Hair transplantation is a popular procedure that helps men and women deal with the problem of hair loss and regain their self-confidence. If you are considering a hair transplant, it is very important to understand what to expect before, during and after the procedure in order to make an informed decision.
Hair transplantation involves removing hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanting them into bald or thinning areas. This process allows the transplanted hair follicles to grow and thrive in the new location.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and its duration depends on the extent of the transplant. It is important to remember that hair transplantation is a meticulous process that requires the expertise of a skilled surgeon. The surgeon carefully selects donor hair follicles to ensure that they match the recipient area in terms of texture, color and density. This attention to detail ensures a natural-looking result.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area. These follicles are then carefully placed into small incisions made in the recipient area. The surgeon strategically places the hair follicles to create a natural hairline and ensure optimal coverage.
It is normal to experience mild discomfort, swelling and mild scabbing after the hair transplant procedure. This is a natural part of the healing process and will subside within a few weeks. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Hair Transplant and Hair Loss
Genetic reasons and excess testosterone hormone are often the leading causes of hair loss that results in the need for transplantation. Hair loss caused by these causes is classified as “male pattern hair loss” (androgenetic alopecia). When the hormone “dihydrotestosterone” known as DHT in men is secreted in excess, it accumulates in the hair follicles and prevents the roots from feeding.
Roots that cannot be nourished weaken over time and become too damaged to produce new hair strands. This unfortunately results in hair loss. In addition, alopecia (Alopecia Areata), skin problems, some internal diseases, various medications, stress, psychological factors and in some cases even environmental factors are among the factors that can cause permanent hair loss.
What is a Graft?
In the context of hair transplantation, a graft refers to a cluster of hair follicles transplanted as a unit. Grafts typically contain one to four hair follicles, depending on the desired density and natural hair characteristics of the recipient area.
Procedure Summary
- Consultation: The first step is a consultation with a qualified hair transplant specialist. During this consultation, your hair loss and medical history will be evaluated.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, you may be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements that may interfere with the transplant process.
- Extraction: Hair follicles are carefully extracted from the donor area using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique.
- Creation of the Recipient Area: After the hair follicles are extracted, recipient sites are created in bald or thinning areas of the scalp where the hair will be transplanted.
- Transplantation: The extracted hair follicles are meticulously placed in the recipient areas to provide a natural distribution and angle.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you will be given post-operative care instructions to follow. The recovery process usually takes a few weeks.
Procedure Detail
Now, let’s examine each step in more detail:
Consultation
The consultation is a very important part of the hair transplant process. In this step, the hair transplant specialist will carefully examine your scalp and assess the extent of your hair loss. They will also review your medical history to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. In addition, the specialist will discuss your expectations and goals, as well as the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine the best approach for your specific case.
Preparation
Before the actual transplant, it is important to prepare your scalp for the procedure. This may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with the healing process. The hair transplant specialist will give you a detailed list of instructions to follow in the days before the surgery. It is very important to follow these guidelines to achieve the best possible result.
Extraction
Extraction of hair follicles is a meticulous process that requires precision and expertise. There are different techniques used for extraction, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). FUE involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area using a specialized instrument. FUT, on the other hand, involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and separating it into individual follicular units, but the FUT technique is not generally preferred today. The choice of technique depends on several factors, including the extent of hair loss and the quality of the donor area.
Creating the Receiving Zone
Once the hair follicles have been removed, the next step is to create recipient sites on the areas of the scalp where the hair will be transplanted. The hair transplant specialist will carefully plan the placement of these zones to achieve a natural-looking result.
The zones are created using small incisions, taking into account the angle, direction and density of the existing hair. This step requires precision and artistry to ensure that the transplanted hair seamlessly integrates with the surrounding hair.
Transplantation
The transplantation phase involves precisely implanting the extracted hair follicles into the recipient areas. The hair transplant specialist will use specialized instruments to ensure the correct placement and a natural distribution of the transplanted hair. The angle and direction of the transplanted hair follicles are very important to achieve a natural look. This step requires patience and attention to detail, as each follicle must be precisely placed.
Recovery
After the hair transplant procedure, you will be given post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. These instructions may include guidelines on how to care for the transplanted area, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure, avoiding strenuous activities and following a specific hair care routine.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully to achieve the best results. Recovery time can vary from person to person, but it usually takes a few weeks for the transplanted hair to settle and the scalp to fully heal.
