A hair transplant represents a potentially life-changing opportunity for men and women the world over. For this reason, millions of people have chosen to undergo a hair transplant in Turkey. Hair transplants can provide life-long results to people suffering from hair loss. Since these results are permanent, it is important to ask several questions before choosing a treatment plan. Here are the top 5 questions to ask your hair transplant surgeon before your procedure.
Am I Eligible For A Hair Transplant?
Hair transplants are a viable option for a majority of people experiencing hair loss. However, not everyone will be a suitable candidate. The only way to know for sure if a hair transplant is an appropriate treatment for you is to get a full consultation with a hair transplant surgeon. With that said, there are a few core guidelines that can be followed.
The most important factor is to determine the exact cause of your hair loss. Hair transplants are most effective for patients experiencing pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
The number and quality of healthy donor hair follicles play a key role in the success of a hair transplant surgery. A patient must have a considerable area of healthy hair, this is typically taken from the back of the head, though in certain cases beard hair or body hair may also be used.
Your hair loss must have stabilized. Hair loss tends to continue for many years before reaching a stable point. Receiving a hair transplant prematurely may result in subpar results later in life.
What Method Of Hair Transplant Should I Choose?
The two most widely-used hair transplant methods today are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). These two have a great deal in common, and the best choice typically depends on a patient’s particular needs.
FUE Method
An FUE hair transplant extracts healthy hair follicles from the donor area. Grafts are removed both individually and in small groups before being temporarily stored in a special solution. Afterward, the hair transplant surgeon creates a series of shallow channels in the recipient area and implants the hairs.
DHI Method
During a DHI transplant, the hair follicles are all extracted one-by-one and are immediately placed into the recipient area. This allows for more consistency in the angle and direction of new hair growth.
When Will I See Results?
Hair transplants are outpatient procedures that typically last no more than 6 hours. However, it can take over a year for the final results to appear. A general timeline for recovery is as follows:
1-3 Days – Patients are advised not to touch, wash, or stress the hair. Keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity.
3 Days – Patients may begin washing their hair again, closely following all provided instructions.
7 Days – After a week, the grafts will have taken hold. Patients Should still avoid scratching the area.
1 Month – Patients will return to a pre-operative look.
3 Months – Over the first 1 to 3 months, it is normal for patients to experience “shock loss” where the new hair falls out. This is a normal part of the healing process.
6 Months – New hair growth will become visible.
12 months – Full results should be visible 12 to 18 months after the operation.
What Kind Of Results Should I Expect?
There are several factors that can affect a patient’s final outcome and no two people will have the exact same results. It is impossible to predict exactly how well the transplanted hair will take hold, though modern techniques have a regrowth rate of up to 98%. The main things to consider for each patient are:
Hair Texture – Thick, curly hair provides better results as fewer grafts are needed to reach full coverage.
Hair Color- More specifically the contrast between the hair and skin colour. Light hair and light skin (or dark hair and dark skin) will provide the best results.
Extent of Hair Loss- The ratio of healthy donor area to recipient area is crucial to a successful transplant.
Donor Area Density- The density of healthy hair is very important. A donor area with multiple follicular unit groupings will provide the best results.
How Long Will The Results Last?
Hair transplants are considered to be a permanent solution to hair loss. The hairs that are implanted are chosen to be the healthiest and most resistant to hair loss. However, nearly one-third of patients who undergo a hair transplant will opt for a second one within 10 years. This can be due to:
Continued thinning of hair outside of the original hair transplant recipient site due to age
Loss of hair shaft diameter due to age
Experiencing other environmental and genetic factors
Only your hair transplant surgeon can tell you what you will be able to expect.
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