Hair transplant 101 | Hair Transplant.org

Scabbing After a Hair Transplant

Posted on April 25, 2011

In contrast to what one might think, a hair transplant does not provide a perfect head of hair immediately after the surgery, instead, initial hair growth might be slow and clients will most likely also deal with several side affects. Having many small scabs on the scalp as a result of the hair transplant is one of these side effects, but is very common, as pretty much all clients will have them. There is no way to avoid these scabs as they are a natural part of the post operative healing process.

The scabs that form after a hair transplant are the result of the hundreds or thousands of tiny slits that the doctor has to make during the procedure. These slits are required in order to extract or accommodate hairs. Depending on method chosen, slits might be made during the extraction process, but most definitely during the insertion process. Immediately after the hair transplant these tiny slits will be wounds, but only after a day or so start forming into scabs. The scabs can look unappealing or itch but it is important not to pick on them, because the hair grafts can be attached to them, so if the scab is picked on, the graft can get dislodged. Picking on the scabs too early on can also lead to scarring, so it must be avoided.

Hair transplant doctors will show their clients how to Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Failure Rate?

Posted on April 18, 2011

One of the biggest concerns to someone planning a hair transplant is often whether the surgery will be successful, or whether it will fail. And by fail people usually mean that the hair that was transplanted did not grow in. Or it could also mean that the transplanted hair did grow in, but did not provide the look the client was looking for. While it may not be possible to guarantee that the client will have every single one of the transplanted hairs, most individuals will certainly see that a very large part of the hairs that were transplanted do grow in. Almost all clients will see new hair growing in the months after a hair transplant. However, in a few rare cases, the hair does not grow in as expected and this can be due to a number of different reasons.

Several different factors can affect the hair transplant failure rate, such as the way in which hair grafts were extracted, trimmed and inserted. The doctor must employ a very refined technique and use the smallest tools possible in order not to damage the hair follicles. How the grafts are prepared before they are inserted can also make a difference, as hair transplant doctors often discuss fat vs. skinny grafts and many doctors believe that fat or chubby grafts, where most of the fat is left intact, results in a lower failure rate. How long grafts were out of the body and whether they were in a special solution to prevent them from drying out can also make a difference. Dry grafts are less likely to take root in their new location.

Many hair transplant doctors pride themselves in having a very low Continue reading →

A Hair Transplant – Step by Step

Posted on April 11, 2011

A hair transplant is a long and complex process, but more importantly, a highly unique one. The exact nature of the surgery as well as post operative results will depend on the method chosen, the client’s individual needs and the doctors preferred technique. This is because there are several hair transplant methods available today, hair loss can look very different between individuals and each doctor develops their own method for doing things. But most hair transplant procedures are still comparable and knowing what a hair transplant might entail from start to finish, can give an insight into what a hair transplant really is like and whether it seems like a doable solution.

The very first step for anyone considering a hair transplant is to find a hair clinic with a good reputation and schedule a consultation. Scheduling another consultation at a different clinic can also be good to get a second opinion. During the consultation the doctor will assess the hair loss and suggest a plan for restoring the hair. Hair is taken from the clients own scalp and is placed in a natural looking pattern so the end result is likely to be one that no one can detect. The hair transplant will most likely be conducted with one of the two major hair transplant methods, the Strip or the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method.

Before the actual hair transplant surgery the doctor will give the client a Continue reading →

What to Ask During the Hair Transplant Consultation

Posted on April 4, 2011

The hair transplant consultation is easily one of the most important steps of a hair transplant procedure because it allows the client to raise all of his or hers questions and concerns. But a hair transplant is permanent and making sure that expectations will be met can be an overwhelming task. Not knowing exactly what questions to ask the hair transplant doctor can turn into quite a concern, but with a little research and preparation the client will gather enough information to ask the best questions possible.

During the hair transplant consultation good communication between the doctor and the client is crucial. The client should ask everything that comes to mind, as no question is too big or too small. If anything is unclear the client should make sure that the doctor clarifies and explains accordingly. The client should never hesitate to ask plenty of questions, as a good hair transplant doctor will be pleased to answer all of them and make sure his client is comfortable during the entire consultation.

A good place to start is to ask the doctor what type of Continue reading →

Is a Hair Transplant Right For You?

Posted on March 28, 2011

Considering the incredible advancements in the hair transplant industry, getting a natural looking end result is very likely. But deciding whether a hair transplant is actually the right way to treat the hair loss can be a much more complex topic. In addition to being expensive, a hair transplant will require the client to undergo surgery and commit to pre and post operative instructions. Faith in the entire process as well as patience and positive thinking will also be needed as a hair transplant will take at least one year to complete. That being said, many clients who have had a hair transplant report that it was one of the most incredible and life changing experiences of their lives.

Contemplating on whether a hair transplant is right or wrong and trying to decide if it is the correct choice is a complicated matter that should never be rushed. The first step for anyone who is loosing their hair is to go to their regular doctor and see if there are any underlying causes that are contributing to the hair loss. Sometimes, medications, treatable illnesses or even stress can be the reason for the thinning hair so assuming that a hair transplant is the solution to any hair loss is not accurate.

Once the doctor has determined that the hair loss cannot be reversed the client might want to Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Redness?

