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Category: FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT)

Do Hair Transplants Work For African-American Hair?

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african-american hair transplant maxim

Hair transplants do work for African-American patients, and there are surgical and non-surgical options available for patients regardless of their ethnicity. This is because hair transplant procedures like FUE and FUT utilize the patient’s own, naturally growing hair as the donor tissue for the areas in which hair has thinned or loss has occurred.

Every patient poses unique challenges with regard to their hair loss, and the unique characteristics of each individual hair transplant patient’s hair follicles does play a role in determining how much coverage is possible through the procedures that are available. For African-American patients, the typically curly hair follicles present challenges for the doctor but also offer benefits not available to patients of other ethnic backgrounds.

The typically curly hair follicles of an African-American hair transplant patient make it possible for the hair transplant surgeon to cover a larger area without requiring more follicular unit grafts to be utilized. It is also easier to craft a natural-looking hairline since a straight or slightly curved hairline is in keeping with the preferred hairstyle of most African-American patients. These are substantial benefits for African-American patients undergoing surgical procedures like FUE or FUT.

Although African-American patients enjoy the aforementioned benefits when undergoing a surgical hair transplant procedure, it is important to note that there are also some challenges that these patients will face. The same qualities that provide greater coverage for the patient — thicker, curlier hair follicles — also make it more difficult for the doctor to remove each follicular graft without damaging the follicle. Hair transplant surgeons at MAXIM Hair Restoration centers in Manhattan, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas, Philippines; Dubai, generally recommend the strip method (FUT) for African-American hair transplant patients.  The hair transplant surgeons have to exercise much greater caution when excising the follicular units from the donor site, as there is an increased risk of damage to the root of the follicle that could lead to graft failure.

African-American hair transplant patients should therefore seek an experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeon with previous experience working with other patients with similar hair follicle characteristics. Even though there are additional challenges created by the thicker and curlier hair follicles, a skilled surgeon is more than capable of excising hair follicles in a way that ensures viability for transplantation into the recipient site.

Patients should ask for examples of hair transplants completed for previous African-American patients, as previous and successfully completed hair transplants will demonstrate that the doctor is familiar with the unique challenges posed by the typical characteristics associated with African-American hair.

Which procedure is best for African-Americans: FUT or FUE?

In most cases, the unique characteristics of the patient’s hair loss will determine the most ideal hair transplant procedure. Surgical options like FUT or FUE are usually considered in terms of the total amount of coverage required and the patient’s individual preferences regarding the recovery period associated with each. This is true for most African-American hair transplant patients as well, but the challenges associated with the removal of the donor tissue may dictate which procedure is most ideal.

Since African-American hair transplant patients tend to have thicker and curlier hair follicles, some doctors will recommend the FUT procedure in order to make it easier to secure the largest number of follicles without damaging the root of the follicle. This ensures that the follicular unit grafts are more likely to be viable for transplant once they are inserted into the incisions made in the recipient site. Other hair transplant doctors might argue that since the FUE procedure allows for the individual removal of follicular unit grafts, it is easier to account for the curvature of the root and ensure the viability of the graft for transplant.

Also at issue is the type of hairstyle usually preferred by African-American hair transplant patients. Most African-American males prefer a short, close-cropped hairstyle that would make it difficult to obscure the scar left behind by the FUT procedure. Since the FUE procedure is known as a no linear incision, no-suture option, patients do not have to worry about a visible scar being left behind as a result of undergoing the hair transplant procedure. Also, the thick, curly hair follicles offer better coverage than other types of hair follicles, which makes the FUE procedure a more viable option despite the limited number of grafts that can be transplanted during a single session of FUE.

What are the challenges with African-American hair transplants?

african-american Hair Follicle maxim

Prospective hair transplant patients all bring unique challenges that a hair transplant surgeon must be able to overcome. African-American hair transplant patients pose a challenge for hair transplant doctors due to the typical characteristics associated with their hair follicles, which tend to be thicker and tightly curled. The curvature of this type of hair extends into the root of the hair follicle, which makes it more difficult for a hair transplant doctor to remove for the purpose of transplantation into the recipient site.

The curvature of the root must be accounted for during the excision of donor tissue, otherwise the doctor risks damaging the root of the follicle in a way that could reduce the viability of the transplanted graft once it is transplanted into the surgical incision created in the recipient site. While the curvature of the hair is a challenge associated with hair transplant process, experienced doctors at hair transplant clinics in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, understand how to account for the unique characteristics of African-American hair follicles and can still create a natural-looking hairline and a thicker head of hair through the use of a surgical hair transplant procedure such as FUT or FUE.

African-American hair transplant patients are not limited to surgical options for hair restoration, as a number of non-surgical options could be effective in generating the permanent solution being sought by the patient. Patients who prefer to maintain a shorter hairstyle could be ideal candidates for scalp micropigmentation, a non-surgical procedure in which special pigments are inserted at a shallow depth just below the skin to replicate the appearance of naturally growing hair. This pigment can be inserted in a way that looks like stubble or short hair, which is ideal for patients who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle.

As is the case with every prospective hair transplant patient, it is best to consult with an experienced and highly skilled hair transplant surgeon before making any decision regarding a hair transplant or a specific hair transplant procedure. Each patient is unique and should be evaluated by a professional in order to determine the most ideal course of action based on their unique hair loss characteristics and their individual hair restoration goals. Most reputable hair transplant clinics offer free consultation, and these consultations can be performed in-person or, if it is more convenient for the patient, via a host of digital methods like email or videoconferencing.

What Can Go Wrong With Hair Transplant?

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There are few circumstances in which something can go wrong with a hair transplant, especially if the patient is in good health and follows the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by their hair transplant surgeon in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.  In the overwhelming majority of hair transplants, the end result should closely align with what was discussed during the initial consultation between the doctor and patient. It is also during this time that the doctor will be able to outline any potential issues that could arise due to circumstances unique to the patient. A relative lack of available donor tissue, for example, could make it difficult to deliver the appropriate degree of coverage in the recipient site.

Can a Hair Transplant Go Wrong?

It is very rare for an entire hair transplant to “fail,” but it is possible that a small percentage of the transplanted follicular units will not take root and will therefore not produce new hair growth. Skilled surgeons in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan,  are able to ensure this occurs with no more than five percent of the follicular unit grafts, with the majority of patients experiencing closer to a 100-percent success rate as a result of the transplant.

This is especially the case with surgeons who work with a team of nurses and surgical assistants, as desiccation is the most common reason for a follicular unit to fail. This occurs when the follicular unit grafts spend too much time outside of the body, which is why doctors use advanced technologies designed to preserve the follicular units and work with a team of medical professionals to ensure the procedure is performed in the most efficient manner possible.

It is worth noting that even though there is a difference between a “failed” transplant and one that does not meet a patient’s expectations, the cause is of little consolation to a dissatisfied patient. Fortunately, it is possible for patients who have experienced a “failed” hair transplant or can go wrong and to address any problems or to revise any issues associated with scarring.

Common problems with hair transplants

It is hardly accurate to refer to any problem with a hair transplant as “common” without adding a qualifier like “relatively.” With the continued advance of new technologies and procedures, hair transplants are remarkably effective and yield consistent, predictable results. This is especially true for patients who select an experienced doctor and a reputable hair transplant clinic.

The most common issue encountered during the hair transplant process has to do with factors outside of the control of the doctor, such as the availability of sufficient donor tissue. The problem is often exacerbated when a patient is seeking to achieve substantial coverage through a single hair transplant procedure, as it is simply not possible to cover large areas of the patient’s scalp without the availability of donor tissue.

