Q. How does a hair transplant work?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
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.