How Is A Hair Transplant Done?
A hair transplant requires a section of skin to be removed from a part of the body so that its hair follicles can be transplanted to a bald part of the scalp. The sites are referred to as the ‘donor’ and the ‘recipient’ sites, respectively. While this operation is commonly performed on bald men, it is also used to restore eyebrows, eyelashes and even beard hair.
The procedure may also be performed to cover scars caused by a previous hair transplant, plastic surgery, or accidents. The dermis and epidermis that surrounds the hair follicle is harvested, and each will be transplanted. Basically the procedure is imitating nature.
The donor hair can be obtained via two methods, strip harvesting or FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) harvesting. During strip harvesting, the patient undergoes a local anesthetic and a piece of scalp is removed. This strip is cut into tiny pieces, called grafts, and transplanted into the area of balding. Recovery period is about 2 weeks, and the patient will have to have stitches removed.
During FUE harvesting, the patient also undergoes a local anesthetic. Single hair follicles are taken with the use of a micro device. Then, using a micro blade, they are inserted into the balding area. During this method no large amounts of tissue are extracted. Therefore there is no pain, scarring or stitches when the surgery is complete. Recovery period is about 7 days and the patient does not need any post-operative visits to the clinic.
During the first consultation, the surgeon will analyze the scalp and discuss the patient’s expectations and preferences. The surgeon will be able to make a reasonable assessment of what the result is likely to be. To prevent bleeding during the procedure and reduce any likelihood of grafts not ‘taking’ well, patients are not permitted to drink alcohol or take certain medications for several days before the surgery.
If you are given the all-clear, you can have the procedure carried out at an outpatient center. The surgery generally takes about 4 hours. An anesthetic will be injected into your head and, if you wish, you may be given a mild sedative. Before harvesting begins, your entire scalp will be washed and treated with a strong antibacterial chemical.
As soon as the follicles are harvested, the surgeon’s attending staff will cautiously remove fibrous or fatty tissue from each follicle, making every effort not to damage any cells. This exacting process is done under stereo microscopes. Finally, the follicles can be grafted onto your head. If you are in the hands of an expert surgeon, you should be pleased with your hair transplant.
See more on eyebrow hair transplant and on non surgical hair replacement for women
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