How is Hair Transplantation Done?

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, known as the donor site, to a bald or thinning area of the body, known as the recipient site. This procedure is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to restore hair in women and to treat other types of hair loss.

There are several different techniques used in hair transplantation, including follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). In FUT, a strip of skin is removed from the donor site, typically the back or sides of the head, and the hair follicles are extracted from this strip. The strip is then divided into individual grafts, each containing one or more hair follicles, which are then implanted into the recipient site.

FUE, on the other hand, involves the extraction of individual hair follicles directly from the donor site using a small punch tool. These follicles are then implanted into the recipient site. FUE is a more time-consuming and labor-intensive procedure compared to FUT, but it does not leave a linear scar at the donor site.

Before the procedure, the patient will typically have a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s hair loss pattern, the quality and quantity of their donor hair, and their overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for hair transplantation.

On the day of the procedure, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the donor and recipient areas. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used to ensure the patient’s comfort. The surgeon will then proceed with either the FUT or FUE technique, depending on the patient’s specific needs and preferences.

In FUT, the surgeon will make a long incision in the scalp at the donor site and remove a strip of skin. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples, leaving a linear scar that can be easily concealed by surrounding hair. The strip of skin is then dissected into individual grafts, which are carefully prepared for implantation.

In FUE, the surgeon will use a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the donor site. The punches are typically less than 1 millimeter in diameter, and they are made in a random pattern to minimize scarring. The extracted follicles are then prepared for implantation.

Once the grafts are prepared, the surgeon will make tiny incisions in the recipient site, where the hair is thinning or bald. The grafts are then carefully placed into these incisions, taking into account the natural direction and angle of the existing hair to ensure a natural-looking result. The surgeon will continue this process until all of the grafts have been implanted.

After the procedure, the patient’s scalp may be bandaged to protect the grafts and minimize swelling. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for their scalp and grafts in the days and weeks following the procedure. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

In the weeks and months following the procedure, the transplanted hair will shed, but new hair will begin to grow from the transplanted follicles. It may take several months for the full results of the hair transplantation to become apparent, as the transplanted hair goes through a natural growth cycle.

Hair transplantation is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks. These risks can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and an unnatural-looking result. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon to minimize these risks and achieve the best possible outcome.

In conclusion, hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to another to treat hair loss. It can be done using different techniques, such as FUT and FUE. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient’s scalp is prepared for implantation. The grafts are carefully placed into the recipient site, and the patient is given post-operative instructions for proper healing. With time, new hair will grow from the transplanted follicles, resulting in a natural-looking and permanent solution for hair loss.