Hair Transplants, Hair Loss Treatment
What is the hair transplantation procedure and how does it work?
Hair transplantation is the most natural and permanent way to reverse baldness available today.
The procedure involves the movement of one's own hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the balding area being treated (hair follicles cannot be donated by another person as they would be rejected by the body's immune system).
Once in their new location the transplanted follicles grow completely normal hairs - which will look stronger and healthier than surrounding existing hairs. With hair transplants you can reverse baldness and regrow hair naturally.
In the past the results from hair transplants could be unnatural looking; the transplanted grafts looked large and tuft-like. Today the transplanted grafts consist of 1 -3 hair follicles and even with close inspection look completely natural. This state of the art technique is called Follicular Unit Transplantation and at Aesthetica this procedure is performed by the surgeon and trained technicians so you can be confident that you will get the best possible results.
What areas can be treated with a hair transplant?
Hair transplantation is able to effectively treat hair loss in the following areas: scalp, face (eg for beard scarring etc), eyebrows, and pubic regions.
Where are the transplanted hair follicles taken from?
Usually, the donor area is located at the back or sides of your head. The donor follicles are removed by gentle surgery and there are sutures in place for about a week.
The hair follicles from the donor area have a different genetic code to those in the treatment area which they retain even after transplantation. When these follicles are transplanted into an area of baldness, they retain their genetic hair-growing qualities, this is why these follicles tend to produce full-size hairs over a person’s lifetime and do not fall out once planted in the treatment area.
What causes hair loss?
The reasons for premature hair loss are many and varied.
For men and women genetics are a major factor in hair loss, while for women it can also be hormonal. Accidents, burns, and disease can also trigger hair loss. Some people begin to lose hair in their twenties; frequent shampooing, poor circulation, wearing hats or any other personal habits are not factors that cause hair loss.
How thick can my new hair be after a hair transplant?
As a guide, about 100-200 grafts can be placed in an area about the size of your thumb, depending on how closely they are packed. Each graft consists of 1 - 3 hair follicles depending on the thickness required; grafts closer to your hairline will generally consist of 1 hair follicle whilst grafts further back will consist of more, this is to give your hairline a natural appearance whilst still giving your hair the required density.
Once the original grafted follicles have grown further grafts can be placed into the spaces between the new follicles bringing about further hair density. The latest transplant techniques minimize damage to existing follicles.
How long does it take to regrow hair?
With our latest techniques which result in minimal handling and trauma to the follicles during the procedure, many follicles start to regrow hair straight after the procedure.
However some follicles may need 3-4 months of rest before they start growing; this delay seems more pronounced after larger treatment sessions. We believe that well over 90% of the grafts we place will survive and grow normally in their new position.
Grafts placed into scars, or other problem areas may have a lower yield.
Optionally, these methods can be combined with special topical medication applied before and after the grafting in conjunction with micro-current stimulation - an option unique to Aesthetica. Grafts will grow faster and stronger using this method.
What happens during hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation is an exacting procedure, involving a team of nurses/technicians and the surgeon. The procedure is carried out under local anesthetic, combined with mild sedation. The procedure is virtually pain-free.
First the donor follicle tissue must be carefully extracted and separated into individual follicles or groups of 2 or 3 hairs, these are called follicular units. The recipient sites are then prepared with delicate instruments.
The hair transplant procedure can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the number of grafts transplanted, and the area and qualities of the recipient area.
After hair transplantation there can be some mild discomfort in the donor or recipient areas, but many patients say they do not even need to take analgesics, although these are provided as part of the post-op treatment.
How will I look and feel after a hair transplant?
Right after the treatment, your scalp will be red and slightly swollen. There may be some small scabs over the individual grafts that will remain for about a week. There are no bandages, and the grafts will take within the first 24-48 hours.
The recovery process.
The new grafts need to be protected and gently treated for about 10 days after the hair transplant procedure. The scalp can be gently washed the day after the procedure. All medication and shampoos are provided as part of our care package.
Our Surgeons will recommend some professional hair care products and possibly some medication, to help boost follicle growth, and keep the treated area and all of your hair looking its very best.
Most patients find that they can return to work the second day after their hair transplant procedure. Occasionally there may be some slight bruising or swelling around the forehead that may need several days to resolve.
Sutures in the donor area will need to be removed about 7 - 10 days after the procedure. Mild exercise and gym work can be progressively resumed two days after the procedure, with unrestricted activity allowed after two weeks.
Complication and unexpected outcomes.
Hair transplant procedures are of course surgical, and bruising, swelling, infection and bleeding are possible, if very uncommon outcomes. If they occur, they can almost always be easily resolved, without risk to patient or transplanted follicles. Rarely, will a patient have unexpected poor healing of the donor and/or recipient areas, in the form of a scar. Smoking and lifestyle can adversely affect follicle yield and hair regrowth.
How much does hair transplantation cost?
Every case is different and every patient has their own specific requirements and expectations, therefore it is hard to give an exacting price for every hair transplant procedure. Our doctors and practice manager can provide you with a proposal specifically tailored to suit you.
The cost of a hair transplantation procedure will obviously vary depending on your hair loss, the the size of the balding area to be treated, and the amount of hair grafts required. You are most welcome to book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our Doctors or qualified nurses where your requirements will be discussed.
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