Even though doctors in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan,  are able to obscure the visibility of the scar, patients who have undergone FUT procedures in the past sometimes wish to have the scar revised or corrected through an additional procedure. Patients who underwent an FUT procedure long before recent advances in medical technology or who wish to switch to a shorter hairstyle tend to be chief among those who seek scar revision procedures, as the horizontal scar left behind following an FUT procedure is now quite easy to cover up with the patient’s own, naturally growing hair.

The best way to address any potential problem with a hair transplant is to seek out the assistance of an experienced and reputable hair transplant surgeon who possesses a clear track record of success performing hair transplant procedures. This includes problems associated with a lack of adequate coverage or problems associated with a failed hair transplant in which far too many grafts failed to take root in the patient’s recipient site.

How to address problems with a hair transplant?

Patients with inadequate coverage but sufficient donor tissue available can easily address their hair transplant issue with additional sessions of FUE or FUT. Of course, patients requiring multiple sessions of hair restoration should have been informed of the need for more than one transplant right from the outset during the initial consultation process, but, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the result of their hair transplant due to the failure of the grafts to take root can also undergo additional sessions to achieve the coverage they initially sought, provided, of course, that there is sufficient donor tissue still available for use in future sessions. These patients should also seek out the expertise of an experienced hair transplant surgeon at a hair transplant clinic in Houston, New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, to identify the cause of the initial hair transplant failure in order to avoid a reoccurrence of the issue.

Can a hair transplant scar be revised or corrected?

Each and every patient who undergoes any medical procedure is unique and may therefore heal differently than others. This simple fact might cause the horizontal scar left behind by FUT to be more visible than they hoped, especially in patients who underwent FUT or other hair restoration procedures many years before medical technology made it possible to leave a far less noticeable scar behind. Patients with a visible hair transplant scar have several options available for hair transplant scar revision or correction, including each of the following:

The most effective course of action for hair transplant scar revision or correction will depend on a number of different circumstances, so it is always best for the patient to discuss the various options with a skilled hair transplant surgeon via an initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.  A scar that appears concave, for example, may be best addressed through the use of dermal fillers. A thick or raised scar may benefit most from a cortisone injection.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation 

Scalp micropigmentation is an increasingly popular option for hair transplant scar revision or correction, as this process is perhaps the most versatile and most effective of all the aforementioned options. This non-invasive, non-surgical option involves the injection of a specialized pigment at a shallow depth, which recreates the appearance of naturally growing hair and therefore obscures the scar so that it is no longer noticeable.

How does a good surgeon correct a wrong hair transplant?

Hair transplant procedures are designed with the goal of providing the patient with a natural-looking hairline and thick head of hair that restores a sense of self-confidence and improves the patient’s self-esteem. A bad hair transplant does not accomplish any of this, and in many cases will make the patient feel less confident than ever before. This is why it is so important to seek out the assistance of an experienced and exceptional hair transplant surgeon right from the beginning so that it is not necessary to consider how one can go about correcting a bad hair transplant.

Contact your Hair Transplant Specialist; MAXIM Hair Restoration

Patients who are dissatisfied with a bad hair transplant have many options available to them, all of which can completely transform a bad hair transplant into the exceptional hair transplant they sought in the first place. Assuming there is more than enough donor tissue available, a hair transplant surgeon at a reputable hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, can perform an FUE or FUT procedure to address the lack of coverage yielded by the first hair transplant.

These same procedures can be used to address issues associated with a hair transplant that does not appear as natural as it should, as a good hair transplant surgeon understands how to artistically craft a hairline so that it is so natural-looking that the transplanted grafts are indistinguishable from the patient’s own natural hair.

Some patients may have experienced additional hair loss since undergoing a hair transplant procedure, which can make a good hair transplant look bad. Although it is recommended that patients wait until their hair loss has stabilized before undergoing a hair transplant, it is sometimes the case that hair transplants are performed while a patient’s hair loss is still ongoing. A good hair transplant surgeon can use the FUT or FUE procedures to ensure that any new hair loss is properly addressed and that the original hair transplant procedure is corrected when it’s wrong.

What Does A Hair Transplant Scar Look Like?

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hair transplant scar maxim hair restorationAs patients enter the hair transplantation process, they bring a wide variety of questions and concerns that will help determine the most ideal course of action. Whether they are in Abu Dhabi or Chicago, the most common concerns expressed by patients have to do with their appearance, with many asking about the length of time before the final results of the hair transplant will be visible. Still other patients offer questions regarding the conspicuousness of the hair transplant, mostly out of a concern that there will be some kind of visual evidence of having undergone a hair transplant procedure. This concern extends to include worries over the possibility that any scarring from the donor site will be visible to others.

Does FUE Transplant is Causing Scar?

Fortunately, patients opting for an FUE or FUT procedure do not need to worry over a scar being visible to others. FUE transplant is considered a no linear scar technique, it should be noted that the procedure does leave a very small circular scar for each follicle. Patients opting for FUE often do so because of the fact that there will be no scarring left behind in the no-suture, no-scar process. This is why patients who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle often choose FUE over FUT. While the FUT procedure does involve the removal of a strip from the donor site, hair transplant doctors make sure that any scar left behind is easily covered by the patient’s existing hair. It is in this way that the patient is able to walk out of a hair transplant procedure will no visible scarring in the donor site.

Patients who have undergone the FUT procedure are left with a horizontal scar at the donor site, which is often located at the back of the patient’s scalp. The length of the scar can vary depending on the number of grafts needed to complete the procedure, and patients often undergo multiple sessions of FUT, which might involve the lengthening of the initial scar if that is the best option for concealment purposes. The scar that is left behind is very thin and is often no longer than a patient’s index finger. It is worth noting, however, that every patient heals differently, which has an impact on the appearance of the scar. The patient can do their part to make sure the healing process goes smoothly by closely following the post-operative care instructions provided by the doctor. In any case, the scar will be positioned in the most inconspicuous way possible to ensure that it is never visible to others.

Is the Hair Transplant Scar visible?

Hair transplant candidates have every right to express concern regarding the visibility of any scarring left behind by the available transplant procedures. During the patient’s initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in Manila, Abu Dhabi, Connecticut, Chicago, Dubai, and New York, it is essential that the doctor and patient discuss what each procedure entails and how the various methodologies might affect the specific patient. A prospective patient who wishes to keep their hair cut very short, for example, would very likely prefer the FUE procedure over the FUT procedure, as a close-cropped haircut would mean the horizontal scar left behind by the FUT procedure would remain quite visible. The FUE procedure, on the other hand, does not leave any visible scarring on the patient, even those with very short hairstyles.

There are many reasons why a patient will still opt for the FUT procedure over the FUE procedure, including the fact that the small, horizontal scar created during the procedure is easily covered up by the patient’s existing hair. Since the FUT procedure allows more grafts to be transplanted during a single session, patients who do not keep their hair very short can select this procedure knowing that the scar will never be visible to others unless the patient chooses to reveal it. During the FUT procedure, the doctor will select a donor site based on several factors that include the viability of the donor tissue and the ability to cover any scarring with the patient’s existing hair.

hair transplant hidden scar maxim hair restoration

Once patients have fully healed and have realized the results of their hair transplant, it is common that they experience difficulty even locating the scar on their scalp. When the hair surrounding the area grows back in and the scar has had time to completely heal, the scar itself blends in seamlessly with the rest of the scalp and will take some time for patients to find. The fact that patients cannot find their own scar underscores just how capable hair transplant surgeons are when it comes to ensuring the scar is never visible and does not reveal the fact that the patient has undergone a hair transplant procedure.

Does FUE Hair Transplant Have a Scar?

