01. Who is a suitable candidate for hair transplants?

Since hair transplants require the relocation of genetically-hair loss-resistant grafts to the balding scalp, the condition of alopecia should be attributed by predictability, stability, and sufficient donor regions. Predictability allows surgeons to identify genetically stable follicular units and is the primary reason why male androgenic alopecia is mostly reversible with hair transplants, whereas female pattern hair loss is not. The second point refers to stability, follicular units must be stable, in conditions such as alopecia areata, hair loss occurs in sporadic patterns, and no hair roots are resistant hair loss or stable in growth.The last factor refers to having sufficient donor regions from which grafts are extracted, in conditions such as alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis, donor regions are entirely depleted, and hence why patients who suffer from said conditions do not make for suitable candidates.

02. Do transplanted follicular units fall out?

In hair transplants, follicular units are extracted from regions of hair growth and transplanted to areas of hair loss. The transplantation process is traumatic to a certain extent for follicular units, but in a few days, the grafts would have connected to direct blood supply and began infusing with surrounding tissue in the new region. Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions that you’re expected to abide by in the first few weeks to protect the transplanted follicular units. The follicular units should remain intact, but in case of physical trauma and the significant displacement of grafts, you should not attempt to place the hair roots back.

03. Can FUE hair transplants fail?

The question is subjective since many factors contribute to the success of the surgery. Failing in terms of hair transplants refers to the presuming of hair loss post-procedure. A prime factor is the underlying cause of hair loss. In order for hair transplants to be successful, two conditions need to be met by the initial cause of your chrome dome: the first being predictable pattern of hair loss, the second stability. In male androgenic alopecia, traumatic alopecia, and traction alopecia, the conditions are attributed by stability and predictability. The traits combined allow surgeons to locate anti-hair loss follicular units and translocate them to the treated regions, where the certainty of graft development and viability is estimated at 96%. In contrast, alopecia areata is a condition that lacks both stability and predictability, making the affected patient a non-suitable candidate for the surgery.Another equally influential factor is the quantity of donor region a patient possesses. Because the transplanted hair is not replaceable, you should have sufficient hair to cover the bald areas without jeopardizing the appearance of the donor region. Owing to the impertinence of the donor regions, cases of androgenic alopecia, traction alopecia, and traumatic alopecia are occasionally deemed irreversible with hair transplants for the poor conditions of the donor regions.

04. Are hair transplants painful?

FUE hair transplants are minimally invasive and are performed under the effects of local anesthesia applied on the recipient and extraction sites. Aside from the initial puncture of the injection needle, no side effects or pain will be felt. If you suffer from needle phobia, an available option is the NFI technique, a needle-free delivery of anesthetics that eliminates the initial sting of the needle to warrant an entirely pain-free procedure. Discomfort post-surgery is a prevalent symptom; the surgeon will provide you with painkillers and direct you on their use.

05. How long does the procedure last?

Hair transplants are multi-step that on average, last anywhere between six to eight hours depending on the progression of hair loss, area of the balding scalp, and technique utilized. The most prolonged phases are extraction and incision making, which east last anywhere between two to three hours.The surgery is not continuous. Patients are given a 20-minute resting break in between the phases to have a light meal. The procedure can be performed in one day, the following day is scheduled for clinical washing, and perhaps, adjunct treatments to accentuate the results.

06. Are scars noticeable?

The visibility of scars relies on the technique the patient opts for. FUT hair transplants are the oldest school of hair transplantation, the most invasive, and least convenient. Owing to the procedure of FUT hair transplants, patients are left with a noticeable linear scar on the donor region. FUE hair transplants, leave minuscule wounds on both the donor regions and recipient sites that heal into invisibility.

07. Can patients with diabetes opt for hair transplants?

Patients with diabetes are eligible for hair transplants. Whether patients suffer type two or type one diabetes, they should be under medication for diabetes, and their sugar levels should be maintained at normal levels. In addition, consent should be asked from your doctor prior to making up the decision.

