Your Complete Guide to Hair Transplant Surgery

If you are considering a hair transplant, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the procedure. We will discuss what happens during surgery, how long it takes to recover, and the cost of hair transplants. We will also provide tips for choosing a qualified surgeon and preparing for surgery.

So whether you are balding and looking for a solution, or just want to learn more about hair transplants, keep reading!

What is a Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair transplantation is an outpatient and cosmetic surgery in which hairs are removed from one area of the scalp and transplanted to another area. This can be done to treat baldness or to improve the appearance of thinning hair.

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the hairs are typically taken from the back or side of the head. This is what hair transplant surgeons call a “Donor Site” which is a hair-bearing skin highly resistant to the DHT hormone that causes hair loss.

The individual hair follicles are then transplanted to the bald or thinning areas of the scalp to restore the hair.

Types of Hair Transplantation

There are two main types of hair transplantation: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT is the more traditional of the two procedures. It involves taking a strip of skin from the donor area, usually the back of the head. Then the surgeon carefully divides individual follicular units from the strip before transplanting them to the recipient area.

The donor area is then sutured to close the surgical incision which is several inches long. And finally, the hair follicles are implanted into the incisions in the recipient area.

Although FUT is more invasive it generally lasts between 4-6 hours to complete the entire procedure. One of the downsides of FUT is that it carries a greater risk of scarring and is more invasive.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

On the other hand, FUE is a newer technique that involves extracting individual follicular units from the donor area (back of the head). The doctor uses a special punch tool known as the Micro Motor to remove the hair grafts one by one. The grafts are then implanted into the incisions (canals) made in the bald areas.

The good thing is that there are no stitches with this type of hair transplantation, and patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

This method is less invasive, results in fewer scars, and enables the implantation of a bigger number of grafts. Depending on the degree of baldness and the number of grafts, FUE lasts around 5-8 hours.

The FUE hair transplant also has two newer variations known as the Direct Hair Transplant (DHI) and the Sapphire FUE.

Ultimately, the best hair restoration surgery for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What Does Hair Transplantation Treat?

A hair transplant surgery can be used to restore the hair on the scalp including the crown area, eyebrows, beard hair, and to fill in scars caused by accidents. It can also be used to fix a previously failed hair transplant.

What are the Benefits of Hair Transplant?

There are several benefits of a hair transplant:

• Restore hair for people suffering from genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
• Restores hairline and fills in balding spots.
• Add density to thinning hair.
• Improvement in appearance.
• Boosts self-confidence, and quality of life.
• Results in natural appearance and long-lasting hair.
• Transplanted hairs grow just like normal hair and can be styled, colored, and cut just like your own natural hair.
• The procedure is safe and effective with minimal side effects.
• Finally, it is an outpatient procedure, so there is no need for a hospital stay.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hair Transplantation Surgery?

If you are considering hair restoration surgery, it is important to consult with a doctor to see if you’re a good candidate. Candidates for hair restoration typically have:

• Overall good health and no medical history or suffering from any chronic diseases, heart problems, or kidney failure.
• The severity of their hair loss will be taken into consideration. If the person only has a small amount of hair loss, the surgery may not be necessary.
• Have enough healthy hair in the donor area.
• Those who have a receding hairline and wish to reduce the size of their foreheads.
• The person’s age will be taken into consideration. Hair transplantation can be done for anyone above 19 years old and who is suffering from baldness.
• Finally, if the person has a scalp condition that is causing hair loss, the surgery may not be effective. In some cases, it may need to be treated before the surgery.

How Much Does Hair Restoration Surgery Cost?

The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary widely, depending on factors such as:

• The size of the treatment area.
• The number of hair follicles required.
• The type of technique used.
• The doctor’s experience and reputation.
• And the country where it’s performed.

In general, however, patients can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 for a successful hair transplant procedure. Of course, the total cost will also depend on the surgeon’s fees and any additional costs associated with the procedure, such as anesthesia or post-operative care.

For many patients, however, the investment is well worth it, as hair transplantation surgery can have a profound impact on one’s appearance and self-confidence.

With that being said Turkey is a good choice for those looking for high-quality and much affordable prices. The average cost of a hair transplant in Turkey is between $1,500 and $3,000. This includes the cost of the surgery itself as well as the cost of lodging and transportation.

How to Prepare for a Hair Transplantation?

Before having a hair transplant, you’ll need to meet with a surgeon to discuss your goals and realistic expectations. The surgeon will also examine your scalp to assess your hair loss and whether you’re a good candidate.

If you are, the next step is to undergo a series of blood tests to make sure you don’t have an infection or other health condition that could complicate the surgery.

Once you have been cleared for surgery, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

• First, stop taking any medications that can thin your blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen a week before the surgery.
• You should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least a week before the surgery.
• Avoid smoking two weeks before your surgery.
• If you’re using any vitamins or supplements you should stop taking them a week before the operation.
• Finally, you should also abstain from drinking coffee or green tea for a week before your hair transplant.

How Many Sessions are Needed for Hair Transplant?