Pros and Cons of Hair Transplantation
As with any medical procedure, it is important to consider both the benefits and potential disadvantages of hair transplantation:
Pros
Permanent results: Hair transplantation offers a long-term solution to hair loss as the transplanted hair follicles continue to grow naturally.
Natural look: The hair that grows from the transplanted follicles looks and feels just like your natural hair.
Self-confidence: Having fuller hair can significantly boost self-confidence and improve overall well-being.
Cons
Cost: Hair transplantation can be a significant financial investment, as multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
Temporary side effects: Temporary side effects such as swelling and scabbing are common after the procedure but usually subside within a few weeks.
Individual results may vary: The success of a hair transplant depends on several factors, including the quality and quantity of donor hair and the expertise of the surgeon.
Hair Transplant Techniques
There are three basic hair transplantation techniques: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and the Percutaneous technique.
FUE: FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles using a small staple tool and then implanting them into the recipient site. This technique leaves minimal scarring and allows for a faster recovery time.
FUT: FUT is an older technique that involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and separating it into individual hair follicles for transplantation. This technique results in a linear scar.
Percutaneous: The difference of the percutaneous method is the needles used to make the canal. The channels opened with micro-tipped needles allow for frequent transplantation, as well as the channels to be exactly the same size as the hair follicles, thus allowing the hair follicles to hold and adapt to the transplanted area more easily. Another advantage of micro-tipped needles is that they allow for very narrow angled canals.
DHI: It is known as unshaven hair transplantation. In the DHI technique, hair follicles are collected as in the FUE technique. The difference of DHI hair transplantation is the use of a medical apparatus called Choi during the transplantation phase, which is specially produced for DHI and resembles a pen in appearance. Choi performs channel opening and root placement simultaneously. Thus, each root is placed in the Choi without waiting outside, the hair follicle is placed in the channel opened with the tip of the Choi and direct transplantation is performed.
Post Hair Transplant Process
The months following a hair transplant are crucial for the overall success of the procedure.
- 1-2. Month: During this time, the transplanted hair follicles enter the resting phase and you may experience some loss of transplanted hair. This is a normal part of the process.
- Month 3-4: New hair growth typically begins during this time and you will begin to notice small, fine hairs sprouting from the transplanted follicles.
- Months 6-12: Hair growth and thickening continues during this period and you should see noticeable improvements in the density and appearance of your hair.
- After 1 Year: The transplanted hair should continue to grow and blend seamlessly with your natural hair. To maximize long-term results, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow the advice of your surgeon.
Things to Consider Before Hair Transplantation
There are several important factors to consider before having a hair transplant:
- Eligibility: Consult a hair transplant specialist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Expectations: Have realistic expectations about the potential results of the procedure, individual results may vary.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the procedure, the results of low-cost options may not meet your expectations.
The Latest Innovations in Hair Transplant Technology
Advances in technology have revolutionized the field of hair transplantation. One notable breakthrough is the use of robotic assistance, which allows precise and efficient extraction and transplantation of hair follicles.
Another innovation is the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve transplant results.
What are Hair Transplant Alternatives?
If you are not ready for hair transplantation or it is not suitable for you, you can try these alternative options:
- Medication: Prescription medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can help slow or prevent further hair loss.
- Scalp Micropigmentation: This non-surgical procedure involves tattooing the scalp to create the illusion of a full head of hair.
- Wigs and Prosthetic Hair: These offer a temporary solution to baldness and can be customized to fit your desired look.
Cost of Hair Transplant in Turkey
The cost of a hair transplant in Turkey varies depending on factors such as the degree of baldness and the number of grafts required. In general, hair transplantation varies between 800 dollars and 5,000 dollars.
Each technique is charged on a different price policy. The reason for the price difference between techniques varies depending on factors such as the equipment used, the number of grafts required and the cost of the operation. In Turkey, hair transplantation is performed by highly experienced doctors and specialists, and despite the success rates, it is performed at much lower prices compared to the world in general.
Why Turkey is the Leader in Hair Transplantation?
Turkey has emerged as one of the leading destinations for hair transplantation due to several factors:
- Experience and Expertise: Turkish surgeons have gained extensive experience in performing hair transplant procedures, making them world-renowned experts in the field.
- Cost: Compared to many other countries, hair transplantation in Turkey is relatively affordable while maintaining high quality standards.
- Advanced Facilities: Clinics and hospitals in Turkey are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the best results for patients.
- Tourism Opportunities: Turkey offers a unique combination of hair transplant services and the opportunity for patients to explore its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.