How Do Hair Transplants Work?

• 6 June 2024
• Dr. Ossman Ashraf

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Did you know that over 50% of men and women experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 50? Many people choose hair transplants as a solution for hair restoration – but how do hair transplants work? Hair Doctors Sydney shares insights into how hair transplantation works, as well as the recovery process and long-term results.

Causes of Hair Loss

Balding and excessive hair fall can stem from various reasons. Here are some common causes:

• Genetics or Hereditary Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

  Androgenetic alopecia is the most frequent cause of hair loss, affecting both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern hair loss). It’s linked to hormones that shorten the hair growth cycle.

• Hormonal Imbalances

  Conditions like thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt hormonal balance, causing loss of hair.

• Medical Conditions

  Certain medical conditions like thyroid conditions and autoimmune diseases as well as medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, and beta-blockers may cause hair to fall as a side effect.

• Stress

  Severe or chronic stress can contribute to temporary loss of hair.

Hair Transplantation: Restoring Hair Through Follicle Redistribution

Hair transplantation is a medical procedure that aims to restore hair growth in areas experiencing thinning, especially in cases of female or male pattern baldness. The basic principle involves redistributing healthy hairs from a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, to a recipient area. These transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to the effects of hormones responsible for hair loss, offering the potential for long-term hair growth.

Techniques of Hair Transplants: FUT vs. FUE

There are two main techniques used in hair transplants:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

  This is also calles follicular strip surgery because a thin strip of donor skin from the scalp that contains healthy hair follicles is removed from the donor area. This strip is then dissected into individual follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs) for transplantation. The doctor or nurse creates tiny recipient sites in the bald scalp and meticulously places the extracted follicular units. While FUT leaves a linear scar at the donor site, it’s often hidden by remaining hair.

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

  In FUE hair transplant procedures, individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using a specialised tool. This eliminates the need for a strip excision and results in minimal scarring. The extracted units are then implanted in the prepared recipient sites in the balding area. This technique can also be used to even out beard hair.

Both FUT and FUE hair transplant procedures use existing hair and are performed by a skilled doctor or nurse in a medical setting, with local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.

At Hair Doctors Sydney, we offer the FUE procedure due to their minimally-invasive nature, faster recovery time, and more natural results. This procedure works because hair from the donor area is resistant to androgenetic alopecia (balding).

Preparing for a Hair Transplant

Before undergoing a hair transplant, it’s crucial to undergo a thorough consultation with a qualified doctor or nurse. This consultation allows them to:

• Assess your suitability based on your balding pattern, scalp laxity, and donor hair availability.
• Review your medical history, hair loss history, and current medications to address any potential concerns.
• Discuss your desired hairline and hair density to develop a customised treatment plan.
• Set realistic expectations regarding the procedure, potential outcomes, and recovery time.
• Open communication and realistic expectations are key factors for a successful hair transplant experience.

What to Expect On the Day

At Hair Doctors Sydney, we use the FUE procedure (Follicular Unit Extraction). This is because it offers the greatest survival rates for hair grafts as well as the fastest recovery times for patients. On the day of your hair transplant procedure, you can expect the following:

• Local anaesthetic

  The doctor or nurse will numb the donor and recipient areas with local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

• Donor hair extraction

  The doctor or nurse will extract healthy hair follicles from the designated donor area.

• Recipient site creation

  Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area where thinning or balding has occurred to prepare for graft placement.

• Graft placement

  The extracted follicular units are meticulously placed in the recipient sites, ensuring proper direction, angle, and density for natural-looking results.

• Procedure duration

  The length of the procedure can vary depending on how many grafts are being transplanted, typically ranging from a few hours to a full day.

A hair transplant only works well on thinning hair if you are a good candidate and if you follow the post-procedure guidelines to care for your new hair. With FUE, recovery is usually quick and has minimal discomfort.

Recovering from a Hair Transplant

Following your procedure, you can expect some initial discomfort or swelling around the treated areas. Your doctor or nurse will provide detailed post-operative instructions that may include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period.
• Maintaining proper hygiene of the transplanted area and donor site.
• Using prescribed medications to manage any swelling or discomfort.

It is essential to follow all guidelines given to you by your hair transplant team, as these are designed to support the best results for your transplanted hair as well as prevent infection and further hair loss. Recovery times vary among individuals, but it typically takes a few days to a week for the initial redness, sensitivity and swelling to subside.

When Will You Start Seeing Results?

Here’s what to expect regarding growth of new, thicker hair:

• Initial shedding

  Within a few weeks of the procedure, you may experience some shedding of the transplanted hair. But don’t worry if you lose hair! This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle and doesn’t signify the hair transplant has failed.

• New hair growth

  New hair growth typically begins within 3-4 months after the transplant.

• Continued improvement

  Over the course of several months to a year, you’ll see continued improvement in hair density and thickness.

• Permanent hair

  The transplanted hair follicles are genetically resistant to hair loss hormones, allowing them to grow new hair throughout your lifetime. However, you may still have thinning or balding in surrounding hair and could require medication, DHT blocker mesotherapy, or other treatments.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hair Transplantation?

While hair transplants offer a promising solution for balding, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some factors determining candidacy:

• Adequate donor hair availability

  The success of the procedure relies on having enough healthy hair follicles in the donor area for extraction.

• Good overall health

  Certain medical conditions might preclude individuals from having this procedure.

• Realistic expectations

  Understanding that results are gradual and require patience is crucial. Setting realistic expectations with your doctor or nurse can ensure a positive experience.

By understanding the procedure, potential benefits, and what to expect, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for you on your journey towards hair restoration and renewed confidence.

A consultation with a qualified hair transplant doctor at Hair Doctors Sydney is the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. We can assess your individual situation and discuss the best course of action for achieving your desired results. Contact us today for more information or to find out more about our affordable payment plans. You can also get an online quote here.

FAQs

Is a hair transplant procedure painful?

Generally FUE hair transplants are well-tolerated. A local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, minimising discomfort.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

Hair transplant costs can vary depending on the technique used, the number of grafts transplanted, and if performed by a doctor or nurse. You can get an online quote from Hair Doctors Sydney here or call us to ask about our affordable payment plans.

What are the potential risks of hair transplant procedures?

As with any procedure, there are potential risks like infection or scarring. Consulting with a qualified doctor or nurse can help minimise these risks.

Can I return to work after a hair transplant?

Recovery times vary, but you may be able to return to work within a day or two after the procedure, depending on your job demands.

How long do hair transplants last?

The transplanted hairs themselves are permanent, making a hair transplant the most permanent treatment for hair loss. However, ongoing thinning in non-transplanted areas might require medications, DHT Blocker Mesotherapy, or touch-up hair transplants.

This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The insights and views expressed here are provided in the context of general health information and are not a substitute for a professional consultation. Consider your personal health circumstances and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health care.