Q. How does a hair transplant work?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the redistribution of hair follicles from a donor area, where hair is typically more abundant, to a recipient area where hair is thinning or absent. The goal of a hair transplant is to restore natural hair growth and improve the overall appearance of the hair.

The procedure generally follows these steps:

Consultation: Before the procedure, you'll have a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon. They will evaluate your hair loss pattern, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if you're a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Preparation: On the day of the surgery, the donor area is typically the back or sides of the scalp, where hair is genetically resistant to balding. The surgeon will mark the donor and recipient areas and may shave the donor area to allow for easier graft extraction.

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb both the donor and recipient areas. This ensures that you are comfortable and don't experience pain during the procedure.

Graft Extraction:

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In the FUT method, a strip of scalp is surgically removed from the donor area. The strip is then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs).
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): In the FUE method, individual follicular units are directly extracted from the donor area using a small punch tool. This leaves tiny circular scars that are less noticeable than the linear scar from FUT.
Recipient Site Creation: The surgeon creates tiny incisions in the recipient area where the hair will be transplanted. The placement of these incisions is crucial for achieving a natural-looking result.

Graft Placement: The extracted follicular units are carefully placed into the recipient sites, taking into consideration the natural hair growth pattern, angle, and density. This requires precision and artistry to achieve a natural appearance.

Healing and Recovery: After the procedure, you'll be given instructions for post-operative care. Some redness, swelling, and minor discomfort are common in the days following the surgery. Scabs will form in the recipient area, which will eventually fall off.

Growth and Results: Over the next several months, the transplanted hair will shed, which is a normal part of the process. New hair growth typically starts within a few months, and gradual improvements continue for up to a year. The transplanted hair will blend in with your existing hair, resulting in a natural appearance.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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