Hair Transplant
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure designed to address hair thinning and baldness. It involves transferring hair follicles from an area with greater hair density to an area with little or no hair.
The transplanted follicles can be arranged to create a suitable hairline and natural-looking hair direction. Modern medical techniques have continued to develop, offering greater precision and improved procedural efficiency.
Hair Transplant Techniques
Hair transplantation is generally performed using two main techniques: FUT and FUE.
FUT — Follicular Unit Transplantation
With the FUT technique, the surgeon removes a strip of scalp from the back or side of the head. The hair follicles are then separated into small grafts and transplanted into the selected areas.
This technique allows a large number of follicles to be transferred in a single procedure. However, it leaves a linear scar in the donor area and may require a longer recovery period.
FUE — Follicular Unit Extraction
With the FUE technique, the surgeon uses specialised instruments to extract individual hair follicles or small follicular units from an area with strong and sufficiently dense hair.
The extraction instrument generally creates openings measuring approximately 0.8–1.2 mm. The follicles are then transplanted into the selected area.
FUE is a widely used hair-transplant technique because it does not create a large linear scar and generally involves a shorter initial recovery period. Results depend on the individual’s donor-hair quality, scalp condition, surgical planning, and healing response.
Who May Be Suitable for Hair Transplantation?
Hair transplantation may be considered for:
- Individuals experiencing hair loss, thinning hair, a receding hairline, or hereditary baldness, including hair loss associated with sensitivity to the hormone DHT
- Individuals who have not achieved satisfactory improvement with other approaches, such as medication or laser-based treatments
- Individuals with scars in areas where hair is unable to regrow naturally
- Individuals seeking a clearer and potentially long-lasting improvement in hair density
Who May Not Be Suitable for Hair Transplantation?
Hair transplantation may not be suitable for:
- Individuals with insufficient or very thin hair in the donor area at the back of the head
- Individuals with diffuse hair loss throughout the scalp and insufficient donor hair
- Individuals who are prone to developing keloid scars
- Individuals with scalp inflammation or infection; these conditions should be treated before undergoing the procedure
Suitability should be determined through an individual assessment by the doctor.
Preparation Before Hair Transplantation
- Inform the doctor of all underlying medical conditions and regularly used medicines before receiving treatment.
- Avoid certain medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements for at least one week before the procedure, particularly those that may affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
- Hair-growth medication may need to be discontinued approximately one week before the procedure, according to the doctor’s instructions.
- Get sufficient rest before the procedure.
- Avoid tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages before the procedure, according to the medical team’s instructions.
- On the day of surgery, do not wear contact lenses, dental retainers, dentures, jewellery, or bring valuable belongings.
- Plan to recover at home for approximately five to seven days to reduce discomfort and support healing before returning to normal work.
Care After Hair Transplantation
- Do not touch, pick, scratch, or rub the transplanted area, particularly during the first few days, as the newly placed grafts may become dislodged.
- Wear the elastic headband provided by the clinic for at least three days to help reduce swelling.
- Return to the clinic for hair washing and wound care within approximately one to three days. The medical team will also demonstrate the appropriate washing technique.
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During the first week, sleep on your back with your head elevated using two to three pillows. Do not sleep face-down, as this may increase facial swelling or place pressure on the transplanted grafts.
A U-shaped neck pillow or a rolled towel may be placed beneath the neck to help keep the treated areas from touching the pillow.
- Swelling around the forehead or eyelids may occur and generally improves within approximately seven days. When swelling is significant, a cold pack may be applied to the forehead. Do not place it directly over the transplanted grafts.
- Should bleeding occur together with the loss of a graft, gently press the bleeding area with a cotton bud for approximately three to five minutes. Contact the doctor or nursing team should the bleeding continue.
- Approximately two weeks after the procedure, the scabs may be removed according to the clinic’s instructions. Coconut oil may be applied to the transplanted area and left for approximately ten minutes before the scabs are gently loosened. Some hair shafts may shed together with the scabs.
- Approximately one month after transplantation, the doctor may consider supportive treatment such as PRP injections to support the condition of the scalp and existing hair. Suitability and expected benefits should be assessed individually.
Activities to Avoid After Hair Transplantation
- Avoid smoking for the period advised by the doctor, as nicotine may reduce blood circulation and negatively affect graft healing.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid bending the head downward for approximately one week.
- Take care not to bump the head against doors, door frames, or other objects for approximately two weeks.
- Avoid direct sunlight and rain on the scalp for approximately two weeks.
- Follow the clinic’s dietary recommendations during the first two weeks.
- Avoid sleeping on your side or face-down for approximately two weeks.
- Avoid wearing safety helmets, tight hats, or head coverings for approximately two to four weeks.
- Avoid haircuts, styling products, hair colouring, and chemical treatments on the scalp for approximately two to four weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, cycling, saunas, swimming, and diving for approximately one month.
The appropriate restriction period may vary depending on the transplant technique and the doctor’s protocol.
Hair Transplantation Timeline
Approximately Two Weeks After Transplantation
The grafts have generally begun to stabilise, and most scabs in the transplanted area should have fallen away.
Approximately Three Months After Transplantation
Fine new hairs may begin to grow. At this stage, approximately 10–15% of the expected growth may be visible, and the new hairline may not yet appear clearly defined.
Approximately Six Months After Transplantation
The transplanted hairs may begin to grow thicker, and the hairline may become more noticeable. Approximately 40–50% of the expected growth may be visible across the treated area.
Approximately 12–18 Months After Transplantation
The final result may become more apparent, with a clearer hairline and thicker, more natural-looking hair growth.
Hair growth and recovery vary between individuals. Patients should follow the personalised recommendations provided by their doctor.
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