How Is Hair Transplant Operation is applied? How Long Does Recovery Take?

Although many people use the term hair transplant surgery, hair transplant operations are considered as non-surgical restoration processes. Unlike normal surgery, only local anesthesia is applied during the operation. The main purpose of a hair transplant operation is to solve the hair loss problem. In addition to hair loss, hair implants can be applied to the beard, mustache, and eyebrows. While the majority of patients consist of men, women are choosing eyebrow transplant operations as well.

Generally, patients have numerous questions regarding hair transplant. We have gathered some important questions that are commonly asked by patients. This way, patients can learn about the procedure and know what they should expect in this process.

Is Hair Transplant Surgery Permanent Solution for Hair Loss?

First, the most popular question out there is about whether hair transplant surgery is permanent. In a hair transplant, hair is received from the patient and implanted to the affected area. Since the hair is collected from the most durable part of the scalp, which is the back of the head, the chances for newly implanted hair to fall down is minimum.

Generally, after one/one and a half year, hair starts to grow permanently in the transplanted area. Transplanted hair has the same characteristics as the patient’s hair. So, there is no problem with color matching or strength.

Which Steps Are Followed in Procedure?

Another common question is how does hair transplant surgery is made. Well, it depends. There are different methods. For that reason, each procedure is different from one another. Let’s consider two of the most popular methods.

FUE or follicular unit extraction is a method where hair grafts are collected from the back of the head. The grafts are collected one by one with minimum damage to the donor area. After that collected hair is transplanted to the recipient area, which is the area with hair loss. During both steps, special tools are used and local anesthesia is applied to the donor and recipient area. FUT or follicular hair transplant method is similar to FUE. But in this method, hair strips are taken with incision and transplanted. The only difference is in FUT, there is the need for sewing and recovery often takes longer.

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

In FUE method, full recovery takes a couple of months. But hair growth will be completed in approximately one year. During recovery, in the first couple of weeks, the crusts in donor and recipient areas will fall. In this period, it is important to follow the instructions of the doctor.

After that period, there will be hair loss which is called shock loss. Shock loss is normal and there is nothing to be worried about. When shock loss period is complete, the hair will start to grow. At first, hair growth will be irregular. Normal hair growth will start in approximately one year. Patients shouldn’t worry and be patient to see the results.

What Should Patients Be Careful About After Operation?

After hair transplant surgery, patients should protect the transplanted area from external damages and forces. For the first couple of days, special bandages are worn to prevent all damages. Also, wearing hats are forbidden for a certain period to avoid damages on grafts.

Additionally, patients should use special shampoos and creams while washing their hair. They need to follow the washing instructions of the doctor not to damage transplanted hair. When these instructions are followed, the results will be successful.