Things to know before getting a hair transplant
Although hair transplantation procedures, which require completely personalized planning, are minor surgical operations, serious health problems may become inevitable if they are not performed in well-equipped centers by an experienced specialist doctor and team. Uninformed and wrong practices in hair transplantation may result in infections, tissue loss called necrosis, hepatitis B, HIV, AIDS, fungal infection, various systemic infections, and even life-threatening complications. In particular, patients who come to our country for hair transplantation from abroad may encounter negative results if the center carrying out the procedure is not well researched and the procedure is not performed under the necessary conditions.
Hair loss is not only genetic
Hair transplantation operations are generally carried out by collecting hair follicles from the nape of the patient and transplanting them by opening canals in hairless areas. Hair loss usually occurs due to genetic reasons. However, it can also result from advancing age, traumatic injuries, or various medical disorders. Hair transplantation can be performed not only on the scalp but also in all body areas with hair loss such as eyebrows, mustache, or beard.
Not only bad cosmetic results but also important health problems can be seen
Although hair transplantation is technically considered a simple procedure, it can have serious consequences if it is not performed carefully. Wrong and inexperienced procedures may result in not only a cosmetically bad appearance but also pain, edema, scalp inflammation, bleeding, skin collapse. In addition to these, exposure to hepatitis B, HIV, AIDS, fungal infection, and various systemic infections caused by contamination during transplantation can lead to serious health problems. Searching for the right center and experts in hair transplantation is as important as searching for the right health institution for any surgery.
Contrary to popular belief, women also have hair transplantation
Among men and women, all individuals of all ages, who have had hair loss problems for various reasons, do not have a medical disease that prevents hair transplantation and have enough hair follicles in the donor area, can undergo hair transplantation operation by the age of 20 years. Hair transplantation operation is not only for male pattern hair loss but also successfully performed in local spaces that may form as a result of various diseases, scars, burn scars, and surgical sutures. However, transplantation can be performed in only the hairless area without the need for shaving with the hair transplantation technique, which can also be used for women. Contrary to popular belief, hair transplantation is a common procedure preferred by women. For women, the situation is slightly different. There may be health problems underlying hair loss. For this reason, the presence of diseases such as hormonal problems, thyroid, vitamin B12 deficiencies, folic acid deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's syndrome should be first investigated in women who experience hair loss. As for the technique, there is no difference from the techniques used for men. Hair transplantation without shaving is more preferred by women since hair shaving becomes more traumatizing and hair growth takes time in women.
Original hair can continue to fall out over time
The naturalness of the result is directly proportional to the fact that it is performed in the right health institution and by experienced specialists. An average person has 100 follicular units per square cm. With new techniques, 80 follicular units can be fit per square cm. The transplanted hair falls out within a few weeks following the transplantation procedure, but this is normal. Because the shed hair grows back after 3-4 months. After this temporary fallout recovers, the newly transplanted hair follicles do not fall out again. However, the original hair in the same area may continue to fall out over time.
Vitamin deficiencies also play an important role in hair loss.
The first areas affected by vitamin deficiencies in the body are usually the hair and nails. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed by the hair have a significant effect on the quality of the hair. A diet rich in zinc, biotin, and iron is especially important for hair health. Oral vitamin support is also recommended in addition to clinical applications for hair treatments. Apart from this, it is important to follow a healthy diet and to consider the balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Hair transplantation is not performed in the presence of infectious diseases
There is no age limit for hair transplantation. If there is no health problem such as heart disease, this procedure can be performed safely. However, this does not mean that every heart disease poses an obstacle to hair transplantation. The patient is assessed by a cardiologist. Information is given about the drugs to be used for hair transplantation. Hair transplantation can be performed if the doctor deems it appropriate. However, hair transplantation is not performed on individuals with infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV positive. In addition, patients undergoing active chemotherapy treatment cannot undergo hair transplantation.
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.