Perhaps the principal reason patients select the FUE procedure for their hair transplant is the fact that the no-suture, no-scar option encourages the continued use of a very short hairstyle. The reason the FUE procedure is able to accomplish this is the fact that doctors harvest the follicles from the donor site on an individual basis before transplanting the grafts into the recipient site. While the FUT procedure leaves a horizontal scar that has to be covered up by the patient’s remaining hair, the FUE procedure does not require the use of a strip to create the individual follicular grafts that will be utilized in covering up the areas affected by thinning hair or hair loss. This is a time-intensive process due to the need to remove each graft individually, which is why a single session takes longer than the typical FUT session while also yielding far fewer grafts.

While the FUE transplant is considered a no linear scar technique, it should be noted that the procedure does leave a very small circular scar for each follicle removed from the donor site. This scar, when it is even visible, is white in color and is so imperceptible that one would likely need magnification in order to locate any individual scar. For all intents and purposes, the FUE procedure is rightly considered a no linear scar technique and is an ideal option for patients who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle.

What is a Hair Transplant Scar Revision?

Unfortunately, the relatively recent advances in medical technology were unavailable to many hair transplant patients of years gone by, and many of these patients have scars that are more visible than they would like. It is also sometimes the case that doctors using outdated procedures will leave a patient with an unsightly scar, and some patients simply do not heal particularly well and find that their hair transplant scar is somewhat visible. Patients dealing with any of the aforementioned issues surely want to have their scar corrected so that it is no longer readily visible to others, which is why doctors have developed strategies aimed at successful scar revision.

A scar revision can refer to several different corrective options, including either excising the scar or changing the scar’s direction so it can be better covered by the patient’s existing hair. Excising the scarred area is often utilized to correct the scarring caused by old, outdated hair transplant methods, and it can be complemented by the use of cortisone (for thickened or raised scars), dermal fillers (for concave scarring) and dermabrasion (for scar tissue that is rough or abrasive). In addition to these options, patients with visible scarring can also utilize scalp micropigmentation. This procedure is available at MAXIM locations in Manila, Philippines, New York, Chicago, and Dubai, and is ideal for visible scars since it involves the injection of a follicle-like pigment into the scalp, obscuring the scar by replicating the patient’s originally occurring hair follicles. The procedure is also useful for patients who keep their hair cut very short but are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair.

WHAT DOES A HAIR TRANSPLANT INVOLVE?

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What is involved in Hair Transplant? Hair transplant procedures seem relatively uncomplicated on a superficial level, with most patients understanding that the procedure involves transplanting hair from one area of the scalp to any areas that have been most affected by hair loss or hair thinning. This is certainly accurate, but it leaves out much of what any hair transplant procedure involves from the pre-operative to post-operative stages. Perhaps it is most important to emphasize that a hair transplant involves a commitment on behalf of both the doctor and the patient to ensure the best possible outcome is realized through the use of the available hair transplant procedures.

At the outset, a hair transplant involves an initial consultation with the hair transplant surgeon. During this meeting at a hair transplant center in New York, Houston, California, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Manila, the doctor and patient will discuss the options that are available and how each option suits the needs of the individual patient. Once the ideal course of action is determined, the doctor will provide the patient with instructions regarding how to prepare for the procedure and what they can expect after the procedure’s completion.

What is Involved in Hair Transplant

As for the actual procedure, hair transplants involve a team of professionals that include a board-certified surgeon specializing in hair transplantation and restoration along with a staff made up of surgical assistants, medical assistants and registered nurses. The doctor and his or her staff will work in conjunction with one another to harvest the follicular unit grafts from the donor site and prepare them for transplantation in the recipient site. Depending on the procedure, the doctor may create the grafts by removing a thin strip from the donor site or may remove follicles individually for the purpose of transplantation. The former technique is associated with FUT, while the latter is associated with FUE.

Once the follicular units have been prepared, the doctor will begin transplanting the grafts into small incisions made in the recipient site. The doctor will have previously outlined the manner in which these grafts will be transplanted to ensure the patient is able to enjoy a natural-looking hairline as well as added volume and coverage. These transplanted grafts will fall out shortly after the completion of the procedure, but the root of each transplanted graft will begin to regrow in the recipient site a few weeks after the procedure’s completion. Most patients experience the full growth of their newly transplanted follicles after a period of six months, although the results will begin to be visible as soon as two or three months after the transplant session.

How does a hair transplant work?

The way in which hair transplants function is both fascinating and exceptionally effective. Armed with the knowledge that certain areas of the scalp are more prone to the adverse effects caused by the presence of DHT — the hormone responsible for triggering hair loss — doctors focus on the parts of the scalp that are most resistant to DHT and transplant hair follicles from the resistant areas to the areas already affected by DHT. The resistant hair follicles remain just as resistant to DHT once they are transplanted in the recipient site, making a hair transplant procedure a permanent solution for those affected by thinning hair or hair loss.

The way the process works begins with the harvesting of the hair follicles from the resistant donor site. After these hair follicles are harvested, the doctor from our surgery will begin creating the individual grafts that will be transplanted into the recipient site. Once the grafts are prepared, the doctor then arranges the grafts in a way that will appear entirely natural and will blend with the patient’s existing hairline. Although each of these transplanted follicles will fall out within a few days or weeks, the roots will remain securely in place and will eventually grow new follicles in the recipient site. This is how the patient is able to improve their hairline and add volume to their hair in the most natural-looking way possible.

Who performs a hair transplant?

Doctors from Manila to New York, of varying specializations perform hair transplant procedures, and each hair transplant doctor.. These doctors typically hold areas of specialization in general surgery, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and dermatology, although there are many other medical and surgical backgrounds in which a hair transplant doctor may hold board certification. Even though the backgrounds may differ, doctors performing hair transplant procedures should specialize in hair transplant procedures and should be able to provide patients with access to the most advanced procedures available, including FUT and FUE.

Given the sheer volume of grafts involved in a single hair transplant session, the doctor is typically accompanied by a support staff to ensure the transplant is efficient and provides the patient with the maximum yield possible. The support staff will usually include medical and surgical assistants as well as nurses, and each one will play a critical role in ensuring the success of the procedure. The number of nurses and surgical assistants needed will vary according to the volume of follicles being transplanted in the session, as a larger session may require additional assistance to ensure the process is as efficient as possible and yields the outcome the patient is seeking.

How long does a hair transplant take?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the overall length of time required to complete a hair transplant procedure, the most obvious of which is the specific type of procedure being sought by the patient. The FUT procedure is usually much shorter than an FUE procedure, with the former being able to yield more follicular grafts in less time. Of course, it is important to note that this is not the only difference between the two procedures, and patients should base their decision regarding the most ideal procedure on the totality of factors associated with FUE and FUT.

In the typical FUT procedure, a single session will be completed in about four hours. During this session, the doctor will be able to transplant a total of up to 3,000 grafts. With each graft containing between one and three hair follicles, a single FUT session could potentially yield between 6,000 and 9,000 individual hair follicles. The typical FUE procedure yields far less individual follicles — up to 1,500 individual grafts on average — and may last as long as eight hours. Despite the limited number of grafts and the longer session length, FUE sessions can be performed on consecutive days and does not leave the horizontal scar common to the FUT procedure.

In short, the length of time required for an individual session will vary greatly based on a number of individual factors specific to the patient. Patients should discuss the best option for the achievement of their hair transplant goals with their doctor during the consultation process in order to make the best possible decision and to yield the best possible results. Patients who opt for the FUT procedure should expect a session lasting roughly four hours in total, and patients electing to undergo the FUE procedure should expect a longer session of roughly eight hours in total.

Is there pain and discomfort during a hair transplant?

