Hair Transplantation and Restoration

Hair transplant and restoration, also called surgical hair substitution, is a procedure that involves extracting small portions of hair-bearing scalp grafts from the donor region and transplanting them onto the scalp parts that are bald or experiencing thinning. The purpose of hair transplant and restoration surgery is to give people with hair loss a more youthful look. While there exist non-surgical methods which may stop the development of androgenic alopecia (common hair loss in both men and women) and even help to generate new hairs, recent developments in surgical hair restoration have made hair transplant and restoration a more successful, secure and dependable treatment for individuals distressed by baldness or thinning hair to regain a more natural and youthful-looking hair.

Hair Transplantation and Restoration

What is Hair Transplantation and Restoration?

Hair transplantation and restoration are one of the most rapidly advancing treatments available in cosmetic surgery. These surgeries have become a widely accepted method for resolving hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia (AGA - the normal pattern of thinning or balding in men and women) as well as loss due to trauma and certain forms of inflammatory hair conditions. There has been a steady stream of improvements in techniques and results.

Two types of hair transplantation techniques predominate currently:

  1. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) 

  2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

Owing to many advantages over FUT, FUE is considered a gold standard approach.

In recent years, the development of technology and the use of follicular unit grafts has helped to take hair transplantation to a higher level. This type of surgical procedure has become increasingly popular among those who are suffering from hair loss, as it produces results that are very close to the appearance of natural hair. Despite the progress that has been made in the field of hair restoration, there are still cases where the desired outcome cannot be achieved, due to a number of challenges that limit the ability to replicate natural hair.

Procedure steps

Hair restoration and transplantation are conducted by harvesting tiny grafts from parts of the body that have a good growth of hair, or a larger portion of scalp from a donor area, which are then divided into tinier pieces for grafting. These grafts are then planted in the areas of the scalp that are balding or thinning. 

Typically, several sessions are required for complete transplantation and each session needs a period of healing before the next session can be done. This means that the entire process can take up to two years before the final results are seen. Moreover, the amount of coverage depends on the patient's hair color and texture. Gray, coarse, or light-hued hair gives better coverage than dark, fine, or silky hair. 

The most suitable candidates for this surgery are those who have considerable hair loss but still have healthy hair growth on the sides and back of the head to be used as donor areas.

Here is a general overview of the steps involved in a hair transplantation procedure:

Consultation

The first step is to meet with a hair transplant specialist to discuss the patient's hair loss and determine the best course of treatment. 

Although age is no bar for hair transplant, patients between 20 and 30 years should have a stabilized rate of hair fall before they are considered suitable for hair transplantation. A detailed family history is also helpful in assessing hair loss and planning a new hairline.

Planning

Planning the hairline is one of the most critical steps in hair transplantation. The hairline is the most visible landmark, and the quality of the hairline often judges the quality of the work of a surgeon. 

Preoperative preparation

Before the procedure, the patient will have to wash their hair with a special shampoo (Betadine surgical scrub) to prepare the scalp.

Anesthesia

Before the procedure begins, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the hair will be transplanted.

Preparation of the donor area

The hair in the donor area (occipital region) is trimmed to 2–4 mm. After injecting anesthesia just below the donor area, a complete homeostatic effect is maintained after 10-20 minutes to minimize bleeding.

Harvesting

The next step is to remove hair follicles from the donor site. It can be done using either the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method or the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. 

Harvesting donor hairs that are white or light-colored is challenging. Extra care has to be taken to preserve the hair follicles. These patients are instructed to dye their hair a few days before the procedure to enhance visibility. Extra care is also required in patients undergoing a second procedure because scars from previous surgery distort the direction of the hair in the donor area.

Graft preparation

As soon as the donor strips are harvested, they must be placed into icy normal saline. This is achieved by submerging the tray with the grafts in the saline solution and keeping it cool. It is essential to ensure that the donor grafts are hydrated with cold saline during the entire process of the surgery, as it affects the survival rate of the grafts. 

It is also very important to provide sufficient lighting during the cutting of the grafts. They can be trimmed on wooden tongue depressors or a vinyl dissecting surface that is equipped with a backlighting system. It is imperative to make sure that no part of the wood stays attached to the grafts after they have been cut since these foreign particles can later lead to the formation of epidermal cysts.

Preparation of recipient area

Before any incisions or punctures are made in the recipient area, anesthesia is inserted and the area must be swollen to reduce bleeding and anguish. It is essential to stick to the path of the existing hair follicles in the vicinity when making slits or cuts. The hairline should appear to be jagged and uneven in an organic manner. 

