What to Expect After Hair Transplantation Surgery
For those searching for a treatment for thinning hair, hair transplantation is an excellent solution. Like any surgery, we encourage researching the procedure and the doctor, but what most people fail to prioritize is the importance of post-operative care. Below we've detailed everything you should expect after hair transplantation surgery.
Procedure options.
There are two different of methods of hair transplantation and you’ll need to decide which one is right for you.
FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a technique which involves extracting individual hair from donor areas and using it to restore hair in balding spots. The process is relatively tedious and time-consuming.
FUT
Follicular Unit Transplant uses larger strips of skin and hair to cover more significant bald spots including the crown area. This is ideal for those who need to cover large areas of hair loss.
Speaking with one of our hair restoration consultants can help you determine which option is the best for you.
The Hair Transplant Procedure
Regardless of the method you choose, hair transplant procedures are a multi-step process. In the first step, your doctor will design a suitable hairline based on your previous hairline, so it looks as natural as possible.
Next is a preparation of the donor hair. This step works by removing hair from either the back or side of your head or neck. These areas are perfect donor areas as they are not affected by pattern baldness and grow back easily.
With FUT, the donor’s hair is sewn together and stitched into your scalp. If you choose FUE, individual hairs are removed and placed in their new position. Within a week to ten days after your surgery, the stitches from the strip are removed, and the transplanted hair will begin growing with your natural hair growth cycle. In a few weeks, the transplanted hair will fall out, and your new hair will replace it.
What You Can Expect After the Surgery
After the procedure, it’s quite common for individuals to experience mild shedding. This shedding is usually the result of the trauma your scalp has undergone in surgery and is a normal part of the healing process. As your scalp recovers, your hair follicles will begin to grow back. This process isn’t a quick one, and it can take many months before you see dramatic improvement.
Patience is a key factor in any successful transplantation procedure. As your scalp and hair follicles begin to regrow, it can take up to a year before you will be able to cut, dye, or style your hair as before.
Sometimes, a second procedure is required. Particularly if you’ve received your transplant too soon, as balding can continue to take place. Your doctor might recommend a follow-up procedure to help phase out any further patches that have occurred. However, this process isn’t usually suggested until months, possibly years after the first transplantation. The possibility of a second procedure is usually discussed in your initial consultation with your doctor.
If you think hair transplantation might be right for you give us a call at 615-329-3900. For a limited time only, when you sign up for a consultation, you will receive $250 off your hair restoration procedure.