The patient remains awake during the entirety of the procedure, and only a local anesthetic is required during the FUE and FUT hair transplant procedures. As a result, most patients report feeling very little pain or discomfort throughout the entirety of the procedure, if they report any discomfort at all. Of course, every patient has a different threshold for pain or tolerance for discomfort, but it remains true that patients should expect to remain fairly comfortable throughout the entirety of the process. In fact, most patients are able to comfortably chat or watch television during the actual hair transplant.

Patients undergoing the FUT procedure should be aware that they might experience some level of discomfort following the completion of the procedure, which is why the doctors in Manila, Philippines, Dubai, Chicago, New York, Connecticut, and Abu Dhabi will be quite likely to prescribe medication to alleviate any discomfort that may follow. Abiding by the doctor’s specific after-care instructions will greatly reduce this possibility.

FUE and FUT patients might also experience some general sensitivity in the donor and recipient sites following the completion of their session, but this sensitivity is usually quite mild and tends to dissipate rather quickly. Again, following the doctor’s after-care instructions will go a long way in ensuring that the possibility of experiencing pain or discomfort is reduced by a wide margin.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT

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There is a great deal that can be accomplished for patients opting to undergo a hair transplant procedure, especially since there have been so many technological and procedural advances made in recent years. In order to ensure the patient understands the timeline regarding the process from the pre-operative stage to the post-operative stage, an initial consultation with a hair transplant doctor in our Chicago, New York, Connecticut, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Manila surgeries is particularly ideal. During the course of that consultation, the hair transplant specialist will be able to review the various factors that might affect the procedure in some way and will take the time to discuss with the patient what he or she can reasonably expect by undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

While the hair transplant procedure is often discussed in terms of the pre-operative and post-operative phases, most patients are primarily interested in learning more about what can be expected during the post-operative phase, and rightly so. After all, seeing the final outcome of the procedure is much more exciting than simply preparing to begin the process. This does not mean that the patient can overlook the pre-operative phase, and there are certain expectations the patient should recognize when first entering the hair transplantation process.

In most cases, the first step is the initial consultation. The patient should expect to meet with the hair transplant doctor to discuss the various hair transplant options that may be available as well as the viability of each procedure as it relates to the individual patient. During this time, the doctor and the patient should also discuss what the patient hopes to achieve through the hair transplantation process in order to determine whether the patient’s goals are realistic. Once the doctor and patient have agreed on the most ideal approach, the patient should expect the doctor to detail the manner in which the procedure will be performed and will outline how the patient can go about preparing for the procedure in the meantime. The patient should also expect the doctor to discuss what can be expected following the completion of the procedure and the steps they can take to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to expect immediately following a hair transplant

What the patient should expect immediately after the completion of a hair transplant will depend on the specific procedure they have selected. This is simply due to the differing recovery times associated with the FUE and FUT procedures, as the FUT procedure typically requires the patient to spend a few days focused on recovery. The FUE procedure essentially allows the patient to return to normal activity the day after the procedure is performed. There is more to each procedure that just the recovery process, so it is important that patients understand how closely each individual procedure aligns with their specific hair restoration goals when making a decision regarding the most ideal option.

Patients opting for the FUT procedure should expect to require a good deal of rest following the completion of the procedure and should arrange transportation back to their home or hotel before undergoing the procedure. The doctor, like in our Abu Dhabi surgery, should provide explicit care instructions for the patient to follow, and the patient should take great care to heed these instructions if they wish to ensure the transplanted follicular units heal properly. Many doctors will provide a special kind of shampoo for the patient to use the day after the procedure has been completed and will give specific instructions regarding how to use this shampoo and how frequently the patient should shower.

The patient should also expect the recipient site to develop what is commonly referred to as “crusting,” which is simply part of the healing process. The doctor will provide the patient with specific instructions regarding how to clean and care for these areas, with it typically taking between a week and 10 days before the transplanted follicular units are firmly rooted in place. During these 10 days or so, it is imperative that the patient avoid rubbing the grafts or picking at the crust, as this may lead to some of the transplanted follicular units being dislodged from the recipient site. This is different from the natural shedding of the hairs from the recipient site, and in the unlikely event that one of the grafts become dislodged, the patient will likely experience some bleeding from the site.

The immediate after-care instructions will be quite similar for patients who elect to undergo an FUE procedure, with the principal difference being the speed with which the patient is able to return to normal activity levels. While an FUT procedure will require the patient to rest for several days following the procedure, a patient undergoing FUE can expect to return to work and resume normal activities within a day or two. Since the FUE procedure requires a significantly larger donor site than the FUT procedure, patients should understand that the entire donor site might have to be shaved and will thus be fairly visible after the procedure is complete.

What to expect one month following a hair transplant

After a month has passed since the completion of the hair transplant procedure, patients who have undergone either the FUE or FUT procedure should have shed all of the initially transplanted follicular units from the recipient site. Some of these grafts will shed within a week following the procedure, while other grafts will take a few weeks before they fall from the recipient site. This is simply a normal part of the process and should not cause any alarm to the patient since the graft will begin to grow new follicles from the roots transplanted in the recipient site.

FUT and FUE patients should expect their respective donor sites to be healing nicely at the one-month mark in the process and should have been taking care of their hair according to the instructions provided by the doctor. At this point the grafts should be secure and can be considered permanent. This means that the grafts can now be treated in the same way as naturally occurring hair, but there may still be a need to continue to take additional care of the scalp if any redness remains after a month.

The overwhelming majority of patients undergoing an FUE or FUT procedure will not experience sensitivity lingering any longer than one month after the procedure, but it is possible that some patients will find that parts of their scalp remain somewhat sensitive for a lengthier period of time. In those rare circumstances, this lingering sensitivity should abate at the one-month mark or at least shortly thereafter. The same is true of any redness or scalp irritation, as it is very unlikely that a patient’s scalp will continue to be irritated any longer than a month after the transplant session.

What to expect two months following a hair transplant

Two months after the completion of a hair transplant session, patients will likely begin seeing some of the initial benefits of the procedure. There should be no lingering sensitivity in the scalp and there should be no visible evidence giving away the fact that the patient has undergone a hair transplant. The horizontal scar that is left behind when undergoing an FUT procedure should be completely healed at this point, with many patients from our New York and Chicago noticing that it becomes increasingly difficult to locate the scar due to the coverage provided by the naturally growing hair surrounding the donor site.

Although it is still too early to truly expect follicles to be visibly growing in the recipient site, many patients begin to see the early returns of the procedure as the first follicles begin to grow from the root of the graft. Not all patients will share in this experience, however, and it is important for patients to understand that their transplanted hair may not begin growing until three or four months have passed after the hair transplant session. In any case, any lingering grafts that remained in the recipient site should have shed well in advance of the two-month mark.

There is not much required of the patient in terms of active care strategies at this point. Patients can have their hair cut and styled just as they normally would and do not have to worry about the stability of the grafts in the recipient site. After about 10 days, the follicular units are secure and will not be adversely affected by any daily activities in which the patient typically engages. FUT patients are often instructed to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks following the procedure, so the two-month mark is usually considered a safe time to resume an exercise regimen or to take on any other form of strenuous activity.

What to expect three months following a hair transplant

Once three months has elapsed following the completion of the hair transplant procedure, patients can expect to begin seeing the initial hair growth from the recipient site. Although the newly emerging follicles will enable the patient to get a general conception of what their hairline will look like once it is fully grown, it will still be another three to six months before the patient will be able to accurately evaluate the results achieved through the hair restoration process. Some patients will experience differences in the timeline in which growth begins, with some beginning to experience growth relatively early, but the overwhelming majority of patients at least see the beginning stages of growth at the three-month mark.

