Hair Transplant
This minor surgical procedure is performed for cosmetic reasons, the main reason being that of replacing hair lost through baldness. This typically affects more men than women, though women can experience this as well albeit to a lesser extent, and is usually attributed to the ‘male pattern baldness’’.
For many men, being bald is an undesirable state. The possession of a full head of hair is seen as a signifier of youth and vigour. So, any loss of that hair is viewed in a negative light, resulting in feelings of depression and inadequacy. Male pattern baldness affects most men and happens gradually over many years, usually culminating in baldness by late middle age. It can happen for a variety of reasons, with heredity playing a major part.
The treatments for this include wigs, medication and scalp surgery. One such form of scalp surgery is a hair transplant. This involves the surgeon removing one section of hair from a healthy area and transplanting it to the bald section. This process is repeated as and where necessary.
How does it work?
A hair transplant session is carried out under a local anaesthetic and can last up to 8 hours depending on the size of the area and number of hairs to be transplanted. The surgeon will numb the area designated for the harvesting of the healthy hair. He/she will remove a cluster of hair follicles from that area, and then will transfer it to the required area.
Depending on the size of the area for transplantation, this process is repeated several times until the required area is completed. The hair is placed in the direction in which it is meant to grow in order to ensure a natural look. Once this process is finished, the surgeon will then sew up the area from which the hair was taken from and cover it with a bandage.
Multiple sessions may be required in some cases.
What can I expect from the surgery?
As with all cosmetic procedures, you need to have realistic expectations. Most hair transplants are successful, with newly transplanted hairs growing 16 weeks after the procedure though it can take up to 9 months for the complete growth. It is important to note that the most successful transplants are those in which the patient started with thicker and substantial hair. If you do not have much hair to start with then this procedure will not result in a full head of hair, although it will improve on what you have got. Transplanted hair is subject to the ageing process in the same way as the existing hair in that there will be some slight reduction in density over time.
How long does it take?
A single session can last from 2 up to 8 hours depending on the amount of hair to be transplanted.
How long does the recovery take?
This is a safe and relatively painless procedure. You may experience some mild soreness or a feeling of ‘tightness’ in the newly transplanted area. Your surgeon will prescribe medication for you which will alleviate that problem.
You will be asked to use a damp compress or a light water spray to reduce any swelling or bruising. Plus you will be advised to sleep in a semi-upright position for 2 to 3 days. Small scabs will form over the newly grafted area of hair though these can be hidden by any existing hair which can be brushed over these. There may some numbness in the area from which the hair was taken from but this will fade away from 2 to 8 months.
This is a minor procedure which can be performed as day surgery or at an outpatient’s clinic. You will be able to go home straight after the procedure and resume your normal activities the following day. You will be able to return to work the day after the surgery.
What are the risks/side effects?
Any cosmetic surgery procedure has a small element of risk. In general, this type of procedure is safe and very successful. Any complications which may arise are likely to be infection, scarring, itching, poor hair growth, cysts and follicle swelling. You may experience some slight forehead swelling directly after the surgery though this will disappear 3 to 4 days later.
Find out more
If you would to know more about hair transplant surgery and where to find a surgeon, contact us today on 08707 606 555. Alternatively, you can complete our online enquiry form for an immediate response.
