Hair Transplant FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide to Hair Restoration
Discover answers to commonly asked questions about hair transplant procedures, techniques, recovery, and results. Get expert insights and make informed decisions for your hair restoration journey.
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplant procedure takes hair follicles from the back and sides of the head and artfully transplants them to thinning or balding areas.
Will a hair transplant procedure hurt?
Although patients are administered local anesthetics and other medications, the degree of pain or discomfort experienced during or after the procedure varies according to the patient. We may supply patients with medication to use after the procedure, if needed.
Do you perform hair transplantation procedures on women?
Female hair loss is quite common. Though women typically lose hair in a different pattern than men do often thinning behind the hairline the treatment procedure is similar for both. Our web site explains more about hair loss in women.
How long will the surgery take?
This will depend on the number of grafts to be obtained and transplanted, and the method (FUT or FUE). Small sessions (several hundred grafts) typically can be done in about 4 hours; larger sessions (2500-3000+ grafts) can take all day (or two days with the FUE technique). You will be able to take breaks during the day.
How is the healing and recovery period?
There will be some redness and crusting where the grafts were placed that gradually resolves over the first few days and generally is undetectable by 8 or 10 days after the procedure. With FUT (strip) surgery, the donor area usually looks normal immediately after surgery. It takes about a week for the donor area scabs to heal after FUE surgery; also, unless you wear your hair at #2 length or shorter, it will be awhile before the hair in the donor area catches up to the hair elsewhere on your head.
When will I see any results?
After a dormant period of 3-4 months, you will begin to see some light growth. The transplanted follicles do not all start growing new hairs at the same time, so growth is very gradual. It takes a year or longer to get the result, but by 6-8 months there is usually enough hair to make a cosmetic difference.
Are there any complications or risks with hair transplantation surgery?
Infection occurrences after a hair transplant procedure are rare. In the few cases where infection does occur, it is often due to the patient’s failure to fully follow post-operative instructions. Even when infection occurs, it generally is easily treatable with antibiotics, which can be prescribed by the physician.
What does a hair transplant cost?
Like any cosmetic surgery procedure, the cost varies depending upon the extent of the surgery performed. Expect to spend several thousand dollars or more for a quality hair transplant, depending on the size of the area
Are hair transplants covered by insurance?
No, hair transplants are not covered by insurance.
I have a medical condition. Can I still receive a hair transplant?
Pre-existing medical conditions are always a concern of our doctor. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please mention at the time of your consultation.
How long does hair transplants last for?
Hair transplants are generally considered to be a permanent solution for hair loss. Once the transplanted hair follicles have been placed in the recipient site, they should continue to grow and function as normal hair follicles for the rest of the person’s life. However, it’s important to note that hair loss can still occur in other areas of the scalp that have not been transplanted, so it’s possible that the person may still experience some hair loss even after a successful hair transplant procedure. Additionally, some people may experience a condition known as “shock loss,” where some of the transplanted hairs fall out temporarily following the procedure. However, this is typically temporary and the hair will regrow in a few months. Overall, hair transplants can provide a long-term solution for hair loss, but it’s important to maintain a healthy scalp and hair care routine to help keep the transplanted hair healthy and strong.
What is the success rate of hair transplant?
The success rate of hair transplants is generally high, but it can vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of hair loss, the individual’s hair characteristics, and the technique used. In general, hair transplants have a success rate of around 95%, meaning that the vast majority of people who undergo the procedure are satisfied with the results.
Do hair transplants look natural?
Hair transplants can look very natural when they are performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon using modern techniques. The goal of a hair transplant is to restore the appearance of a full, natural-looking head of hair, and modern techniques such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) can produce very natural-looking results.
How many days rest after hair transplant?
The amount of rest and recovery time needed after a hair transplant procedure can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. In general, most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within a few days of the procedure, although it may take several weeks for the transplanted hair to fully grow in.
How should I sleep after hair transplant?
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery after a hair transplant procedure. In general, you should try to sleep in a semi-upright position (such as with two or three pillows) to keep your head elevated and to minimize swelling. This can help to reduce the risk of infection and to promote healing.
Should I have PRP treatment after hair transplantation?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a type of treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair growth. Some people choose to have PRP treatment after a hair transplant procedure to help improve the results and to promote faster hair growth.
PRP treatment involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm and then separating the platelets from the rest of the blood using a centrifuge. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the scalp in the area where the hair transplant was performed. The growth factors in the platelets are thought to stimulate the hair follicles and promote the growth of new hair.
Which shampoo is best for hair after hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, it’s important to choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse the scalp and hair. Sulfates can be harsh and drying, which can be damaging to the transplanted hair follicles and the surrounding scalp. Gentle, sulfate-free shampoos can help to keep the scalp and hair healthy and hydrated, which can be beneficial for the success of the hair transplant.
Is shock loss after hair transplant permanent?
Shock loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is a condition that can occur after a hair transplant procedure in which some of the transplanted hairs fall out temporarily. This can be a normal part of the hair growth cycle and is typically not a cause for concern.
In most cases, shock loss is temporary and the affected hairs will regrow in a few months.
Can a smoker get hair transplant?
Yes, people who smoke can get hair transplant procedures, but smoking can impact the success and healing of the procedure. Here are a few ways in which smoking can affect a hair transplant:
- Reduced blood flow: Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the scalp, which can slow down the healing process and make it more difficult for the transplanted hair follicles to take hold.
- Increased risk of complications: Smoking can increase the risk of complications following a hair transplant, such as infection, scarring, and poor wound healing.
- Poor results: Smoking can also interfere with the growth and appearance of the transplanted hair, leading to poorer results.
- Longer recovery time: People who smoke may also need a longer recovery time after a hair transplant procedure due to the negative impact of smoking on healing and blood flow.
When can you play sports after hair transplant?
In general, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities that could cause sweat or irritation to the transplanted area for at least the first few days after the procedure. This includes activities such as sports and exercise.
After the initial recovery period, you may be able to gradually return to your normal activities, including sports and exercise. However, it’s important to continue to protect the transplanted area from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture for at least a few weeks after the procedure. You may need to wear a hat or other protective head covering when engaging in activities that could cause sweating or exposure to the sun.
It’s also important to continue to follow a healthy scalp and hair care routine to help keep the transplanted hair healthy and strong. This may include using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoiding harsh styling products, and avoiding tight hairstyles that could put unnecessary strain on the transplanted hair.