The procedure for a hair transplant typically involves the following steps:
Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon. During this appointment, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will evaluate your hair loss pattern, examine your donor area (where the hair follicles will be harvested), and determine if you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant.
Pre-operative preparation: If you decide to proceed with the surgery, you will be given pre-operative instructions. These may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, stopping smoking, and washing your hair thoroughly before the procedure.
Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the scalp. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, oral sedation or intravenous medications may be administered to help you relax.
Donor hair harvesting: The surgeon will choose the appropriate technique for donor hair harvesting, either FUT or FUE, based on your specific situation.
a. FUT (Strip method): If you are undergoing FUT, the surgeon will remove a strip of scalp from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the head. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples, leaving a linear scar that can be concealed by surrounding hair.
b. FUE: If you are undergoing FUE, the surgeon will use a micro-punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area. This is done in a scattered pattern to minimize the visibility of extraction sites. There will be small, dot-like scars that typically heal and blend in with the surrounding hair.
Graft preparation: Once the hair follicles are harvested, the surgical team will carefully dissect them into individual follicular units under a microscope. Each unit will contain one to four hairs, depending on the natural hair grouping.
Recipient site creation: The surgeon will make tiny incisions or recipient sites in the balding or thinning area of the scalp. The placement and angle of these incisions are crucial to ensure natural-looking results.
Graft placement: The dissected follicular units are then meticulously placed into the recipient sites created by the surgeon. The surgeon may vary the density and distribution of the grafts to achieve the desired outcome.
Post-operative care: Once the grafts are placed, the surgeon will provide post-operative instructions for care and maintenance. This may include guidelines for washing your hair, avoiding strenuous activities, and using prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers.
Recovery and follow-up: The recovery period varies from person to person, but most individuals can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week. Over the following weeks and months, the transplanted hairs will shed, but new hair growth should begin within a few months. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
It's important to note that the specifics of the hair transplant procedure can vary depending on the surgeon's technique, the extent of hair loss, and individual patient factors. It's best to consult with a qualified hair transplant surgeon who can guide you through the process and provide personalized care.