Posted on March 21, 2011

All individuals who undergo a hair transplant can expect some side effects after the procedure. And while it is possible for a medical issue to arise, most of these side effects are more likely to bother the client from a cosmetic view point, meaning unwillingness to go out in public or let others see the scalp. Hair transplant redness, or in other words, that the skin on the scalp will be red after the hair transplant, is a common side effect that many clients will experience. And while this side effect is not a reason to worry, it can still be of concern to many clients in the post operative phase.

The reason why this redness occurs is because the hair transplant doctor needs to make hundreds or even thousands of tiny slits in the scalp so that hairs can be extracted and inserted as needed. These tiny slits can be compared to very small wounds, so it is completely normal for the skin to react by becoming red. Due to the fact that clients are given antibiotics before the surgery, the scalp is not likely to get infected. But if the redness seems excessive, abnormal and comes with pain, oozing and swelling it can indeed be signs of an infection and the doctor should be contacted. But a scalp that is just red is completely normal and not a reason to worry.

The main concern with the redness on the scalp that occurs after a hair transplant is Continue reading →

Hair Styling After a Hair Transplant

Posted on March 14, 2011

Most clients who have undergone a hair transplant are excited about their new hair and eager to style it in different ways. However, the initial growth after a hair transplant is slow, and the transplanted hairs will shed about 2 weeks after surgery where after new hair will grow. It may take a couple of months to see any real hair growth. Once the new hair has grown in, clients can experiment with it as it is permanent and can be treated as any other hair. However, in the initial period after the hair transplant styling options will be limited and clients will want to be cautious when washing and drying as to not do any damage.

In the days following hair transplant surgery, focus should not lie on hair styling but on the proper healing of the skin. The client will have hundreds or thousands of tiny wounds and possibly also a larger linear wound on the back of the scalp if the Strip hair transplant method was chosen. These tiny wounds will turn into scabs, and the client should not brush on or pull the skin during this time as this can lead to scarring or the possibility that hair grafts become dislodged. Soon after the surgery clients can gently wash their scalp as indicated by their doctor, but any major hair styling is still not an option. Strictly following the instructions given by the doctor is important in order to allow the scalp to heal and avoid any harm.

Once the tiny wounds are healed and scabs are gone the hair grafts that were transplanted cannot be Continue reading →

Habits That Can Affect Hair Transplant Surgery

Posted on March 5, 2011

Overall, the risk for complications and side effects are small when it comes to a hair transplant. But there are still many things a prospective hair transplant client should consider when it comes to minimizing the risks and contributing to the best outcome possible. One of the most important factors in making sure that the hair transplant will be a success is honesty. The client should truthfully disclose any and all of their eating and drinking habits including drugs, pill and herbs because they can all affect the outcome of the surgery.

While it may seem unnecessary to disclose nearly everything about ones lifestyle, it is crucial when it comes to hair transplant surgery. There is no need to be ashamed about certain habits, such as smoking, because the doctor has most likely already met many clients with the same habit before, and will use the information solely to help the client reach the best outcome possible. Oftentimes the hair transplant doctor will give the client a chance to stop drinking, smoking and taking any drugs or herbs a couple of weeks prior to the surgery, which will reduce any risks significantly and have a positive effect on the clients health.

Excess drinking, meaning frequent intake of alcohol, can interfere with Continue reading →

Commonly Used Hair Transplant Terms

Posted on March 2, 2011

There are many different words and terms that are frequently used in the hair transplant industry as well as among doctors who perform this procedure. While some terms might be easy to understand others are more complex. Those individuals who consider a hair transplant procedure will benefit greatly from understanding what all the different terms mean. Knowing some of the most commonly used terms will also prove helpful during the hair transplant consultation, which is something all prospective hair transplant clients will need.

When talking about thinning hair doctors might refer to alopecia, which simply means loss of hair and can be the result of different causes. But involuntary, or androgenic alopecia, is the most common form and means that hair is lost for genetic reasons. Hair transplant doctors might also mention male or female pattern baldness and both can be the result of aging, genes and hormones, but the main difference between the genders is the pattern in which the hair is lost. Females often experience overall thinning of the hair while men tend to keep the sides and the back and loose most of the hair that is on top.

A hair transplant can correct most types of hair loss, and usually means that hair will be Continue reading →

Hair Transplant Surgery or Topical Treatment?

Posted on February 27, 2011

For those men and women who suffer from thinning hair a wide range of remedies are available, but they all seem to have advantages and disadvantages, so for many people it becomes hard to make a decision. When trying to treat hair loss with either a hair transplant or with some kind of topical treatment the most important thing is to do plenty of research, and try to make the best choice based on that information. Ultimately, each individual should make the decision that feels right to them, because they are the ones who have to live with it.

Topical treatments, or hair growth stimulators as they are also called, are popular because they are easy to use and there is no surgery involved as with a hair transplant. However, the different topical creams, foams and lotions can be expensive and any hair growth is likely to stop when the product is no longer being used. Loosing the hair that was gained is easily one of the biggest disadvantages with these topical treatment products. Also, the fact that these products will need to be purchased frequently and will eventually lead to a big expense is another major disadvantage. That being said, topical treatments do not require any recovery time and results are not permanent, which can be good for someone who is not sure if they want to undergo hair transplant surgery. It is important to note however, that these products contain chemicals and can cause irritation for some, and they may not work at all for some others. Continue reading →