Hair transplantation is a method of relocating skin that has hair follicles from a part of the body where hair growth is significant, to a part that is losing hair or going bald. The skin is transferred from the donor site to the recipient site. The technique is generally a solution for baldness in men. The surgery is done to repair damaged eyebrows, beard or eyelashes.
Advanced technology has facilitated transplantation in a manner that the end result appears totally natural. There are two main methods of transplant (a) strip harvesting and (b) FUE harvesting.
Strip harvesting is a procedure by which a strip of the scalp is taken out, cut into smaller pieces (grafts) and positioned in the area of baldness. The donor site is repaired with sutures, the scar of which is covered by the hair in the area.
FUE harvesting (follicular unit extraction)is a procedure by which single follicles of hair are removed while the area is anesthetized. The follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area with a blade. As only single follicles are extracted, there are no scars in this form of transplantation.
Effects of hair transplantation
- This is a treatment that lasts forever. Other solutions for baldness require repeated visits to the therapists for a continued treatment
- The person who has had a transplant feels more self assured and confident because of the improved overall appearance
- There is a lot of positive reinforcement for the mental and emotional make-up of the person
- The procedure succeeds in replacing your own hair, the results are natural and safe
- This natural hair can also be dyed if you want to
- Besides rudimentary steps to maintain healthy hair there are no prescribed post-operative medications for transplantation
- Though the treatment is costly it is once-in-a-lifetime procedure that works out in the long run
Side effects of hair transplantation surgery
- A pronounced pain in the head due to the pulling and inserting of hair, accompanied by itchiness of the scalp
- Inflammation in the forehead and eye regions is a side effect that lasts for about 72 hours. The occurrence is quite rare and can be managed by prescribed medication
- In some cases there may be a small amount of bleeding during transplantation
- Scabs are visible in the area where the grafting has taken place for some
- “Bald patches” are seen in some after hair grows back
- Numbness in the transplantation region and/or tenderness of the scalp is also a common side effect
- The hair already present may appear to become thinner; this is called “shock loss”
Once the transplantation is successful, it is important you take good care of your hair using the right kind of products to keep it clean and healthy.
Hair transplantation surgery is a much sought after procedure as a permanent solution to baldness. Usually the operation is successful and the result is a very natural look. There are some minor side effects, however, that can be easily managed.