When undergoing secondary or tertiary treatments, a greater amount of bleeding is likely to occur in the recipient area. If a suitable level of swelling is maintained and a 10-15 minute gap is left before creating the holes, this may help to reduce the excessive oozing. It is also noted that due to fibrosis from past treatments, cuts in the recipient area can be difficult to make during secondary procedures.

Graft placement

The hair follicular units grafts (FUGs) are then placed very cautiously in the recipient area to guarantee the hair is growing in the accurate positioning and angle. Pressure is used to make sure that the grafts are even with the neighboring skin. It should be prevented from being buried too deep underneath the skin level as it can cause a pitted look and result in epidermal cysts. A cobblestone look appears when the grafts are too far away from the skin's surface. Two or three persons can simultaneously insert grafts to make the process more efficient and faster. Grafting treatments may take up to five or six hours and in this period, 2000-3000 FUGs may be transplanted.

Post operative care

The patient is discharged the same day, typically without any bandages. Some surgeons may prefer to bandage, but it must be done very carefully to avoid shearing. The bandage must be removed skillfully and carefully because grafts can stick to the undersurface and get removed unintentionally.

Some swelling is evident after a hair transplantation surgery, and the patient should be informed of this before the procedure. Oral steroids for 3–5 days can minimize edema (fluid retention).

A headband should be worn immediately after the operation, as it helps prevent the swelling from coming down onto the face and creating a puffy appearance. 

The patient should wash their hair with a mild shampoo on the 2nd or 3rd postoperative day. 

While combing the hair in the transplanted area for three weeks, the tooth of the comb should not scrape against the transplanted grafts. 

Wearing clothes like T-shirts or pullovers that need to be removed over the head should also be avoided for three weeks. 

Patients should also avoid hair oils or other stronger shampoos and helmets for the same period.

Results

The epidermis and dermis, along with the shaft of the transplanted hair outside the skin, fall off as scabs two to three weeks after the surgery. However, the follicles remain and go into a resting phase. New hairs start growing about three months after the procedure. 

It usually takes six to nine months to enjoy the result of a hair transplant. If a second procedure is needed, it must be at least three to six months after the first sitting. Some patients may complain of hypoaesthesia (numbness) of the scalp in the donor area. It is usually temporary but may persist for as long as 18 months in some cases.

The thickness of transplanted hair is less especially in areas that are totally bald. The patient should be informed of this preoperatively and a second sitting can be scheduled to increase hair density.

Types of Hair Transplantation and Restoration

  • Which Hair Transplantation and Restoration is Right for You?

    The right hair transplantation and restoration method for you will depend on various factors such as the extent of hair loss, your hair type and texture, and personal preference. Some common methods include Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), scalp micropigmentation, and non-surgical hair restoration using hair systems or wigs. 

    Non-surgical options may be suitable for those seeking a temporary solution or for those not suitable for surgical procedures. A consultation with a hair restoration specialist can help you determine which method is right for you.

  • Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

    For Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), a strip of skin is taken from the scalp and then divided into individual follicular units. FUT is thought to have certain advantages that may make it preferable to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), such as:

    • Shorter operative time: Though FUE operative time is typically longer than FUT, recent advancements in FUE extraction techniques (e.g., automated mechanical instruments and robotic technology) may close this operative time gap by offering decreased extraction times compared to the traditional, manual FUE techniques

    • Less transaction (of follicles) rate

    • Less of a learning curve

  • Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

    In FUE, a small punch tool is used to make a circular incision around the hair follicle, which is then extracted and transplanted to the area of the scalp that is thinning or balding. FUE has many advantages over FUT, which include but are not limited to:

    • An increased number of grafts can be harvested

    • The patient's hairstyle does not matter because scarring is less apparent

    • Donor site laxity and density are not significant impediments

    • Offers less postoperative pain

    • offers lesser recovery time

    • The surgeon can target follicular groups of a specific size or hairs with a specific diameter or pigmentation

    • The surgeon can target hairs outside the typical donor site (i.e., parietal scalp, chest, back, beard, pubis) if needed.

  • Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

    Scalp micro-pigmentation is a hair restoration method involving tattooing the scalp to create the illusion of a fuller head of hair. The process involves depositing tiny pigments into the skin that mimic the look of short hair stubble. The pigments are carefully matched to the individual's hair color, making the result look natural. SMP is non-invasive and does not involve any surgical incisions or removal of skin or hair follicles.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

    PRP therapy, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, is a minimally invasive hair restoration treatment that utilizes the growth factors in a person's blood to promote hair growth. The treatment involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the scalp in areas affected by hair loss or thinning. The growth factors in the platelets stimulate the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and improving the overall health of the scalp. 

    PRP therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other hair restoration treatments, such as hair transplant surgery. The results of PRP therapy take time, and multiple treatments may be necessary for optimal results.