Although it is relatively uncommon, patients who experienced any shock loss in the areas surrounding either the donor site or the recipient site should see vast improvements as the hair begins to regrow and fill in any affected areas. Patients who planned on having multiple sessions of the FUT procedure may have a follow-up appointment scheduled with their doctor in order to evaluate the initial session’s progress and to decide upon a course of action regarding future sessions. With FUT in particular, additional sessions are usually not performed until at least six months have passed from the previous session. At the three-month mark, undecided patients may be able to determine whether they believe additional sessions are indeed necessary, but it is often the case that a single session provides more than adequate coverage.

What to expect four to six months following a hair transplant

This is often the most exciting time for a hair transplant patient, as four to six months is generally the period of time in which the outcome of the procedure begins to become increasingly evident. The transplanted follicular units have had enough time to take root, shed and regrow to a length in which it is easier to see the amount of coverage the new follicles are capable of providing to the areas previously affected by thinning hair and hair loss. It is at this time that the patient can also begin exploring the different haircuts or styling options now available to them now since their new hair has had time to grow out to a sufficient length.

After six months has passed from the time of the initial procedure, patients who discussed undergoing multiple sessions of FUT with their doctor at the time of initial consultation can now make a fully informed decision regarding the need to undergo any additional sessions of FUT, and it is often the case that patients are comfortable with the coverage provided by the initial session once the transplanted follicles have had time to grow in the recipient site. Patients who pursue additional sessions of FUT are advised to allow at least six months to pass between sessions to ensure a full recovery and to give the patient the opportunity to evaluate his or her options after seeing the results of the first session.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TRANSPLANTED HAIR?

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What Happens To Transplanted Hair? When a patient undergoes a hair transplant, the length of time between the actual procedure and the realization of the benefits of the transplant is typically four to six months. It is critical that patients understand what to expect following the completion of the procedure, as there are a quite a few normal processes that take place but may cause alarm in those unfamiliar with the timeline and the process. During an initial consultation, the hair transplant surgeon should explain everything the patient should expect both before and after the hair transplant procedure.

Once the hair has been successfully harvested from the donor site and transplanted into the recipient site, it is entirely normal and expected for the transplanted hair to fall out after a period of just a few weeks. While the transplanted hair follicles fall out, the root will remain and begin the process of regrowth shortly thereafter. Patients should expect to begin to see the actual hair follicles in the donor site after about four months from the time of the original procedure, and it will be about six months before the final outcome of the hair transplant is realized.

After a period of six months has elapsed, the patient will be able to fully evaluate the procedure’s success and determine whether the transplant yielded the density they had hoped for and previously discussed with their doctor. Some patients opt for a second procedure with the goal of achieving greater volume in the donor site, while many others are more than content with the coverage generated by the hair transplant. In order to ensure the doctor and the patient are on the same page with regard to the patient’s expectations, every aspect of the hair transplant process should be thoroughly discussed during the course of the initial consultation.

What percent of transplanted hair stays on the scalp?

The percentage of hairs expected to survive and grow after they have been transplanted from the donor site to the recipient site typically falls somewhere between 95 percent and 100 percent, although there may be some variance depending on the type of procedure the patient elects to undergo. This does not mean that all of the transplanted hairs will survive and continue to grow from the moment they are transplanted, as it is normal and entirely expected for the transplanted hair to fall out in the days and weeks following the procedure. The transplanted follicles will sometimes fall out inside of 10 days, while others will remain on the scalp for a longer period of time without growing until they too fall out. This is all a normal part of the process and should not arouse concern in the patient.

After about four months from the time of the hair transplant procedure, the patient will begin to notice the beginning stages of growth in the recipient site. While some of the transplanted follicles may not grow back, the overwhelming majority will ultimately return so that the patient can see the complete impact of the hair transplant procedure. The percentage of follicles that return after six months have elapsed should be between 95 percent and 100 percent, enabling the doctor to artfully craft a natural-looking hairline due to the knowledge that almost every transplanted follicle will survive the procedure and grow in the place in which it was transplanted.

Does transplanted hair look natural?

Whether or not a hair transplant will be immediately recognizable to others is a valid concern for prospective patients, as an unnatural-looking hair transplant is certainly not the outcome a transplant candidate is seeking. Fortunately for potential hair transplant patients, the techniques used during the course of a hair transplant ensure that the result is a natural-looking head of hair that is not easily noticed by even the most discerning and perceptive individuals. This is due to the combination of advanced technology used by doctors and the skill with which they are able to craft a new hairline that cannot be differentiated from a naturally occurring hairline.

Since the procedure involves harvesting the patient’s natural hair and transplanting it into a recipient site determined by the doctor, the transplanted hair follicles blend seamlessly with the patient’s naturally occurring hair. An additional benefit for patients seeking a natural-looking hair transplant is the fact that the follicles can be divided up into single follicles or follicular units that may include one to three follicles, ensuring the transplanted hair is grouped in the same way as the patient’s naturally occurring hair.

Further ensuring a natural-looking hair transplant is the precision made possible through a number of technological advancements. During the process of the hair transplant, the doctor will rely on this technology to ensure a maximum yield is produced from the donor site and that the hairline is crafted exactly as originally outlined. Combined with an experienced hair transplant surgeon’s steady hand and craftsmanship, the transplanted hair should appear to be no different from any of the patient’s other hair follicles.

How do I cut my transplanted hair?

It is essential for patients to remember that a hair transplant involves the transplantation of their own natural hair into a recipient site in which it grows just as a naturally occurring hair follicle would. This means that a hair transplant patient can treat their hair in the same way after the transplant as they did before the transplant. After the recipient site has healed, the patient can elect to have their hair cut just as they normally would, although there are several guidelines the patient should keep in mind after the completion of the hair transplant procedure.

Patients who opt for FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) should be aware that the procedure does leave a horizontal scar in the donor site. The naturally occurring hair that remains easily obscures this scar, but those who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle may find that the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure is the preferable option. FUE does not leave the same horizontal scar that FUT does, enabling patients to cut their hair as short as they like. Patients should discuss their preferred hairstyle with the doctor at the time of consultation to ensure they select the most ideal procedure for their specific needs.

Beyond those who prefer a very short hairstyle, a hair transplant should have no impact on the manner in which patients cut their hair. In fact, the majority of patients will find that the hair stylist cutting their hair will not be able to tell the difference between the naturally occurring hair and the transplanted hair follicles.

How do I care for my transplanted hair?

A patient who has undergone a hair transplant will quickly realize that there is very little or no difference between the hair care needed before and after the hair transplant procedure. While a hair transplant is relatively low maintenance, there are several strategies patients can utilize to ensure they end up with the best possible outcome. Patients should consider altering their diet to ensure they are getting enough of the kinds of nutrients that contribute to a healthier head of hair and thicker hair follicles, and there is also a benefit to be realized from the use of natural oils like coconut oil to further strengthen hair follicles.

Many doctors will recommend a post-operative regimen of prescription or non-prescription hair regrowth or preservation products, including Rogaine and Propecia. Manila and Dubai patients tell us that when these products are utilized in conjunction with a hair transplant, it has been demonstrated that the impact of the hair transplant procedure can be enhanced by a relatively significant margin. Other than the use of care strategies or products designed to enhance the benefits of the hair transplant, patients can expect little to no change in the manner they approach everyday hair care.

What to Wear after Hair Transplant?

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What to Wear after Hair Transplant? It should be plainly evident that patients must follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions if they wish to ensure an optimal recovery period while also continuing to nurture their hair transplant. Underscoring the importance of adhering to the post-operative instructions is the fact that the instructions are specifically designed to ensure that the hair transplant is barely detectable after just a few days and near-microscopic after seven to ten days. Patients should expect to receive medication at the time of the hair loss surgery for any incidences of swelling, but some patients may nonetheless experience swelling of the forehead, across the bridge of the nose and around the eyes. If this occurs, the swelling typically dissipates by the conclusion of the first week.

