Hair transplantation is a procedure where hair follicles are taken from one area of the scalp and moved to another area. Hair transplant surgery is performed to treat baldness, thinning hair, or alopecia. There are two types of hair transplant procedures: strip harvesting and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant). Strip harvesting involves removing small strips of hair from the back of the head, while FUT involves taking individual hairs from the donor area and implanting them into the recipient area. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The first step in any hair transplant procedure is to determine if the patient is a candidate for the procedure. A doctor may recommend hair transplant surgery if the patient’s hair loss is severe enough to cause noticeable changes in appearance. Other factors considered before performing a hair transplant include the amount of hair loss, the location of the balding area, and whether the patient has had previous hair transplant surgeries.
There are many different types of hair transplant techniques. In general, they fall into three categories: strip harvesting, follicular unit extraction, and follicular unit transplantation. Each technique has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Strip Harvesting
This method involves removing a small section of hair from the back portion of the scalp and moving it to the front of the scalp. The advantage of this method is that the entire procedure takes place under local anesthesia, meaning no stitches are necessary. However, the disadvantage of this method is that only a few hairs are harvested at once, making the procedure time-consuming. Another drawback is that the donor area tends to look patchy after the procedure.
In this type of hair transplant, individual hairs are removed from the donor area and implanted into the recipient area. This method requires a longer surgical incision than strip harvesting, but it results in fewer visible scars. One benefit of this method is that it produces natural-looking results, since the hairs are naturally placed in the correct position. However, the downside of this method is that not all hairs are extracted from the donor area, resulting in a less dense result.
Follicular unit transplantation
This method involves extracting individual hairs from the donor site and placing them into the recipient site. This method produces the best results, as each hair is placed in its proper position. However, it requires a long incision, which makes it difficult to hide the scar.
After determining which hair transplant technique would be best for the patient, the doctor will perform the procedure. First, the doctor will make a linear incision along the top of the head. Then, they will remove a small sample of hair from the back area of the scalp. Next, the doctor will use a unique instrument to separate the follicle from the surrounding skin. Finally, the doctor will implant the follicle into the recipient area using a microblade. After the procedure, the doctor will close the wound using sutures.
Side Effects
Although hair transplantation is a safe procedure, some patients experience minor complications. These include bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, and numbness. Patients who smoke should avoid smoking cigarettes for several weeks prior to the procedure. Smoking increases blood flow to the scalp, which could increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Recovery Time
Patients who undergo hair transplant surgery generally need about six months to recover. During this period, the patient should avoid strenuous activity, including exercise, swimming, and contact sports. He/she should also refrain from wearing tight clothing and hairstyles that pull on the scalp.
