What is a Hair Transplant?
A Hair Transplant is an invasive treatment that involves surgery for treating hair loss problems. When undertaking a hair transplant surgery, hair from the sides and back of the head of the patient is taken and implanted on the areas where there is very little hair or none. The reason why hair is taken from the back and sides is that this is the place where it grows abundantly. The result is that the donor's hair retains its resistance to thinning after the transplantation.
Types of Hair Transplant
There are two techniques or methods for conducting hair transplantation. The first technique is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), and the second one is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Both techniques are used to solve the problem of hair loss. Both techniques help you give natural-looking hair, thus making you look good and attractive.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction is a hair transplant surgery done to treat hair loss problems. It is also called Follicular Transfer. In this technique, the follicular units of hair are extracted one by one. They are extracted from the donor’s genetically stronger areas of the head. The extracted hairs are then restored to the thinning areas of the head.
How is Follicular Unit Extraction done?
Follicular Unit Extraction is done by the doctor using a microneedle. A microneedle of one millimeter or less in diameter is used by the doctor to make an incision. A tiny incision is punched around a hair follicle just before extraction to isolate the graft. The graft is extracted from the scalp using tools and prepared for placement. These groupings, in which 3 to 4 hairs are contained in each unit, are then implanted in the balding areas of the head. The tiny incisions left behind after the extraction do heal in a few days.
Results of Follicular Unit Extraction Transplant
The patient will notice hair regrowth after three months of the surgery. There will be significant hair regrowth after six months of the procedure. The transplanted hair will continue to grow. The patient can expect natural-looking hair after six to eight months.
Benefits of Follicular Unit Extraction
Hair Transplant is a great way to solve hair loss problems. The benefits of having a Follicular Unit Extraction are as follows:
- Minimally Invasive Procedure
The surgery is performed in a single session and involves minor intervention.
- Uses local anesthesia
The FUE procedure uses local anesthesia that facilitates prompt recovery.
- Scars are not visible
FUE is done with a precise scalpel, and the incision is minimal. The scars heal very quickly and are not visible to the human eye.
- No more Balding
Hair transplant gets rid of the receding hairlines and bald patches. Thus, it solves the balding problem.
- Low maintenance
An FUE hair transplant requires minimal or no maintenance on the affected areas after the surgery.
- Outpatient Procedure
The Follicular Unit Extraction procedure is a one-time process done on a day-care basis, which means that the patient goes home the same day of the surgery.
Related: 10 Things to Remember While Considering for Hair Transplant
Cost of Follicular Unit Extraction
The cost of a hair transplant can vary anywhere from 20-40 Rs per graft to 30-80 Rs per hair graft, depending on what type of surgery you go for. The traditional FUE technique usually costs between 30 to 80 Rs per hair graft. The advanced stitchless procedure tends to be more costly.
Pre-operative Care
Since the FUE technique involves surgery, there are some precaution that needs to be taken. The patient should stop taking hard drugs, antibiotics, and aspirin a week before the surgery. He needs to quit smoking, alcohol, and vitamins A and B. If he is taking any supplements, he should stop it too one week before the transplantation.
Post-operative Care
Once the person has undergone FUE hair transplantation, certain things should be considered to maintain healthy hair growth post-surgery.
· After FUE hair transplantation, avoid exposure to the sun's radiation for a few days.
· Avoid making contact with your grafted scalp.
· Avoid washing your hair for two to three days and do not pour water on the planted follicles.
· Do not consume alcohol for at least a week after the procedure.
· Try not to smoke for the first month after the surgery.
· Avoid playing any sport for a few days.
· Avoid weight-lifting or any rigorous activity for 12-15 days after the procedure.
Side Effects After Follicular Unit Extraction Surgery
There may be some side effects after the FUE surgery, as is the case with any other type of surgery. Side effects of the surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling of the scalp
- Numbness in the treated areas
- Infection of the hair follicles
- Itching