What to Wear after Hair Transplant?

wearing a hat after hair transplant maxim

Patients will be instructed to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing after or on the day of the hair transplant procedure in order to ensure that these clothes do not disturb the newly transplanted grafts when the patient takes off or puts on their clothes, with it being preferred that the clothing does not have to be put on or taken off over the patient’s head. Some hair transplant centers are located in Manila, Abu Dhabi and Dubai which are extremely hot countries, so these loose-fitting clothes will help with the heat as well. These instructions should be followed until the transplants have permanently taken root, which is typically the case after a period of 10 days has elapsed following the completion of the hair transplant session.

Patients may also be advised on whether or not they may wear any sort of head covering following the transplant session, with most recommending a loose-fitting cap that does not risk disturbing any of the new follicles in the recipient site. Once the new hairs have taken root on a permanent basis, the patient can largely choose to wear what they normally would after hair transplant. There are some additional factors relating to clothing to consider even after the first 10 days, but they are mostly cosmetic and should not have any effect on the final outcome of the hair transplant.

The newly transplanted hair starts to grow at around 10 weeks. It is long enough to be combed through in about 6 months and, in almost all cases, will be fully grown in at one year. In the post-operative months — before the new hair begins to grow — there may be some exfoliating of the patient’s original hair so that the surgical area may seem slightly thinner. This is a temporary circumstance and will be corrected when the new hair begins to grow. It should not be a reason for concern, but it may have an effect on the patient’s clothing choices or the frequency with which they choose to wear a cap after hair transplant.

Can I wear a hat after my hair transplant?

It takes approximately seven to 10 days for the freshly implanted grafts to become permanently anchored in the recipient site. Any impairment or compression of the grafts during the first seven to 10 days before they become anchored in place may lead to permanent damage and cause an adverse effect on hair growth in the recipient site. It is therefore the case that most hair transplant surgeons recommend waiting seven to 10 days before wearing any type of cap that could restrict, move, or displace a graft. If the doctor allows a cap to be worn following the procedure, he or she will go over the most appropriate kinds of caps in order to reduce the risk of any damage to the grafts. These caps will surely have to be loose-fitting, as any other kind of cap is likely to compress or impair the grafts while they are still in the process of anchoring.

After the 10-day mark, the grafts should be permanently anchored. At this point in the healing process, no amount of wear or other form of contact with the transplanted grafts should cause any damage. Once the 10-day mark has passed, wearing a hat can be considered perfectly safe. It is nonetheless important to note that it is always best for the patient to confer with their doctor regarding any questions they may have, as this is the ideal method for ensuring the best possible results are achieved through the hair transplant procedure.

How do I conceal my hair transplant scars?

hair transplant scar maxim

Any hair transplant procedure utilizing follicular units — including both FUE and FUT — leaves the patient with no scarring in the recipient sites. The incisions used to transplant each follicular unit are microscopic and therefore leave behind no visible scarring whatsoever. Despite the fact that neither FUE nor FUT leaves the patient with any scarring in the recipient site, the patient must exercise caution during the first 10 days or so following the completion of the transplant. Any scratching or picking at the grafts can irritate the recipient site and adversely affect the viability of the graft.

While there will be no visible scarring in the recipient site for patients undergoing the FUE or FUT procedures, the FUT procedure does leave behind a scar at the donor site that can be easily hidden or obscured through a variety methods. The most common method used by patients to hide this thin horizontal scar is to simply allow their naturally occurring hair to fall over the scar so that it is no longer visible.

How do I conceal the scar in the donor area?

The FUE procedure is designed to ensure there is no visible scarring in the donor area, so patients opting for FUE should not be concerned with hiding any scarring from the donor site. The FUT procedure does leave behind a thin horizontal scar at the donor site, but doctors take great care to orient this thin strip so that it is easily hidden by the patient’s remaining hair follicles. Many patients find that they cannot easily locate their own scar after they have fully healed and their transplanted hair has grown out completely. While patients undergoing FUE or FUT should not be concerned about having to figure out how to hide a visible scar following their procedure, there are other circumstances in which scar tissue is visible and cannot be covered by the patient’s existing hair.

Patients with visible scarring left behind due to poor healing or due to the use of outdated transplant procedures still have a number of other corrective options available to them. Current methods include scar revision (adjusting or changing the direction of a scar) as well as the implantation of donor follicles directly into the scar tissue. Cortisone injections are sometimes used to straighten or flatten any raised scar tissue, and dermal fillers can be utilized when the incision is set in or is concave in its appearance. Dermabrasion and fraxel laser repair techniques can also be used to address visible scarring, and a hair transplant surgeon is best suited to determine the most ideal course of corrective action for each individual patient.

Scalp micropigmentation is another option available to patients seeking to hide any visible scarring. This is a scar camouflage procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among patients, and in many cases it may be more appropriate than some of the most commonplace techniques. The scalp micropigmentation process can be further augmented through the use of dermal fillers or fraxel laser repair, as this can often lead to a smoother canvas with a decline in indentation or projection of the scar tissue. This makes any remaining scar tissue easier to hide utilizing scalp micropigmentation. This process is available at hair transplant centers in New York, Houston, California, Abu Dhabi and Manila.

The scar camouflage process is usually part of a broader plan designed according to the unique needs of the patient. Some patients opt for a full scalp micropigmentation treatment covering the entirety of their scalp as the concluding step of a longer process involving the aforementioned scar revision techniques. Patients should therefore take time to consider how effective scar camouflaging could be and should discuss their options with a hair transplant doctor before making their decision.

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What To do Before a Hair Transplant?

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What To do Before a Hair Transplant?

Deciding to undergo a hair transplant is a vital and gratifying step for any hair loss patient. The outcome of the hair transplant represents a marked improvement. Still, you should know what to do before a hair transplant. It is vital to be properly prepared in each stage of the hair transplant process. 

That is why you have to develop a thorough understanding of every aspect of the procedure. Aside from that, you should understand the restoration process as well. A good first step for this is a consultation with hair transplant clinics in Houston as well as clinics in:

  • Dallas
  • NYC
  • California
  • Washington, DC 
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai
  • Connecticut
  • Chicago
  • Manila

Here, outstanding hair transplant doctors and consultants can talk you through the process. 

There are many factors that you must know before a hair restoration procedure. Also, you have many ways to gain valuable insight and information about the process including:

During the initial consultation, the doctor will outline the process in its entirety. Also, they will help you decide upon an ideal course of action. After selecting a procedure, the doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. This instruction includes what to do before a hair transplant and each stage of the process.

Things to do before Hair Transplant: Adhere to the Pre-Operative Guidelines

What To Do Before Hair Transplant?

Your hair transplant doctor will tell you what to do before a hair transplant. 

Before the process, you should follow the pre-operative instructions provided by the doctor. This is because it will go a long way in ensuring that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible. 

Following these pre-operative guidelines will have an impact on the post-operative recovery process. So, it ensures that you cut the possibility of experiencing any pain or discomfort.

Why should you make the requisite short-term lifestyle adjustments? 

By doing so, it ensures that you have the best possible long-term outcome for your hair transplant.

Medications to Avoid Before a Hair Transplant

Patients taking any blood thinners should inform their doctor as soon as possible. This is because these medications are capable of creating a contraindication before surgery. Several medications fall into the category of blood thinners. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Plavix
  • Coumadin
  • Heparin

Not only that, but you should also let your doctor be aware of the use of any broad beta-blockers like Inderal. This medication is used as a substitute beta-blocker. Besides, it may have to be prescribed in advance of the surgery.

