A hair transplant is a procedure where the hair is moved from one area (donor area) to the area with less hair or bald area (recipient area). Grafting is the most common way used. A hair transplant is also called hair restoration or hair replacement, and it’s usually for people who have already tried other hair loss treatments. One must have thick donor hair to qualify for a hair transplant. Permanent hair loss can happen due to different types of alopecia. Dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform hair transplants.
The transplant surgeon takes grafts, or small pieces of skin, from areas of the body that contain healthy hair. The site from where the hair is taken is the donor site, and It’s usually on your head, at the back of your scalp, where hair tends to be thickest. After the transplanted skin heals, it should continue to grow hair.
Who can opt for hair restoration surgery?
Some experience temporary hair loss, but it can be permanent. Hair transplants treat the following conditions:-
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles.
- Androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
- Thyroid diseases or hormonal imbalances lead to hair fall.
- Traumatic injuries or burns.
For a successful surgery, one must be in good health and have realistic expectations about hair replacement results. The hair transplant aspirant should still have areas of thick hair growth on your scalp.
How does a hair transplant surgery work?
There are several different ways to perform hair transplant surgery, such as:
- Grafting.
- Scalp reduction.
- Flap surgery.
- Tissue expansion
How is grafting performed?
Hair grafting is the number one hair transplant surgery. The surgeon will cut tiny pieces of the scalp where there is healthy hair present. A small device which is like a round punch is used to remove skin that contains about 10 to 15 hairs. However, micro-grafts have only one to two hairs, which can take several hours. Medication helps numb the scalp. The number of sessions one has to undergo depends on the bald area.
What is the scalp reduction procedure?
This method is also known as alopecia reduction. In this procedure, an experienced surgeon removes a small area of bald skin from the scalp. The nearby skin which has hair is loosened and pulled over the bald area. Stitches are used to keep it in place.
When bald areas are on the head’s top and back, scalp reduction is ideal, since these parts have skin with hair around them. To get full coverage, scalp reduction and hair implants are performed together.
What is the procedure for flap surgery?
Flap surgery is recommended for those with large bald areas near the front of their scalp. The surgery is done in stages over a few weeks. Superficial cuts are made around three sides of the donor site. The fourth side is uncut to maintain the original blood supply. Then the surgeon can cut the flap and lift over the bald areas. The patient is given general anaesthesia.
What is the procedure for tissue expansion?
If the patient suffers disfigurement from burns or a traumatic accident, your provider may perform tissue expansion surgery. Under general anaesthesia, several steps are performed.
A balloon-shaped tissue expander is inserted under the scalp, where the hair remains. Over the next several weeks following the implantation, the expander is gradually inflated to stretch the skin. A second procedure covers the bald area with the stretched skin.
What are the risks associated with a hair transplant surgery?
The patient may face the following risks :
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia.
- Excessive blood loss.
- Failed grafts or flaps.
- Infection.
- Loss of feeling on your scalp.
- Scarring.
Are there any side effects to hair transplant surgery?
The patient may experience the following issues on your scalp, at the donor site or the recipient site :
- Crust or scabs.
- Itching.
- Loss of feeling.
- Pain or throbbing.
- Swelling.
- Tightness.
What are the benefits of hair restoration?
Potential benefits of hair restoration include:
- Fuller head of hair with fewer bald areas.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Permanent hair loss solution.
How does the recovery look after hair transplant surgery?
In most cases, hair transplantation is done on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day as the procedure. The recovery time varies based on the type of transplant you had.
One has to wait almost a year to see the full results of any hair transplant. The transplanted hair may fall out during the healing, which is completely normal. But be completely relaxed; the hair will grow back, and you will get natural-looking hair.
One will have several follow-up visits with your healthcare provider after surgery. Apart from the scheduled follow-ups, you can contact your provider right away if you experience any of the following problems:
- Long-standing fever.
- Excessive bleeding from your scalp.
- Severe redness or pain on your scalp.
- Signs of infection, such as pus oozing from the cuts in your scalp.
We at HairSure Clinic have decades of experience with all types of hair transplant surgeries. We assess the situation well and decide on the treatment based on your situation. Please visit our website https://www.hairsure.in/ or reach us on 040-42020202, 9494020202, or hairsure123@gmail.com to know more.