If you are looking over the internet to know about the exogen phase of hair growth, then you might be thinking of a hair transplant. Well, before you opt for a hair transplant, you must know some basics about the process and the associated things. After all, it is always better to gauge the water before springing into it. Therefore, let us take a look at some of the basics before you opt for a procedure.
Who needs a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is ideal for people experiencing significant hair loss or thinning. Men with male pattern baldness are common candidates, especially if they have bald patches or a receding hairline. Women with thinning hair or those who have lost hair due to medical conditions can also benefit from a hair transplant. Individuals who have lost hair from injuries or burns may be suitable candidates as well.
The procedure works best for those with healthy hair on the sides or back of the scalp, as this hair is often used for the transplant. People considering this treatment should be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Hair transplants may not be suitable for individuals with widespread baldness or those with certain medical conditions that affect hair growth.
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is a way to treat hair loss by moving hair from one part of the scalp to another. It involves taking skin with hair and grafting it onto bald or thinning areas. This procedure can also help areas with trauma, such as injuries or burns.
Hair loss may occur due to male pattern baldness, scalp injuries, or inflammatory diseases like lupus or lichen planus. These conditions can create permanent hair loss, and hair transplants can be a solution. Around the world, most hair transplants are done for male pattern baldness. However, this surgery does not stop future hair loss. Since baldness can continue over time, some people may need to combine surgery with treatments like medication. It’s important to talk to a doctor about these options.
Know Before You Act
Before deciding on hair transplant surgery, it’s important to manage your expectations. If you have little hair to begin with, the transplant won’t give you a full head of hair. The results are generally better for people with thicker and lighter-colored hair. After the procedure, it may take up to nine months for the new hair to grow and fill in properly.
You should also consider the cost, as cosmetic surgeries are often not covered by health insurance. However, if hair loss is due to burns or trauma, insurance may cover the procedure. It’s important to ask your doctor about any out-of-pocket expenses. Moreover, if you smoke, the risks of complications increase, so quitting before surgery is a good idea. Keep in mind that you might need ongoing medical treatments even after the hair transplant.
Types Of Transplant
Hair transplant surgery involves different techniques, and your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your specific condition. A common method is the hair transplant graft, performed under local anesthesia. Each session can last from two to eight hours, depending on how many hair follicles are transplanted. Usually, between 1,000 to 2,000 follicles are transplanted, but larger bald areas may need up to 4,000 follicles in a single session. Some people require multiple sessions for better coverage. During the procedure, hair from the donor area is trimmed and then removed using instruments like a punch or scalpel. These hair sections are then transplanted to the desired bald area.
In more extensive cases, flap surgery may be needed. This involves growing additional skin using tissue expanders before the bald area is removed and replaced with hair-bearing skin. Scalp reduction surgery, another method, treats bald areas by cutting out a section of bald skin and stitching the scalp together.
Post-Process Issues
How you feel after a hair transplant surgery depends on how much work was done. Many people experience bruising and swelling around the treated areas. You may also notice some numbness, along with a throbbing or painful sensation in your scalp. A tight feeling in the scalp is common as well. After the surgery, you will likely need to wear dressings or bandages for a couple of days. Sometimes, a pressure bandage is used to help with healing. Small scabs may form across the areas where the surgery took place.
During the alopecia hair growth stages, new hair will begin to grow in the transplanted areas. This process takes time, and it can be months before you see noticeable results. The healing and hair growth after surgery follow a gradual pattern, with new hair eventually filling in the previously bald or thinning spots.
Alternatives To Know
There are several non-surgical options for dealing with hair loss. One option is using prescription medications, like creams, to encourage hair growth. Another choice is wearing wigs, hairpieces, or extensions to cover thinning areas or bald spots. These provide a simple way to improve the look of your hair without surgery.
Some people also find comfort in accepting hair loss as a natural part of aging. Speaking with a counselor or psychologist can help you address any concerns about your appearance. Over time, you may come to feel more confident in how you look, embracing the changes without the need for treatments.
