A hair transplant is a surgical procedure designed to treat hair loss or thinning hair by moving hair follicles from one part of the body, typically the back or sides of the scalp (donor area), to a balding or thinning area (recipient area). Here’s how it generally works:
Types of Hair Transplant Procedures
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):
o Step 1: Preparation: The scalp is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
o Step 2: Strip Removal: A strip of scalp skin from the donor area is removed.
o Step 3: Grafting: The strip is divided into small grafts containing individual or multiple hair follicles.
o Step 4: Incisions: Small incisions are made in the recipient area.
o Step 5: Placement: The grafts are carefully placed into the incisions.
o Step 6: Healing: The donor area is stitched and the recipient area heals over a few weeks.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
o Step 1: Preparation: The scalp is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
o Step 2: Extraction: Individual hair follicles are removed directly from the donor area using a tiny punch tool.
o Step 3: Incisions: Small incisions are made in the recipient area.
o Step 4: Placement: The extracted follicles are implanted into the incisions.
o Step 5: Healing: The donor area has tiny, dot-like scars that heal and become minimally noticeable over time.
The Procedure in Detail
Consultation:
The first step involves a consultation with a hair transplant specialist to assess the degree of hair loss, discuss goals, and determine the best technique for the individual.
Pre-Surgery Preparation:
Instructions may be given to stop certain medications, avoid alcohol, and prepare the scalp.
Surgery:
The procedure typically lasts several hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.
Post-Surgery Care:
Patients receive instructions on how to care for the scalp, including washing instructions, medications to reduce swelling and prevent infection, and guidelines on activities to avoid.
Recovery and Results
Initial Healing: The transplanted area may have some redness and scabbing. It typically heals within a few weeks.
Shedding Phase: Transplanted hair will often fall out within 2-3 weeks, which is normal and part of the process.
New Hair Growth: New hair starts to grow in the transplanted area after about 3-4 months, with more noticeable growth around 6 months. Full results can be seen after 12-18 months.
Longevity: The transplanted hair is permanent and will continue to grow naturally.
Risks and Considerations
Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, scarring, and unnatural-looking results if not done properly.
Choosing a Surgeon: It’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon in Islamabad to ensure the best results and minimize risks.
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