For many people, their hair is part of their identity. That means hair loss can have a severe effect on their self-esteem. They might try oils, creams, and even lifestyle changes to reverse the change and restore their hair to how it once was. Those solutions don’t always yield ideal results, though; in those situations, there is only one real option for hair restoration: hair transplants.
What Are Hair Transplants?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure involving moving hair follicles from one section of the scalp to the other. In the past, hair plugs were the only option, but the hair transplantation method has been refined over the years making hair plugs obsolete. These days, people have a couple of options when it comes to hair transplants, with the three most popular types being FUT, FUE, and DHI.
The FUE (follicular unit extraction) method is the most popular and involves grafting healthy hair follicles from the head and then implanting them into the troublesome area. The DHI (direct hair implantation) method is very similar to this, only it is a newer method that involves using a surgical pen.
FUT (follicular unit transplant) is a hair transplantation method only usually used for those who need a lot of hair restoration. It involves grafting a piece of the skin (rather than individual follicles) and then implanting it onto the thinning/balding area.
Why Do People Get Hair Transplants?
The main reason people get hair transplants is to restore confidence after hair loss. People lose their hair for several reasons. It might be due to a medical condition, excess stress, genetics, or age. It tends to affect men more than women, with around one-fifth of men experiencing significant hair loss by the time they reach 20 years of age.
A hair transplant gives you back the hair you lost in a natural, effective way. Instead of using creams or putting on wigs, it allows you to grow hair from the scalp once more. For many, the procedure is more than worth it.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Hair Transplantations?
Almost anyone can get a hair transplant. The procedure has been refined over the years. Nowadays, the surgery is low-risk and produces natural-looking results. The surgery itself takes between four to eight hours, and recovery is not too difficult.
Most patients with hair loss make good candidates for a hair transplant. Candidates need to be generally healthy, have experienced hair loss, and have a donor area with healthy hair growing through. It’s also important for the candidate to be realistic with their expectations.
You might not be a good candidate for a hair transplant if you have an illness like liver failure, heart disease, hemophilia, and diabetes. Also, those who have reactions to anesthesia will likely not be able to get a hair transplant as the anesthetic is part of the surgical procedure.
Hair Transplants: What to Expect
While hair transplantations are a relatively risk-free, easy procedure, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before deciding whether it’s right for you. The process of a hair transplant is a journey; you won’t come out of the surgery with a full head of hair! Here is what to expect.
The Consultation
Consultation is one of the most important stages in the hair transplant journey. It involves a conversation between you and a hair transplant surgeon in which you discuss the procedure and overall expectations. The surgeon will examine your hair, asking questions about what you want from the surgery and your overall lifestyle. At this point, you have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what will go ahead, including what the surgery entails and how long you’ll need to recover. You’ll also determine the cost of the procedure, which can range from £2000 to £15000, depending on the individual case. The consultation may take place in a different area than your actual surgery; for example, you can get a consultation for Hair Transplants in Dubai and then have the actual surgery at Harley Street in London, where there’s a purpose-built surgery clinic.
The Surgery
The hair transplant surgery itself takes between four and eight hours. Most patients are given a local anesthetic, meaning they will stay awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain.
Recovery
Initial recovery takes anywhere between 10 to 14 days, during which time the stitches usually get removed. After that, the process of hair growth begins. It usually takes around 6 months for patients to see new hair coming through, taking up to 18 months for full results. After this, results last a lifetime.
The surgeon will tell you what you can and can’t do during recovery. For example, you may have to avoid exercise, sunlight, and hair washing immediately following the surgery.
Are There Any Risks?
Like with any surgical procedure, yes – there are risks. The risks involved with hair transplantations include bleeding, infection, and the loss of the original hair (although this often grows back). The surgeon will always discuss the risks with you in-depth before you go through with the procedure. It’s also worth remembering that the success rate is very high.
The Benefits of Hair Transplants
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of a hair transplant; getting surgery is a big deal, after all. If you do decide to go through with it, here are the main benefits:
The restoration of confidence
Self-esteem takes a huge hit when a person loses their hair, as hair and confidence are linked. With a hair transplant, you will feel more confident in your body once more.
Natural-looking results
Unlike the hair plugs that took place from the 1950s to the early 2000s, hair transplants these days produce natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
It Lasts a Lifetime
One of the most significant benefits of hair transplantations is that they last forever. It makes a great alternative to wearing wigs. With wigs, a person has to put them on and remove them physically; with a hair transplant, it’s just like having your own natural hair. After all, it’s using your hair follicles to grow your new locks!
Hair Transplants: Restoring Confidence with Natural Results
Hair transplants have come a long way over the years. They are no longer unnatural-looking like the hair plugs of the 20th century. Nowadays, the advanced surgical method means those suffering from hair loss can restore their hair in a natural manner. In turn, people can gain back their confidence.