Why Hair Transplantation and Restoration?

Hair transplantation and restoration is a procedure that involves removing small patches of hear-bearing scalp grafts from the donor site and transplanting them onto the scalp areas with baldness or hair thinning. 

Hair transplantation and restoration treatments can be effective for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning. This treatment can restore the appearance of a fuller head of hair, boost self-confidence, and improve one's overall quality of life. Hair transplantation and restoration treatments can also be an option for individuals who have experienced hair loss due to genetics, medical conditions, or injury. The results of hair transplantation and restoration treatments are typically long-lasting. They can produce a natural-looking and fuller head of hair.

  • To restore hair loss and improve hair density
  • To improve one's physical appearance and boost self-confidence
  • To correct previous hair transplantation surgery results
  • To restore hair in specific areas such as the hairline, crown, or temples
  • To achieve a natural-looking and permanent solution to hair loss

What are Concerns for Hair Transplantation and Restoration?

Concerns arising from hair transplantation are few and rare. It is considered a safe procedure. However, hair transplant and restoration also carry rare complications like any other surgical procedure. Common complications may include infections, wide scarring, unsatisfactory results, or epidermal cysts. Following is an overview of possible complications

  • Unsatisfactory Results

    Unsatisfactory results from a hair transplant can be a common concern for many individuals seeking hair restoration. It can be due to various factors such as poor surgical technique, an inexperienced surgeon, or unrealistic expectations. It is essential to do thorough research and choose a reputable and qualified hair restoration specialist to minimize the risk of unsatisfactory results
  • Scarring

    Scarring may be a concern for many individuals seeking hair transplantation. The type and extent of scarring can vary depending on the hair restoration technique used. For example, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) can result in a linear scar on the scalp. In contrast, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) typically results in small dot-like scars.
  • Infection/Complications

    Infections after a hair transplant can occur due to improper care, unsanitary conditions, or an individual's weakened immune system. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, discharge, and fever. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent further complications and promote healing. Infections in the recipient areas occur infrequently. In the donor areas, an infection may be seen around the sutures, but it usually resolves quickly after suture removal.

Steps to getting your procedure

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Why Yes Doctor for This Procedure

Yes Doctor helps individuals who are considering a hair transplant and restoration surgeries by offering loans or financing options to cover the cost of the procedure. We typically work with board-certified healthcare providers to offer premium quality healthcare with flexible payment plans that make it easier for patients to afford the upfront cost of a high-end procedure.

By using Yes Doctor's Buy Now Pay Later policy, individuals can spread out the cost of the procedure over time, making it more manageable for their budget. It can highly benefit individuals who may not have the funds available to pay for the procedure upfront or who do not want to use their savings or credit cards to cover the cost.

Overall, Yes Doctor patient financing is a helpful resource for individuals who are interested in hair transplant and restoration surgeries but are concerned about the cost of the procedure. It is important to carefully research our different financing options and choose a reputable board-certified hair transplant surgeon from our list of surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically takes several months to see the full results of a hair transplant, with most patients beginning to see new hair growth after three to four months. However, it can take up to 12 months or more for the final results to become fully visible. During the first few weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hair will fall out, which is a normal part of the healing process. It is followed by a dormant period, during which the transplanted hair follicles remain in place without producing visible hair growth. After several months, new hair will begin to grow from the transplanted follicles, which will continue to improve over the following months. It is important to note that the timing of hair growth and the final results can vary depending on individual factors, such as the extent of hair loss, the type of hair transplant procedure used, and the individual's overall health and healing process. It is essential to follow the surgeon's post-operative care instructions and be patien... Show more.
Local anesthesia and post-operative pain-relieving medicines make the procedure painless. However, patients might experience mild pain and discomfort. The degree of pain experienced can vary depending on the individual's pain tolerance, the specific technique used, and the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure.
Hair transplants are generally considered a permanent solution for hair loss and stay for a lifetime. The transplanted hair follicles are taken from areas of the scalp resistant to hair loss. They will continue to grow even after transplantation. However, it is important to note that hair loss can still occur in other areas of the scalp over time, creating an uneven or unnatural appearance. Additionally, the success of the hair transplant can depend on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure.
A hair transplant is generally considered to be a secure surgical procedure, although there are some potential side effects that could occur, such as aches, itching, dissatisfaction with the result of the operation, and medical issues such as contamination, wound separation, or skin death. It is essential to find a competent and experienced doctor to evaluate your individual needs and select the best treatment plan to decrease the danger of any complications and have the best outcome. Moreover, following the postoperative instructions properly can result in a lasting outcome.

Doctors that perform Hair Transplantation and Restoration procedures