FAQ About Hair Transplantation
The goal of hair transplantation is to provide the desired natural and healthy hair comfortably with modern medical procedures.
How long has hair transplantation been performed?
Modern hair transplantation was first performed in Japan in the 1930s. In the Western world, it was first performed in the 1950s. Hair transplantation techniques have been perfected since then, with the advancement of technology and a better understanding of the structure of the hair and scalp.
Who can undergo hair transplantation?
Today, almost 50 percent of men over the age of 25-30 years are faced with the problem of hair loss. For this reason, hair transplantation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery preferred by men. Of course, hair loss is not an issue unique to males. Many women may also experience hair loss or thinning. Hair loss can result from genetic inheritance, aging, traumatic injuries, or various medical disorders. All individuals can successfully undergo hair transplantation regardless of the reason if there are enough hair follicles in the body. It can be performed not only on the scalp but also on all hairless areas of the body such as eyebrows, mustache, or beard.
Which techniques are used for hair transplantation?
The FUE technique that does not leave scars or the FUT technique that can leave scars on the nape can be used for hair transplantation. In the FUE technique, hair follicles are harvested one by one and transplanted to the hairless areas, while in the FUT technique, a skin line containing hair is taken from the nape. Candidates for hair transplantation should have healthy hair on the back and sides of their heads for use as donor sites. Other factors such as hair color, degree of hardness, wavy and thick hair types also affect the result of the intervention. After the hair and scalp analysis of our patient, the technique more appropriate for the patient is decided jointly with the patient by taking into consideration the patient's priorities. Although the FUE technique, which does not leave any scar, is generally preferred, it may be necessary to use the FUT technique in some cases. Hair transplantation can be performed not only for baldness but also to increase hair density in thinned areas.
How long does hair transplantation take?
The procedure takes a few hours depending on the extent of hair loss. If the hairless area is very large, several sessions may be required to complete the treatment. Usually, the intervention is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
How long does it take to return to social life after the operation?
After hair transplantation, a special bandage is applied to the head. The patient can be discharged after 1-2 hours. Although it is rare, pain can be controlled with painkillers. After 3 days of home rest, it is generally possible to return to work life with the head bandaged. The first dressing is done on the fifth day.
From which area are the hair follicles harvested for hair transplantation?
In practice, hair follicles harvested from the nape are transplanted to the targeted hairless area. These harvested hair follicles are called grafts. In rare cases, there is not enough healthy hair in the nape or temporal region of the individual. In such cases, hair follicles are harvested from other parts of the individual that contain hair, such as the arms or chest wall.
Does the transplanted hair fall out after hair transplantation?
The transplanted hair will fall within a few weeks following the transplantation. This is normal and hair will regrow after 3-4 months. After this temporary fallout recovers, the transplanted hair follicles preserve their characteristics and do not fall out. However, the original hair in the same area may continue to fall out over time, and new hair transplantation may be planned in the future depending on the decrease in hair density. If postoperative hair loss continues progressively, and especially if an unnatural appearance occurs in the new hairline area, additional surgical intervention may be required in the future.
What should be paid attention to in the hair transplantation operation?
Performing hair transplantation in a hospital setting will minimize the risks of hair transplantation. It is very important for hair transplantation to be performed by well-trained and experienced plastic surgeons in order to achieve the best results. Performing hair transplantation by a team of more than one plastic surgeon increases the success of the treatment.
What is the success rate of hair transplantation?
The transplanted hair follicles should have a rapid blood supply in the transplantation area for the success of hair transplantation. The correct procedure increases the chance of success of hair transplantation. For a natural look, it is very important to transplant hair follicles in the right distance, right angle, and right density to the hairless areas.
Does hair transplantation involve risks?
Like every medical intervention, hair transplantation involves various risks. Hair transplantation is a long procedure and several transplantations may be required in a period of 1-2 years depending on the extent of baldness. Possible complications include failure to achieve the desired result, infection, and significant scarring. All these complications are rare if the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a hospital setting. Pain, discomfort, some bruising, and swelling can be observed after the operation, which can be controlled by painkillers. Numbness may occur in the donor and transplantation areas within 2-3 months, which resolves spontaneously.
Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.
