What is a hair transplant, and how does it work?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure to restore hair in areas of thinning or baldness. Here’s how it works:

• Purpose:

  • Treats androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) or hair loss due to injury or scars.
  • Provides natural-looking, permanent results.

• Procedure Types:

  • FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
    • Individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and transplanted to thinning or bald areas.
    • Minimally invasive, with small, dot-like scars that are barely noticeable.
  • FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation):
    • A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and hair follicles are dissected and transplanted.
    • Leaves a linear scar, but allows for more grafts in a single session.

• How It Works:

  • Healthy hair follicles are transplanted to areas where hair is thinning or missing.
  • These follicles grow hair naturally in their new location, following the same growth cycle as before.

• Recovery Time:

  • Mild swelling or discomfort for a few days.
  • Visible results begin after 3-6 months, with full results taking 12-18 months.

• Advantages:

  • Permanent and natural-looking results.
  • No special maintenance required after the transplanted hair has grown.

• Risks:

  • Infection, scarring, or uneven growth, though these are rare with a skilled surgeon.
  • Shock loss (temporary shedding of transplanted or surrounding hair).

Hair transplants are most effective when performed by an experienced surgeon and are often combined with treatments like minoxidil or finasteride for optimal results. Consult a qualified professional to determine if you are a good candidate.