All You Need to Know about Hair Transplant
Hair loss is a common problem these days. It is common in both men and women. Men are seen to suffer from male pattern baldness. In men, hair fall leads to a receding hairline which is upsetting. Females too are opting for hair transplant surgery for a denser hairline.
There are some remedies and medicines for countering this problem, but they don’t guarantee results. The application of vitamins, topical treatments, shampoos, and conditioners don’t show effective results. Thus, for someone looking forward to improving scalp health and getting their hair in the best condition possible, hair transplant surgery counts be a fruitful remedy.
Be it, men or women, baldness often results in embarrassment and takes a toll on one’s mental health. But, it doesn’t have to be anymore, because the solution is amazingly phenomenal. Hair transplant for women can now help women achieve their thick and lengthy locks back.
How Is Hair Transplant Done?
Hair transplant is a procedure that battles baldness using existing hair. Healthy hairs are used to cover regions that are thinning, receding, or balding.
The transplanted hair grows in a completely new environment. In this process, the hair follicles are implanted from the donor area located on the patient’s scalp. Once inserted, the hair continues to grow throughout the patient’s lifetime.
During the process, the doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the area, and sometimes it requires extra sedation. This is necessary to minimize pain and ensure maximum comfort. Most people recover in a few days. Moreover, the pain minimizes easily and is managed by simple analgesics.
How Many Grafts are Required?
Hair grafts are taken from behind the head and then transplanted to areas where the hair is required to grow. Different facilities offer different estimates of the number of hair grafts needed.
The major areas where people lose hair are the hairline and crown. Different people require different amounts of grafts. Hair density also varies between individuals. Hence, the total number of grafts required differs individually. Texture also determines the requirement of grafts.
Generally, approximately 800-3600 grafts are transplanted in a session. This is again dependent on donor supply and recipient area. In two or more sessions, 5000 or more grafts are transplanted.
Note: One graft is required to grow 2-5 hairs.
Medications After Hair Transplant
The two significant medications required after a hair transplant are:
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Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair growth.Its vasodilator nature prevents hair loss.
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Finasteride
Finasteride is recommended to battle hair loss. It also helps in treating benign hyperplasia in men.
Post-transplant Routine
The initial weeks after a hair transplant requires extra attention, along with care. Here are some DOs and DON’Ts.
Give These a Miss:
- Refrain from wearing hair covers, caps, or scarves
- Avoid any kind of contact with the scalp regularly
- Don’t rub your hair unnecessarily
- Don’t indulge in strenuous activities
- Don’t splash around
- Keep yourself away from bulky exercises
- Say “no” to sports that involve physical touch. Example: Rugby, Football, etc.
Practice These Tips:
- Let the grafts stay hydrated and moist for a minimum of 4 to 5 days
- Apply a saltwater spray to wet the hair
- Keep the head safe from rough surfaces
- Do not overexpose to sunlight or rain
What Happens to Hair Grafts during Transplantation?
Once the grafts are extracted, they are transferred into a fluid so that they retain their moisture. After the grafts are pulled out, the ones required will be replanted to the bald region. This is the area (recipient site) where the grafts will grow. Usually, the transplanted hairs are moved to places like the mid-scalp, crown, or hairline. Then, the doctor needs to create tiny holes at the recipient sites. These holes are around 1mm in diameter. At last, your doctor will transfer the grafts one by one to every single hole. This process requires skills and expertise and should be done accurately.
How Long Do Grafts Take to Seal?
Hair grafts remain nascent and weak when transferred to a new site. So, it requires a few days to seal. This entire process takes at least 14 days to ensure the hair grafts become secure at the new site. At this point in time, your scalp recovers, and eventually, grafts settle in the new growth area.
What Happens to Hair Grafts after the Transplant?
Once the grafts are transplanted successfully, they start rooting in. After 14 days, they become fixed in the scalp. Once this happens, the dangers related to them being dislodged pass. But, after 3-4 weeks, the transplanted hair falls out. This does not indicate failure of hair transplant surgery. This is an indication that the growth of new hairs will commence soon. Since grafts are taken from the already existing hair, they are regrown quickly.
Usually, the chances of complications are less. Above all, if patients take extra precautions and strictly follow measures, the hair grafts lead to new hair growth in a little while. Be extra careful with the aftercare and medications, so that hair grafts grow into new hairs.
Conclusion
Hair loss wouldn’t be a problem any more thanks to the possibility of hair transplants for women. To get a transplant done and regain your natural hairs, book an appointment with the Skin and Hair Academy. A member of our team will discuss your hair transplant surgical needs. We will also guide you on the approximate number of grafts that would offer results. To know more, contact us today!