Consultation to Aftercare: The Ins and Outs of Getting a Hair Transplant

Consultation to Aftercare: The Ins and Outs of Getting a Hair Transplant

For people experiencing unwanted hair loss, a hair transplant is one of the best ways to restore a fuller head of hair. Although there is nothing wrong with being bald, society attaches a lot of meaning and value to hair, and so, when hair becomes thinner or starts receding, people can feel less confident in themselves.

The hardest solution is to work on rebuilding self-esteem and learning to accept your physical appearance, but addressing the issue directly by undergoing a hair transplant can be a great way to feel better sooner. If you have been considering a hair transplant and are interested in learning more about the process, here is some helpful information for you.

Who is a Hair Transplant Right For?

Not everyone experiencing hair loss will be a suitable candidate for a hair transplant. People with alopecia might not see positive results from a hair transplant since the procedure requires viable hair follicles to be moved into new locations. For a successful hair transplant, the patient must have enough healthy hair follicles on the donor site of their scalp so they can be transplanted. This is one of the reasons that it is important to make an appointment for a consultation, as the specialist can discuss your options with you, taking into account your overall health and the viability of your hair for transplantation. Your specialist will need to know what type of hair you have and what your desired results will be so that they can tailor the service to you.

How to Financially Plan for a Hair Transplant

Getting a hair transplant will cost different amounts depending on where you choose to have the procedure performed. You should make safety and professionalism your top priorities when choosing a clinic for your hair transplant, so make sure to factor this into your budget.

Harley Street Hair Clinic, for example, has different pricing for each type of service and procedure. You will need to check with your chosen clinic to find out the exact cost of your hair transplant. It is usually safe to assume that if it is advertised as being suspiciously affordable, it may not be a trustworthy clinic. Use the time it takes to set aside funds for the procedure to think about it and research it in detail. Bear in mind that the results of a successful hair transplant could last for a lifetime, meaning that it can be a worthwhile investment into not only your appearance but also your self-esteem.

How Should a Hair Transplant Patient Prepare?

If you have decided that a hair transplant is the right choice for you, it’s essential to prepare for the procedure to increase your chances of seeing the best results and reduce the possibility of pain. Your specialist should talk to you about what they expect you to do in preparation so that you arrive ready for the procedure. This preparation usually involves abstaining from alcohol for at least twenty-four hours before the treatment, preferably two weeks in advance. This will help to make the recovery process shorter. Also, keep exercise to a minimum in the week leading up to the procedure and don’t cut or dye your hair.

Here are a few more tips on what you should and shouldn’t do ahead of your hair transplant:

• Avoid eating excessively fatty foods in the week leading up to your procedure;
• Give your scalp a gentle massage each day, and keep it clean;
• Wear comfortable, easily removable clothes so that when the procedure is complete, you can avoid pulling clothes over your sensitive scalp;
• Ask your specialist or a doctor if you can continue to take any medications before the treatment.

On the day of the hair transplant, make sure you have eaten and prepared for several hours sitting in the same position. You might want to stretch out your muscles beforehand to prevent cramping or discomfort.

How Does the Procedure Work?

There are two main hair transplant procedures that are currently the most popular. Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a surgery that involves removing a narrow strip of skin from the scalp from which hair follicles can be harvested. Follicular Unit Extraction, on the other hand, harvests viable follicles directly from the donor site. In each procedure, the removed follicles are then transplanted into small incisions created in the recipient site of the scalp. FUT requires stitches along the strip that has been removed, but the area is so narrow that it doesn’t impact the overall fullness of the final result. Similarly, FUE avoids creating any spaces of patchiness by selecting follicles from areas at random to maintain a natural and full look.

What Happens During the Procedure?

When you arrive for your appointment, your specialist will introduce themselves and any other team members who will be involved in your surgery. You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and air your concerns to help you feel at ease. Many clinics want to keep their patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible, so you may find that your clinic plays music or television to occupy your mind during the procedure. It usually takes between four and eight hours to complete the surgery, but your specialist will be able to offer you breaks if needed. Your scalp will be given local anesthetic, but you won’t be put under for the procedure as it is not usually painful.

What Happens Immediately After the Procedure?

Once the surgery is complete, your specialist will give you instructions as to how you must care for your scalp and hair in the following hours, days, and weeks. This normally means using a special shampoo every day until it runs out and avoiding strenuous exercise. To keep your recovery period short, don’t put yourself in situations where your hair is under stress. The better care you give your scalp and hair immediately after your surgery, the better your final results will be.

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