Many people experience problems with the early onset of hair loss. This is quite a common problem with various solutions available. Hair loss may result in poor morale or low self-esteem issues due to the stigmatization of premature hair loss. Dr. Paul M Pearce is a renowned hair loss specialist with vast experience and expertise in hair loss conditions. More about hair transplant procedures are discussed further below.
What are Hair Transplants?
These are procedures that aim at replacing lost or thin hair with hair from another area of the body. This procedure occurs in your physician’s office.
The doctor first cleans off your scalp and injects medicine that aims to numb the back of your head. The transplant will then be done using one of two methods. These are follicular unit extraction or follicular unit strip surgery.
The FUSS method involves the surgeon removing a nearly six-inch skin strip from the back of your head. This strip is set aside while the scalp is closed. The hair around it hides the sewn area. The doctor and his team divide the removed scalp strip into about a thousand tiny grafts that have a hair or a few hairs. Your hair type, color, quality, and size of the transplant area determine the type and number of grafts you can get.
The FUE procedure begins with the medical team’s shaving of the back of your scalp. Hair follicles are removed one by one by your doctor. The area heals, leaving small dots that the incoming growing hair will cover.
Both procedures then take the same turn as the surgeon cleans and numbs the implantation area. They create slits or holes with a needle or scalpel, then carefully insert each graft into the tiny holes. The whole medical team may get involved in inserting the grafts.
The procedure takes about six hours, depending on the transplant size. For results with thicker hair, follow-up procedures may be required.
Recovery may require pain medications for a few days due to the tenderness of the scalp. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also taken, and work can resume within five days after the operation.
After about three weeks, the transplanted hair falls out, with new growth becoming noticeable after several months. Many patients experience most of the expected new hair growth after around six months.
Your surgeon may prescribe Hair-growing medications like minoxidil to enhance hair growth after transplantation.
This surgery, like many others, includes several risks like infection and bleeding. Cases of unnatural-looking new hair growth and scarring are also typical. Swelling or conditions of the hair follicles like folliculitis may occur when the new locks begin to grow. These are relieved through compresses and antibiotics. Shock loss that involves the sudden loss of hair around the area implanted may happen, although it is rarely permanent.
Your physician will discuss all the benefits and risks of getting this procedure done. This will help you make an informed decision.
Premature baldness may be bothersome to many people, and this operation may be able to restore some confidence in their looks. Visit us online or call our Austin, TX offices for any hair transplant inquiries.