The number of sessions needed for a hair transplant depends on the extent of hair loss. For example, someone with a small amount of baldness may only need one hair transplant session. While someone with more extensive hair loss may need multiple sessions. The average number of sessions needed is 2-3, but this can vary depending on the individual case.

Generally, each session takes about 5-8 hours, and the intervals between sessions are typically 6 months. This allows the new hair to adjust to its new environment and begin growing.

What to Expect After Having a Hair Transplant Surgery?

If you’re considering a hair transplant, it’s important to understand the entire process from start to finish. That way, you can be prepared for what to expect after the surgery.

After the surgery is complete, you’ll need to take care of your transplanted area by keeping it clean and wearing loose clothing. Usually, two days after the surgery you will notice some swelling on your face which could be mild or severe. This will typically subside within 4-5 days by elevating your head while sleeping, drinking plenty of water and avoiding bending or walking for long distances.

You will also notice some crusts forming on the scalp which will fall out within 2 weeks. Most hair transplant clinics will offer a special medical shampoo and lotion to help soften the scabs and clean the scalp.

It’s also important to know that the transplanted hair will fall out within two to three weeks post-operation. This is normal and a part of the healing process. The new hair will begin to grow within 3 to 6 months, although it may take up to a year to fully see the results. With proper care, your transplanted hair should last a lifetime.

What is the Average Recovery Time After Hair Transplant?

The average recovery time after a hair transplant is around 10-14 days. However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone heals at different rates. Some people may experience some swelling and discomfort for the first few days after the procedure. But this is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within a week after a hair transplant. However, during this time it is important to avoid strenuous exercise and direct sunlight for the first month to give the grafts time to heal properly. Within a few months, most people will see significant new growth in their transplanted hair. The final results of the transplant will continue to improve for up to a year or more.

Hair Transplant Results Timeline

Generally, patients can expect to obtain results after hair transplant within 8-9 months. However, the hair growth rate may differ from someone to another. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect after a hair transplant:

• Two to three weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hair will fall out. This is part of the normal hair cycle, and it’s no cause for alarm.
• Three to four months after the procedure, new hair growth will begin to appear. At first, it may be very fine and brittle, but it will gradually thicken and length.
• Six to eight months after the procedure, you should see significant new hair growth.
• Nine to twelve months the hair continues to get thicker and fuller. For some people, the thickness and length of the hair may continue to improve for up to 18 months

Keep in mind that everyone heals at their own pace, so you may experience slightly different results. If you have any concerns about your progress, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Are Hair Transplant Results Permanent?

What makes a hair transplant the perfect solution to treat baldness is the permanency of its results. The hair grafts are taken from the donor site which is known for its ability to resist the DHT hormone that causes hair loss. Therefore, patients can enjoy their new hair for the rest of their lives.

If you notice some hair loss at some point in your life after the surgery, this is most probably seasonal shedding and the hair will grow back normally. Hair restoration surgeries are successful as long as the patient chooses the right place and follows the post-operative instructions.

Below you can see a hair transplant result of one of our previous patients after 10 years.

What are the Risks Associated with Hair Transplant Surgery?

A hair transplant has some potential side effects just like any other procedure. However, when it is performed by inexperienced doctors or if the patient doesn’t follow a proper care routine it can have some potential risks such as:

• Infection that can occur at the incision site or anywhere on the scalp.
• In rare cases, hair transplants can also lead to necrosis this can occur for different reasons such as depth of incisions or due to patients not following the post-op instructions.
• Permanent nerve damage.
• Raised scars especially when FUT is used by unprofessional doctors.

With any surgical procedure, there are always risks involved, but hair transplant surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon.

What are the Potential Side Effects of Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants are a popular way to combat hair loss and they can be highly effective. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure.

Some of the common and potential side effects of hair transplant are:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness of the scalp
• Itching and tingling
• Scabbing/Crusting
• Infection
• Scalp numbness
• Shock loss which is a temporary hair loss on either the donor hair or recipient sites.

How to Choose a Qualified Surgeon for Your Hair Transplant Surgery?

When it comes to hair transplant surgery, you want to be sure that you choose a qualified surgeon. There are a few things you can look for when choosing a surgeon.

• First, make sure that the surgeon is certified and the clinic is authorized by the Ministry of Health.
• Second, look for a surgeon who has long years of experience and a good track record in performing hair transplant surgeries.
• Find a surgeon who is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. This organization requires its members to adhere to high standards of ethical and professional conduct.
• Compare the work of the clinic/doctor by checking their before and after photos and videos.
• You can also ask the doctor for references from past patients, or look up reviews online.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you choose a qualified surgeon for your hair transplant surgery.

What is the Best Country for Hair Transplant?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best country for a hair transplant, such as the experience of the surgeon, the quality of the facility, and the cost. Some of the best countries for hair transplants include the U.S, the U.K, Turkey, South Korea, Mexico, India, Poland, Germany, and Spain.

However, Turkey has become a popular destination for hair transplants in recent years. This is due to the fact that it has some of the best surgeons in the world, as well as state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, hair transplants in Turkey are much more affordable than they are in other countries. As a result, Turkey is a great option for those looking for the best country for a hair transplant.