Hair Transplantation: Know the Methods, Pros & Cons

 

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure of hair restoration that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the donor area, to another part of the body where there is significant hair loss or is bald, known as the recipient area. The most common method of hair transplant is called Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. For expert insights on these, follow Doctube.

Methods of Hair Transplantation 

1) Follicular Unit Transplantation or FUT

i) Donor Area

In FUT, a strip of skin with hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp. These areas are genetically resistant to balding.

ii) Follicle Preparation

The strip of skin is then dissected under a microscope to separate individual hair follicles into naturally occurring groups called follicular units (Bernstein, R.M., Rassman, W.R., Seager, D., Shapiro, R., Cooley, J.E., Norwood, O.T.T., Stough, D.B., Beehner, M., Arnold, J., Limmer, B.L. and Avram, M.R., 1998. Standardizing the classification and description of follicular unit transplantation and mini‐micrografting techniques. Dermatologic surgery, 24(9), pp.957-961).

iii) Recipient Area

Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area where hair is thinning or bald. These incisions are strategically placed to create a natural-looking hairline and pattern.

iv) Transplantation

The prepared follicular units are then carefully transplanted into the recipient incisions.

2) Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE

i) Donor Area

Instead of removing a strip of skin, individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor area using a specialized punch-like instrument (Rassman, W.R., Bernstein, R.M., McClellan, R., Jones, R., Worton, E. and Uyttendaele, H., 2002. Follicular unit extraction: minimally invasive surgery for hair transplantation. Dermatologic Surgery, 28(8), pp.720-728.). The donor area typically includes the back and sides of the scalp but can also include body hair in some cases.

ii) Recipient Area

 Similar to FUT, tiny incisions are made in the recipient area where the follicles will be implanted.

iii) Transplantation

Individual follicular units are then transplanted into the recipient incisions.

 

After the procedure, patients usually experience a period of hair shedding and hair loss, but new hair growth typically begins within a few months, and the final results can take up to a year or more to fully manifest. Hair transplantation is generally considered a safe and effective way to address hair loss, but it is essential to choose a reputable surgeon and follow post-operative care instructions for the best outcomes.

Benefits of Hair Transplant

i) Improved Self-Confidence

One of the most significant benefits of hair transplant is the boost in self-confidence it provides. Hair restoration offers a natural hairline and a fuller head of hair can help individuals feel more attractive and self-assured. 

ii) Natural-Looking Results

Modern hair transplantation techniques, such as FUT and FUE, produce very natural-looking results (Seager, D.J., 2002, September. The “one-pass hair transplant”—a six-year perspective. In Hair Transplant Forum International (Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 173-196). Hair Transplant Forum International). Transplanted hair grows just like regular hair and blends seamlessly with existing hair.

iii) Permanent Solution

Hair transplantation offers a permanent solution to hair loss. The transplanted hair follicles are typically resistant to further hair loss, providing a long-lasting outcome.

iv) Low Maintenance

Hair transplant is effective as transplanted hair needs no particular special maintenance. Patients can wash, cut, style and treat their transplanted hair just like their natural hair.

V) Quick Recovery

While there may be some initial discomfort and a short recovery period, most patients can do their normal activities within a week after undergoing the hair transplant procedure.

vi) Minimal Scarring

FUE, in particular, leaves minimal, less noticeable scars at the donor site compared to the linear scar left by FUT (Bicknell, L.M., Kash, N., Kavouspour, C. and Rashid, R.M., 2014. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant harvest: a review of current recommendations and future considerations. Dermatology online journal, 20(3)). This allows for more flexibility in choosing short hairstyles.

vii) Suitable for Various Types of Hair Loss

Hair transplantation can address various types of hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness, alopecia areata and hair loss due to injury or surgery.

Hair Transplantation: Side-effects

i) Pain and Discomfort

After the hair transplant procedure, patients may experience some pain, discomfort or tightness in the donor and recipient areas. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by the surgeon.

ii) Swelling

Swelling of the forehead and around the eyes is common and usually temporary (Avram, M.R., Rogers, N. and Watkins, S., 2014. Side-effects from follicular unit extraction in hair transplantation. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 7(3), p.177). It may occur a few days after the procedure and typically resolves within a week.

iii) Bruising

Some patients may experience bruising in the donor and recipient areas, which usually subsides within a week or two.

iv) Infection

While rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient sites. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk and patients are typically prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.

v) Uneven Growth

In some cases, transplanted hair may not grow evenly or as expected, leading to an uneven appearance. Additional procedures may be required to address this issue.

vi) Numbness or Tingling

Temporary numbness or tingling in the donor and recipient areas is possible but usually resolves on its own.

vii) Cysts

Occasionally, small cysts may develop at the hair transplant site. These are typically benign and can be treated by a medical professional.

viii) Keloid Formation

In individuals with a predisposition to keloid scarring, there is a risk of excessive scarring in both the donor and recipient areas (Kerure, A.S. and Patwardhan, N., 2018. Complications in hair transplantation. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 11(4), p.182).

It is important to discuss potential risks and side effects with your chosen hair transplant surgeon during the consultation process. A qualified surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment before initiating the procedure, provide detailed information about the risks and benefits, and thereafter help you make an informed decision.

 

What is the best age for hair transplantation?

 

   

Hair transplants are usually recommended for individuals over the age of 25 as before this age, the hair loss process may not be complete.

 

 

What to initially avoid after the hair transplant procedure?

 

   

In the first week following the treatment, do not engage in swimming, heavy exercise, weight lifting or any other activities that may cause a lot of sweat as this may affect the scalp too.