As the scheduled surgery date is approaching, you should be more attentive to the medications and vitamins you consume. You should stop taking:

  • Vitamin B or E
  • Multivitamins that include Vit. B or Vit E

You should skip taking these vitamins for at least one week in advance before the procedure. For the reason that these vitamins may increase the incidence of bleeding. Three days after the surgery, you can now resume your vitamin B or E regimen. 

Aspirin

Before the scheduled procedure date, avoid taking Aspirin for at least one week. Stop taking any other painkillers or pain relievers as well. You can resume drinking these medications 3 days after the hair transplant procedure. 

So, any other prescription medication can be taken right up to the day of the procedure. You need to tell your doctor about your medications during the initial consultation. 

You must know what to do before a hair transplant. By doing so, it ensures that both parties have all the needed information for the procedure. Thus, it also ensures that everything will go as smoothly as possible.

Alcohol and other Precautions Before a Hair Transplant

What to do before a hair transplant?

Before the scheduled date, stop drinking alcohol for at least three days. Alcohol consumption has many adverse consequences for your hair restoration surgery. So, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages, 72 hours before the procedure. 

Cigarettes and other tobacco products

What to do before a hair transplant? 

Simply. Stop smoking. 

Like drinking alcohol, the same goes true with cigarettes and other tobacco products. Cigarettes are more likely to contribute to poor healing during the postoperative phase. Due to the fact, the nicotine content in tobacco products causes:

What To Do Before Hair Transplant? Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking.
  • Blood vessel constriction
  • Decreases the blood flow to the scalp

For that reason, patients who smoke are at an increased risk of infection and scarring. 

Smoking: How can a hair transplant help you quit?

We all know that quitting smoking is a hard task. Thus, it requires support and motivation from your friends and family members. Having said that, undergoing a hair transplant could be a perfect time to quit smoking. A hair transplant can serve as a motivation for longtime smokers and tobacco users.

When you stop using tobacco, some of the harmful effects and risk factors associated with it lessens almost immediately. Yet, the duration needed to end or drastically reduce the risk is not precisely unknown. Besides, it is affected by the extent of one’s smoking habits. 

Heavy smokers will likely need more time for the body and its processes to recover from the adverse effects of smoking. More importantly, it is best to quit smoking before the hair transplant procedure is possible. The earlier you stop using tobacco, the less likely you will experience poor healing after a hair transplant.

Yes, it is best to quit smoking long before the patient undergoes a hair transplant procedure. Usually, doctors recommend their patients abstain from smoking for at least one week before hair transplant. Likewise, refrain from smoking two weeks after the procedure. 

Hence, it is vital to reiterate to stop smoking both before and after the procedure. The longer you abstain from smoking, then the healing process is more likely to be not adversely affected by it.

What to do before a hair transplant? Dye your hair in advance.

If you are the type of person who dyes your hair, then do so at least three days in advance before the procedure. Aside from that, you should also take time to meticulously scrub your scalp daily. By doing so, you are ensuring that your scalp is entirely free from any dye. 

What to do on the day of the hair transplant procedure?

Shower before the procedure

All patients who are going to undergo hair transplants should ensure to shower before the procedure. Particularly, they should diligently wash their hair with regular shampoo. Furthermore, you should not apply hair products like:

  • Sprays
  • Gels
  • Any other styling products 

You should refrain from using these products on the day of the procedure. Not only that, but you should also remove any hair systems before showering. Thus, you should not wear them on the day of the procedure. 

Wear loose-fitting and Comfortable clothing

On the day of the hair transplant procedure, you should wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. More so, wear button-down shirts so you don’t have to pull them over your head. This will prevent you from displacing the bandage on your head. Otherwise, you may harm your grafts after surgery when you wear T-shirts or tight blouses. 

Eat your breakfast or have a light lunch

You will be advised to eat your breakfast on the morning of the procedure. If your appointment is in the afternoon, then you’ll be advised to eat a light lunch. 

Refrain from wearing cologne or any valuables accessories

Your doctor will recommend you refrain from wearing perfume or cologne on the day of the procedure. Also, do not wear or bring any valuable accessories like a necklace, earrings on the day of the procedure. 

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages

If you are a coffee person, you should avoid drinking coffee, soda, or any drinks with caffeine. This is due to the reason that caffeinated beverages may lead to accelerated bleeding. Aside from that, it can also increase the patient’s sensitivity to the medications used during the procedure. 

This is due to the reason that those medications can cause drowsiness in the patients. In any hair transplant procedure, the surgeon administers local anesthesia which can cause drowsiness to the patient. Thus, you should make transportation arrangements before the procedure. Your doctor advised you to have someone drive you to and from your destination. 

You can ask a family member or a friend to accompany you on the day of the procedure. Moreover, you can rent a car service if you have no one to drive you. In case you failed to pre-arrange transportation, the hair transplant facility will call a car service. Thus, you will be responsible for the payment. 

Medications to bring with you on the day of your Hair Transplant

Usually, patients may be asked to take a medication such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) in advance of the surgery. However, this will depend on the degree of hair loss and its classification. Patients whose surgery is limited to the crown of their head may not need to take such medications. 

Additionally, your doctor will tell you to take antibiotics before the day of the procedure. This is to further prevent the risk of any infection. Although, antibiotics may not be prescribed until after the operation is done. 

The surgeon prescribed different medications based on the individual circumstances of their patients. So, it is very critical that you follow your doctors’ pre-and post-operative instructions. 

Some of the most medications prescribed includes but are not limited to:

Prednisolone (six times per day, one tablet of 5mg)

Hair transplant doctors prescribe Prednisolone to avert any possible incidence of forehead edema. Patients whose procedure affects only the crown of the head (vertex) are unlikely to be prescribed this medicine. 

Augmentin 500mg (three tablets per day)

This antibiotic is often prescribed to help thwart any kind of infection. Also, the doctor may prescribe one of the other amoxicillin-based drugs for the same purpose.

If you have any allergies to medications of any kind, you should tell your doctor. More particularly, if those allergies are related to any of the mentioned medications. That is why the initial consultation is very important. This is because your doctor will be outlining your hair loss treatment also. 

Cutting your hair: What to do before a hair transplant?

How to cut your hair for a Strip Hair Transplant?

Do you need to cut your hair before the scheduled date? Well, it is not necessary that you should cut your hair before a hair transplant procedure. Your hair transplant surgeon will take care of this during the operation.

How to cut your hair for a Strip Hair Transplant?

There are many pre-operative tasks involved in a strip hair transplant procedure. Yet, getting a haircut is not one of them. Simply because the doctor will take great care to cut your hair on the day of the procedure. Besides, they will cut your hair on an as-needed basis. So, the remaining hair can easily cover the sutures in the donor site.

In a FUT hair transplant, the donor tissue comes from a single thin strip of hair from the donor area. That is why the doctor will only need to cut a small strip of hair from this location. Then, he will remove the donor tissue then suture it together. In most cases, the patient’s existing hair is enough to cover the sutures that are still there. 

How to cut your hair for an FUE hair transplant?

Patients undergoing Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)  need a haircut very close to their scalp. Also, it is only necessary to shave the donor area. Yet, many patients prefer a uniform look and opt to have their entire head shaved. Other patients will choose a “high-and-tight” haircut. Yet, you don’t need to cut your hair in advance of the procedure. 

Yes, it may be helpful to cut your hair before the procedure. Yet, the doctor may still have to shave certain areas of the scalp to ensure the best possible results. 

That is why it is best to know what you should do before a hair transplant. Thus, the doctor will discuss all these things during the initial consultation. 

