Hair loss is a common problem that affects men and women across the world. In fact, 8 out of 10 people experience hair thinning or hair loss. This can drastically affect people’s self-esteem and confidence, taking a toll on their mental well-being. However, you can prevent this by getting a hair transplant treatment –an effective hair restoration method. It takes hair from the back of the head and implants it on bald areas, resulting in improved hair growth. While hair transplant has become popular amongst men and women, is it really effective for covering bald patches on the head? Continue reading to find out whether hair transplant is actually effective for improving hair growth.
How Does Hair Transplant Work?
Hair transplant is a hair restoration method that takes hair from the back or side of the head and implants extracted hair on the bald areas of the scalp. It encourages new and healthier hair growth to get rid of baldness.
Hair Follicle Extraction: The process begins by extracting hair follicles from the donor location, which is usually located at the back of the scalp. This location is usually chosen because it is typically resistant to hair loss.
Prepares the Treatment Area: The recipient site is properly prepped before the hair is transplanted. To make room for the new hair follicles, small incisions called recipient sites are created.
Hair Follicle Implantation: The harvested follicles are carefully placed in the prepared recipient area. Each follicle is positioned precisely to ensure a natural appearance and optimal hair development direction.
Benefits of Hair Transplant
Here are some benefits of hair transplant treatment.
Permanent: There are several natural ways and topical treatments available now that can aid you when your hairline begins to recede and you need to treat it. However, nothing compares to a hair transplant in terms of providing a lasting solution to such a serious problem. Hair transplants are permanent and last forever.
Treats Balding: Hair transplant allows you to get rid of bald patches on the scalp and replace them with healthier and thicker hair follicles. You would no longer have to suffer with bald patches and receding hairlines, improving your appearance and mental well-being.
Little Maintenance: With a hair transplant, you can be confident that you will not have to make much effort to preserve it. Once the procedure has been performed in the damaged areas, all you will have to do is a little upkeep. There isn’t any need for special shampoos or haircare as it will be your natural hair.
Post-Transplantation Hair Growth
Approximately 2-4 weeks following the treatment (around day 25 on average), the transplanted hairs begin to progressively fall out: this is a fully natural and expected process known as the “shock loss” stage. It can last for approximately 50-60 days. Then, approximately three months after the transplant, fresh permanent hair begins to develop from the transplanted follicles. The average growth rate is one centimeter every month. The hair thickens with time, with the complete effect noticeable after 8-12 months.
Side Effects of Hair Transplant
- New hair growth appears after a few months, with full results visible up to a year after surgery.
- Multiple sessions may be required. Extensive hair loss can require more than one transplant procedure.
- Some patients endure discomfort during the first recovery period, which may include difficulties sleeping.
- The forehead and face may swell, but this usually goes away within a few days.
When Should You Get Hair Transplant?
While anyone over the age of 18 can get a hair transplant, most hair specialists and dermatologists recommend waiting until you’re at least 30 years old. This is because hair loss can slow down around the age of 30 and become more predictable. As a result, the hair loss trend can be properly determined between the ages of 25 and 30+. If you receive a hair transplant too soon, you may develop side effects or issues later on and require further costly treatments. For example, the hair within the graft may thin or fall out, leaving you with a lifelong strip of transplanted hair that will appear unnatural or artificial.
So, hair transplant treatment is an effective hair restoration technique. The procedure will result in healthier and stronger natural hair, improving your self-esteem and appearance. Just within a few sessions, you can enjoy more hair growth on your scalp!