What is Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair loss can cause self-esteem problems, both in women and men. In some cases, a person may feel so ashamed and begins to present problems with their social interactions and be worried about first impressions.

In most cases, hair may be restored with a hair transplantation surgery. Through this technique the patient's own hair placed again in areas where hair had been lost. With this new hair, patients may recover their appearance, a head full of hair, and their self-esteem.

What is Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair Transplant Surgery consists in removing strips or small pieces of hair-bearing from a donor site (usually the back of the patient´s head), and transplant it into a recipient site (bald area, or with sparse and thin hair).

Who is an ideal candidate for a Hair Transplant?

A person who desires undergo a hair transplant should be physically and mentally healthy, that has experienced the hair lost during five years or more. Likewise, should have healthy and hearty hair growth areas to serve as donor, like the back or sides of the head. The patient should understand the limits of the procedure and have realistic expectations.

Patients who lost the hair due to a burn, trauma, or a surgical procedure may be candidates to hair transplantation too.

How is the first consultation of a Hair Transplant?

During the first consultation the plastic surgeon will evaluate the patient's scalp and general health, to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. Likewise, it is important that the patients be honest about their medical record, including the family history of hair loss and if they have undergo any previous hair replacement surgery, current medication, and even if they smokes.

If the plastic surgeon considers that patient is a good candidate, they should discuss the technique that will be used, and all the patient's concerns (including costs, risks and possible complications) with the plastic surgeon.

Likewise, the plastic surgeon may take pictures to compare with the results. The patient can ask to see before/after pictures of other patients to see if the results are similar to the desired outcomes.

What is the general procedure of Hair Transplant Surgery?

In general terms, when a patient undergoes a hair transplant it is used local anesthesia and sedation; but, in some cases, the plastic surgeon may consider as the best option to use general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon cleans the scalp, and once the anesthetic takes effect the surgeon begins the selected method. According to the extent of the procedure it may take between 4 and 8 hours. 

Basically, there are two methods for hair replacement. The traditional or strip method consists cutting with a scalpel a strip of hair from the donor site. The incision is closed, and with help of a microscope the strip is cut in units that contain just a single hair follicle, and then these single-follicle units are transplanted into the bald areas carefully with needles or scalpels.

In the other method the plastic surgeon cuts individually the follicles with tiny holes. When they are processed, the plastic surgeon will transplant them in the receiving area, for this may use needles or scalpels. This method has the advantage that it leaves no scar (the incisions required are really small). The number of follicles transplanted will depend on each patient and the procedure that the plastic surgeon chooses. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will clean the patient’s scalp and will cover it with special gauzes.

What are post-operative cares of Hair Transplant Surgery?

After the procedure the patient may experience a minor discomfort, but the plastic surgeon will prescribe a painkiller and local ice (only in the donor site) to decrease it. The head should remain elevated at night during the first week. Bruising and scabbing are common after the procedure. 

Wash the hair, and exercise are prohibited during the first 3 days, after this period of time the patient may back to the work (depending on the work that the patient carry out) when the individual method was performed, and between 5 and 7 days with the traditional procedure. Alcohol, vitamins, or aspirin are also prohibited during healing, this is because they can cause bleeding.

What are the expected results of a Hair Transplantation?

During the first 2 to 3 weeks the transplanted hair may fall out, it is important that the patients know this, because they may believe that the transplant didn't work, so the new hair will start to grow in the next few months.

In some cases, the patient may need several sessions to achieve the desired results, between sessions it is important have healing intervals (months). Even, it may pass up to 2 years before the patient could see the final results.

Some facts about Hair Transplant Surgery

How much hair can be transplanted during the same procedure? 

There is no a specific number of follicles to be transplanted, this will depend on the method and the particular patient's needs. The amount of follicles and hairs used can range between 1 and 2000.

Will I have scars after a Hair Transplant Surgery?

In the strip method the incision of the donor site may be obvious for approximately 2 weeks; however, when the individual method is used the scalp is presentable between 5 and 7 days. In any case, this point varies according to the patient's healing process.

Can hair transplant surgery be used for transplant facial hair?

Yes, some experts consider that this surgery is the only option to restore a permanent facial hair loss.

Can I change my hair texture with a hair transplant surgery?

No, the hair used for the transplant is the patient's own hair. The hair color and texture is defined by the DNA of each patient, so the hair will remain the same after the surgery.

Can the plastic surgeon move with this surgery my hairline? 

Yes, the hairline may be changed from a high position to a lower position. However, in this case is necessary to use a large amount of donor follicles.

Are definitive the results of a Hair Transplant Surgery?

Yes, the results from a hair transplant surgery will be permanent, even if the patients change their mind, or doesn't like the new look.