Everything you need to know about hair transplantation
Hair transplantation can be defined as a surgical operation carried out using different techniques to restore lost or thinned hair to its former appearance. This surgical operation called hair transplantation, is common in our country and the rest of the world with people who are uncomfortable with their appearance and lacking in self-confidence. Hair is widely accepted to be one of the most crucial parts of our appearance and aesthetics. Many people want to possess healthy and thick hair; but men and women alike face hair loss and hair thinning due to genetics, age, hormonal factors, stress, air pollution, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and so on. The biggest factor in male baldness is genetics, while the biggest factors for women are hormonal, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as B12 or iron. In the present day, these issues can be resolved with hair transplantation techniques.
Preparing for a hair transplant
It is very important to discuss with your doctor beforehand about which technique fits you, whether you meet the conditions, and to learn about the healing process and the risks involved. The pre-operative process begins with the patient submitting a request to the doctor. This will be followed by: Choosing a Surgeon Because hair transplantation surgery is meticulous, it must be carried out by experienced surgeons, to be successful and avoid unnecessary correction operations. You may get in touch with your surgeon to learn about the technique they will be using.
What to consider before hair transplantation
During the time before a hair transplantation, your doctor may suggest some rules that you need to follow, such as the following: Do not consume anything, including water, the night before the surgery. If you smoke, consult your doctor about quitting or reducing the amount you smoke. In the week leading up to the surgery, make sure to follow a healthy diet and do not consume alcohol. Tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, and supplements you've been using recently. For example, some medications (such as aspirin) can cause bleeding after surgery. For this reason, you should strictly follow your doctor's recommendations. As such, medications that can slow blood clotting and medications prohibited by your doctor should not be used. Do not use any hair products such as sprays, gels or etc. for your hair. Do not do heavy exercises the day before your hair transplant procedure. For the day of the operation, try to wear comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing.
How long does the hair transplantation operation take?
The duration of a hair transplant can differ based on the technique used and the region that will be operated on. The operation is expected to last 4 to 6 hours. Most commonly, the patient is discharged after the operation and sent home to rest. What to consider after hair transplantation Recovery time after hair transplantation varies according to the person and the type of surgery. The recovery time of the patients after the operation differs according to the technique used by the doctor and how qualified they are. Here are some suggestions for those who want to recover in a short time and continue their daily life: Avoid heavy activities and intense exercises because they make you sweat. It is very important to protect the areas that transplantation was performed on. We recommend washing the hair three days after the operation. The transplant area should be carefully protected from the sun. We recommend not driving following the operation. Pain and edema may appear in the period following the operation. For this reason, regular use of painkillers may be required. Patients should be careful of the transplant area while sleeping. For this reason, patients are advised to lie on their back. Although the risk is lessened on the 4th day following the operation, and once again on the 15th, it does not fully disappear. Depending on the type of operation, the rate of new hair growth is 30% in the first three months. It rises to 60% in the following sixth month and to 100% within one year from the date of operation. Of course, you need to be patient in this process. The growth of new hair may vary depending on age, lifestyle, and genetic factors. You should stay away from places such as saunas, solariums and bathhouses for a while. You also should not cut or dye your hair for a time. In addition, abnormal crusting can be seen on the scalp. In the first month following hair transplantation, the hair begins to coalesce. It is very important to use the hair products recommended by your doctor after the operation.
Who isn’t suitable for a hair transplant?
Hair transplantation is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations in the world. The most widely used FUE method is an operation suitable for anyone over the age of 18. However, the procedure may not be as fruitful if the patient also suffers from skin disease in addition to hair loss. Thus, patients suffering from other diseases or issues must first resolve those first. For hair transplantation, there should be no physiological diseases and there should be sufficient healthy donors. Is there an age cap on hair transplantation? Hair transplantation is not considered suitable for patients under the age of 18 due to the continuation of the developmental period.
Is the hair transplantation operation risky?
Like every other operation, hair transplantation carries certain surgical risks. However, the risk rate of hair transplantation performed by an experienced staff is extremely low. It should also be considered whether the patient is allergic to local anesthesia.