Also, patients undergoing minor hair transplants may not have to cut their hair so short. This is because the donor areas can be disconnected by sections of hair. So, it can obscure the donor site. The same is true for patients with longer hair. Since the remaining hair from the disconnected sections will drop down to cover the areas shaved. More extensive FUE needs the shaved hair cut to secure the largest yield from the donor site.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A HAIR TRANSPLANT!

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Hair transplant procedures are getting better. Doctors are using new technology and doing things differently. It means you can expect that a hair transplant will vastly improve your hairline. Also, it’ll make hair thicker again in places affected by thinning hair.  While a hair transplant will make your hair look better, it won’t bring back the hairline of your youth. So, a complete restoration of the hairline of your youth is not a reasonable expectation.

What to expect in a hair transplant procedure?

During the initial consultation, the doctor will talk to you about how best to achieve your goals. The doctor will talk about how hair transplants can help you. You can ask questions and they will talk to you about the surgery itself. Also, they will outline what you should expect before, during, and after the hair transplant. 

What to expect in a hair transplant initial consultation?

The doctor will talk to you about the different options for hair transplants. Also, the doctor will discuss how these options may be of benefit in achieving your goals. Moreover, your doctor will be developing the initial action plan during the consultation. Thus, he will most likely  include a discussion of each of the following topics:

  • Preparing for the procedure
  • Post-operative care strategies
  • Expectations about hair regrowth
  • Length of recovery necessary for each procedure

Expect that the doctor to go into great detail about each procedure. As the doctor goes into details about every procedure. you have a lot of time to ask questions.  You can ask questions about the different aspects of the procedure.  So, you’ll feel like you know everything about your procedure after the consultation.

How to prepare for a hair transplant & what to expect?

Preparing for a hair transplant is fairly straightforward for the patient. Your doctor will make sure that you understand the preparation guidelines.

So, this surgery is going to be good. It will work well and the risk of problems is low. You should make arrangements that someone drives you from the clinic after the procedure. Some hair transplant options will include local anesthesia during the procedures. 

Thus, it may include pain medication. So, it can help ease any discomfort that you will experience after a hair transplant. It is because it may not be the best idea to attempt to drive a vehicle following the procedure. To ensure the best result, you can take many other steps before the scheduled procedure. If you smoke or drink, do these things before the surgery:

1. Quit smoking and drinking.

2. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Giving up smoking and drinking is not completely necessary. Yet, if you quit this habit it can help your body get better. It is also easier to give them up before the hair transplant procedure. 

Furthermore, smoking and drinking after a hair transplant can lead to various complications. This habit can harm the final result of your hair transplant. It can also affect how your hair grows. So, it should be clear that you follow the advice of your hair transplant surgeon. 

Your hair transplant surgeon will give you specific and detailed instructions to follow. You need to strictly follow these guidelines to achieve the best possible results. These pre-and post-operative guidelines may include specific dietary habits. Also, these guidelines will concern your activity levels before the hair transplant procedure.

These are given because many factors can affect the success of the procedure.

How long does the hair take to re-grow?

Whether you choose to undergo FUE or FUT, the timeline of events is usually quite the same. After the initial procedure, you should expect that the transplanted hair is temporary. 

Thus, it will fall out within a few weeks after the procedure. This is completely normal and there is no need to panic. Hair shedding after a hair transplant is expected in each hair transplant patient. Furthermore, you should expect that it will take 4 months to see the new hair growing in the recipient areas. 

Generally, it takes about six months to see the level of success of a hair transplant. After a year, you can make a complete judgment if the procedure was successful or not. 

This timeline may vary from patient to patient. The result may also be affected by many factors both within and outside the patient’s control. Your diet can affect your hair growth. Patients whose diet lacks certain nutrients may need to wait a long time for their hair to grow back. While patients whose diet is rich with vitamins and nutrients can grow their hair faster. 

Other factors like genetics can also influence the length of time for hair to grow. So, it is beyond your control. Yet, you can expect to see your hair is growing back after four months. Thus, the final result of the procedure will be visible between six and twelve months.

How long is the recovery period after a hair transplant?

The recovery period for hair transplants varies. It entirely depends on the type of procedure that you choose.

One of the main advantages of FUE is that it has a shorter recovery time than traditional FUT. FUE  may need multiple sessions to achieve the density you are seeking. Likewise, the recovery time is so quick. You can even have these sessions on back-to-back days. 

So, the FUT procedure involves more time for a full recovery. Thus, it may need you to rest for several days after the procedure. In general, the FUE hair transplant procedures only need a few days to recover. During this time, you merely need to take it easy for just a few days after a hair transplant. After a day or two, you can return to normal activity. Also, you don’t have to worry about any potential negative impact on the transplant.

As for the FUT procedure, the recovery time is a bit longer. Typically, you will be advised to take a day or two off from work after the completion of the procedure.

Do you want to achieve a head full of hair? 

So, you may need more than one session. But before that, you should understand first the difference between FUE and FUT. The FUE procedure limits the total number of grafts that can be transplanted in a single session. Good thing is that these sessions can be done on consecutive days due to the brief recovery period. 

With FUT, you can achieve a greater follicular unit density in one session. Still, you need to wait for about 6 months or more before undergoing a second session. That is if you are seeking a great deal of hair volume. Also, you must have enough grafts available at the donor site.

What are the post-operative precautions to take after a hair transplant?

To have the best possible chance of success, you should follow post-operative care. After a hair transplant, there will be some degree of swelling in the donor and recipient sites. Likewise, the skin itself will be quite sensitive for a few days. 

To ensure your hair transplant will be successful, take great care of your scalp. You have to be careful not to scratch your head. Also, you need to follow the specific post-operative guideline given by your doctor. 

What are the post-operative guidelines that you should follow after a hair transplant?
What are the post-operative guidelines that you should follow after a hair transplant?

After a hair transplant, you can use a loose-fitting hat to protect your scalp. A tight-fitting hat will be bad for your head. The goal of wearing a hat is to avoid trauma to your hair. Yet, if the hat is too tight, it could excessively rub to the hair follicles. Which is not very good and could affect the survivability of follicles. 

Once the skin heals after the procedure, you can take off your hat. But make sure that you put sunscreen on every time you go outside. Your skin is still sensitive and you need to protect it.

Of course, you also need to be careful not to scratch the newly transplanted grafts. Avoid touching these places to prevent unnecessary trauma, irritation, and infection. After you get a hair transplant, it is important to be careful for a little while. But it is worth noting that the transplanted follicles are durable. It is important to do everything you can to ensure that the hair transplant process goes well.

What kind of results are reasonable to expect in a hair transplant?

Hair transplant doctors can achieve impressive results for patients with hair loss or signs of thinning hair. All thanks to the use of advanced technology and highly precise transplantation techniques. 

What should you expect in a hair transplant?

Hair transplant doctors can deliver consistently impressive outcomes for their patients. Still,  they cannot make it perfect. Still, you should know that there are limits to what is possible through a hair transplant.

You and your doctor should talk about this during the consultation. Also, you need to make sure you understand what is going to happen during the hair transplant process. Moreover, you need to set appropriate expectations and realistic goals about hair transplants. This is not to say that a great, natural-looking result is not possible. It is possible. Hair transplant doctors take great care to ensure that the procedure is successful. 

There is a lot that a good hair transplant surgeon can do. They can use the FUE or FUT procedure to get great coverage in balding areas. Most of these procedures try to get 25% of the number of follicles that were originally there before. The result is a dramatically improved appearance for the client. Yey, their original hair density level can’t always be restored to its original amount. As most doctors would likely point out, such an effort would be largely unnecessary.

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