently, individual follicular units are carefully dissected from the strip using stereo-microscopic techniques.
FUE
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a popular hair transplant technique that entails extracting individual hair follicles from donor areas, typically the back or sides of the head. These follicles are then transplanted to areas with weaker or no hair growth. FUE has gained popularity due to its minimal pain, reduced scarring compared to other treatments, and the ability to deliver visually appealing results, with the transplanted hair appearing thick and healthy.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
Hair transplants are suitable for individuals, both men and women. To be eligible for a hair transplant, there are two main key factors:
- Sufficient healthy hair on the scalp that can be used for transplantation to the targeted area.
- The capability to grow hair on the thinning or balding region of the scalp.
How to Treat the Scars After the Treatment
There are different treatments available for the treatment of scars that are formed after the process:
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation is an enduring procedure where pigments are injected directly into the head to create the illusion of thick hair. In some cases, individuals choose SMP as an alternative to surgical hair transplant processes.
Tricopigmentation (TMP)
Temporary Micropigmentation is a temporary variation of Scalp Micropigmentation. Instead of permanent pigmentation, TMP involves inserting ink into the upper layer of the skin, offering a semi-permanent solution.
Laser treatment
In certain cases, this treatment can assist in minimizing the visibility of scars and is occasionally combined with SMP or TMP techniques. By precisely targeting and eliminating damaged surface skin, lasers are utilized to address the scars.
Moreover, the laser treatment aids in stimulating collagen production within the dermis layer of the skin, promoting the rejuvenation of elasticity and enhancing the overall appearance.
Before the Procedure
- Before your procedure, it is advised to abstain from smoking for at least 24 hours.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided for a minimum of three days prior to your surgery.
- Avoid the usage of aspirin, blood thinning medications approximately two weeks prior to your surgery.
- Cease taking any vitamins and supplements for a duration of 14 days before your surgery.
- Refrain from getting a haircut before the surgical procedure.
- Ensure to take any medications specified by your surgeon.
How the Procedure is Done?
The surgeon will carefully trim down the hair in the donor area, typically located at the back of your scalp, as well as near the transplant site.
Using a micro punch tool, the surgeon will extract individual follicles from your skin.
Next, the doctor will create tiny incisions in the recipient area utilizing a needle or another small, sharp instrument, and delicately implant the extracted follicles.
Following the successful transplantation of the follicles, the surgeon will cleanse the area and apply bandages to facilitate the healing process.
The duration of an FUE hair transplant procedure typically ranges from four to eight hours, depending on the number of follicles being transplanted and the size of the recipient area. The meticulous placement of each hair follicle individually contributes to achieving a natural-looking outcome, making the surgery time-consuming.
Which Transplant is the Best?
Both FUE and FUT procedures offer excellent solutions for both men and women dealing with hair loss. To determine the most suitable method for you, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon.
During the consultation, you and your doctor should openly communicate about your desired goals and expectations, the necessary number of follicular units for desired coverage, as well as the desired final design of your hairline. This collaborative discussion will assist you and your surgeon in selecting the optimal method of hair transplantation tailored to your specific needs.
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