Hair Transplant Overview
The most advanced and permanent solution for the hair loss caused due to genetic and hormonal reasons and trauma is hair transplant. This procedure is ideal for male pattern baldness as well as it can be applied regardless of gender.
Hair transplant is basically based on the principle of transferring hair follicles not affected by hair loss to the bald area. The operation is generally performed under local anesthesia, within 6 to 9 hours. After this effortless operation, it isn’t necessary to stay in the hospital.
Since the person’s hair follicles are used, in addition to providing a natural result, there’s no possibility that the body rejects these follicles. So, this minimizes the complication risk.
Different methods developed after the first operation in 1930.
Hair Transplant Methods
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
In this method, tissue with hair follicles is taken and the follicles are separated and reproduced under a microscope. After the laboratory process, this tissue is transferred to the bald area.
Since stitches are applied to the treated areas with this old method, which is not preferred today, there’s a high probability of scarring.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE hair transplant is the most applied and preferred method today. In this method, healthy and strong hair follicles are taken one by one from the donor area with the help of a thin-tipped tool and placed in the hairless area.
The FUE method doesn’t cause scarring; it allows quick recovery.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
DHI is a shave-free and pain-free hair transplant method. This is the most significant difference.
Similar to the FUE method, the follicles are collected one by one and these are transplanted with a pen-like tool called Choi Pen. Painless DHI, which gains popularity in a short time, provides the hair look natural with high density owing to placing the follicles individually. Moreover, the recovery is very short.
Robotic Hair Transplant
In the processes performed with this method, also known as needle-free hair transplant, no needles are used, there is no incision or scar, as in other methods. Instead, with local anesthesia, healthy and strong hair follicles are transferred using microsurgery or laser equipment. Therefore, it doesn’t leave a scar, the healing process is quite short.
Percutaneous Hair Transplant
The biggest feature that distinguishes the percutaneous hair transplant method from others is the special blade used during the opening of the channels where the hair follicles are placed. Thanks to this blade, holes can be opened according to the direction and root of the hair. Thus, while a natural appearance is obtained, the possibility of hair follicles slipping is also eliminated.
Choosing Hair Transplant Center
The choice of the hair transplant center directly affects the outcome of the operation. Because of many centers in Turkey and especially in Istanbul, people may have difficulty in making decisions.
So, it’s recommended to follow the steps:
- Priority should be given to hospitals and medical centers. At these places, the team is experienced, the staff is grande and more operations are done. Also, more services are offered to patients.
- It’s important to do short research before going to the center. This allows the patient to better understand the services and ask the right questions.
- The website and social media accounts of the health center should be examined, and the comments of patients should be taken into consideration; reference has huge importance.
- The detailed questions should be asked. It’s important to clarify the issues on duration, session, and post-operative process.
The Best Time for Hair Transplant
There’s no exact period; hair transplant can be done at any time. However, the points to be considered in summer and winter are different.
If it’s performed in the summer, it’s necessary to avoid the sea, pool, and sun for 10 days. However, hair can retain moisture in the summer, so it can renew itself quickly. But, sweat negatively affects the treated area.
If it’s performed in the winter, the sea, pool, sauna, etc. must be avoided. It’s also important to protect the sensitive scalp from the cold and to keep it moist. So, a cotton hat can be preferred.
Besides, if there is a seasonal hair loss, the doctor creates a treatment plan by considering this situation. Within this plan, no operation is performed during the hair loss period.
Bad Candidates for Hair Transplant
The bald and donor areas are examined before the hair transplant process. This operation may not be performed if the roots in the donor area (including the body parts) are insufficient or the bald area is not suitable.
Other important factors are some chronic diseases and allergic reactions. Although this risk-free procedure, people with kidney and liver failure, and heart and diabetes may not be suitable. Apart from these, anesthesia-related problems are matter.
Age Limit for Hair Transplant
As with all medical operations, the age of 18, where the tissue and bone structure mature, is critical. In terms of general health, hair transplant isn’t possible before this period. Despite this, exceptions can be made for hair loss after trauma.
Besides, the problem that’s called male pattern baldness generally occurs between the ages of 21 and 40. For this reason, the ideal age for the procedure is considered to be after 21.
After Hair Transplant
- After the hair transplant the operated area must be protected from the sunlight. Sun damages the sensitive area and hair follicles. The first 10 days, if it’s necessary to go out, it’s recommended to use a hat or bandana.
- Sea, pool, bath, sauna, heavy sports, etc. that can cause sweating and fluid contact, should be avoided.
- After the operation, aspirin, supplements, and vitamin E should not be used for a few weeks.
- After the operation, it’s healthier to sleep in a half-lying position.
- After the hair transplant, no products other than creams and ointments that doctor prescribed, should be applied.
- The operated area shouldn’t come into contact with water after the operation. The first wash is made by the medical team 2 days after the hair transplant. Afterward, washing can be done with the products and methods recommended by the doctor.
- Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided for 2 weeks after the operation, as this may adversely affect recovery time.
- The blow dryer should not be used in the first month.
- The scissors should be preferred in case of a need for shortening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair transplant methods are basically divided into FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) and Robotics. These methods can also be branched.
There’s no ideal time. However, the points to be considered in winter and summer are different. It’s necessary to decide after focusing on these differences.
The procedure isn’t suitable for people with heart and diabetes, kidney and liver failure. The donor area quality is also important.
Operation time varies on the method and patients’ needs, but it takes an average of 6-9 hours.
The number of sessions varies depending on the needs of the patient. However, one-session operation can be enough.
Although it varies from person to person, the hair grows 1 – 2 mm in the first 2 months, and then shedding occurs. With the 4th month, hair grows permanently.
Hair transplant doesn’t affect normal life: It’s possible to return to the daily routine immediately after the operation.
The scabs fall out in the first 10 days depending on the skin structure and the maintenance to the operation area.
It’s important not to sleep on back for the first 2 weeks, after this process it’s possible to start sleep on back with the approval of the doctor.
