Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of hair follicles from one part of the body (typically the back or sides of the head, known as the donor area) and transplanting them to areas with thinning or no hair (the recipient area). Here are the basic steps of a hair transplant procedure:
- Consultation and Evaluation:
- Meet with a qualified hair transplant surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history.
- The surgeon will assess your hair loss pattern, donor hair availability, and overall scalp condition to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia is administered to numb both the donor and recipient areas, ensuring that you remain comfortable during the procedure.
- Donor Hair Extraction:
- The surgeon uses a specialized technique (Follicular Unit Extraction – FUE or Follicular Unit Transplantation – FUT) to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area.
- FUE involves harvesting follicles one by one using a micro-punch tool.
- FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and then dissecting it into individual follicular units under a microscope.
- Graft Preparation:
- Extracted hair follicles are carefully cleaned, sorted, and prepared for transplantation.
- Follicles are grouped into natural clusters (follicular units) to mimic the natural hair growth pattern.
- Recipient Site Creation:
- Tiny incisions or recipient sites are made in the balding or thinning areas of the scalp.
- The surgeon follows the natural hairline and direction to ensure a natural-looking result.
- Graft Placement:
- The prepared hair follicles are delicately placed into the recipient sites by the surgeon or their team.
- Attention is paid to the angle, depth, and placement of each graft to achieve a seamless and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- After the transplant, the surgeon provides instructions for caring for the transplanted area and donor area.
- Medications (such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs) might be prescribed to prevent infection and minimize swelling.
- Healing and Recovery:
- Over the next few days and weeks, the transplanted hair follicles will settle into their new location.
- The transplanted hair typically falls out within a few weeks, but the follicles remain in place, and new hair growth will begin within a few months.
- New Hair Growth:
- New hair growth usually starts around three to six months after the procedure.
- It takes about 12 to 18 months to see the full results of the hair transplant, as the hair gradually thickens and matures.
It’s important to note that hair transplant procedures can vary based on the specific technique used, the patient’s unique circumstances, and the surgeon’s expertise. It’s recommended to consult with a qualified hair transplant surgeon to get personalized information and guidance regarding your specific situation.