08. Are supplementary treatments to hair transplants necessary?

FUE hair transplants are inherently successful, to put things into perspective, in terms of statistics 70% of transplanted follicular units survive before grafts connect to direct blood supply in the new region, providing a relatively dense result. For specific individuals, the remaining 30% is the cutting line between optimal success and mediocre results, owing to the condition and state of their case. Treatments such as OxyCure increase the survival rates of follicular units to 98%, dramatically impacting the results. Procedures such as PRP therapy and laser hair therapy, on the other hand, may not have gravitational consequences on the survival rate of follicular units, pre-vascularization, but they have a salient impact on the survival rate of grafts post-revascularization.Aside, from influencing survival rates, adjunct treatments to hair transplants have an impact on speeding recovery, reducing infections, and sustaining growth.

09. What is the least and maximum number of follicular units that can be transplanted?

The least number of follicular units to be transplanted are 2000 grafts and the maximum 7000. Of course, these numbers are a mere estimation; the reality depends on the patient’s ratio of the balding scalp to donor regions. A patient may need 7000 grafts or may desire, 7000 grafts for ultimate density, but the final decision is up to the surgeon and heavily dependent on the characteristics of hair loss and whether the donor regions can sustain the loss.

10. Are the results of a hair transplant natural and permanent?

Since the grafts are extracted from the patient’s scalp, the transplanted hair grows to blend in, texture, and color-wise with the remaining hair. The hairline design is influential as well in affecting the authenticity of the results, make sure you seek surgeons of high caliber to attain a natural-looking hairline. Permanency relies on the condition of hair loss.Androgenic alopecia, for example, is characterized by mosaic sensitivity to hair loss. Therefore, when genetically resistant hair roots are displaced to areas of hair loss, they are bound to presume hair generation. Likewise, traction alopecia and traumatic alopecia require the extraction of stable follicular units and their relocation to treated areas, where, similarly, they will continue to grow.

11. How long is the average recovery period?

Patients can resume with daily activity right after surgery if they desire, as long as the patient has their surgeons approval, abstaining from strenuous activity, and abiding by their surgeon’s instructions. Although it is crucial to keep in mind that recovery period varies from one individual to another, on average, patients need anywhere between 7 to 10 days to recover from swelling, irritation, and other symptoms; around a month for wounds to heal completely.

12. Can smoking and alcohol consumption affect hair transplant results?

The results rely to a certain extent on aftercare and recovery. Alcohol and tobacco both impact the way wounds heal, through restricting blood flow around the body and consequently oxygen, a vital element in the production of energy and collagen to heal wounds. How do I control bleeding?Bleeding is a common symptom in the first few days post-surgery, it is typically not severe and comes in the form of spotting. It is certainly not a cause of concern and can be attended to through the light application of pressure using sterile gauze. The gauze should be handled gently and pressed without rubbing in any motion as to not stir the grafts.

13. Is it normal for my hair to shed after surgery?

Hair shedding should be anticipated at around four weeks and is usually a cause of worry for patients. However, it is essential to remember that hair shedding is a natural part of the process. The hair root, the unite responsible for generating growth remains viable. The hair that falls will be replaced with stronger hair.

14. How do I sterilize the wounds?

After hair transplants, patients are given an aftercare package inclusive of various products essential for recovery:1- An anti-microbial solution that should be applied to regions of spotting and treated areas using gauze to alleviate bleeding and irritation of the scalp.2- A disinfectant spray that should be used twice daily for three days. It’s advisable to apply the spray on a gauze, rather than spray directly from the bottle. The latter technique will require the rubbing of the solution, which might dislocate the grafts. Using a bandage to apply the disinfectant, leave the treatment on for 30 to 60 minutes.3- An anti-inflammation serum is provided primarily for the extraction site to minimize the risk of infection as that region is often at higher risk of being in contact with pillows and surroundings.

15. How to alleviate swelling?

Swelling is an inevitable symptom of the procedure. Patients are given headbands to compress the area to prevent the swelling from accentuating. Sleeping at inclined angles of 45 degrees, application of ice on the forehead for 15 to 20 minutes will also help the symptom become less noticeable. Typically, the swelling alleviates without interfering after around five days. A treatment known as OxyCure therapy, an adjunct treatment to hair transplants that patients are immediately admitted to post-surgery, is also another way to eliminate swelling from the get-go.

16. How to deal with infection?

Infections post hair transplants are a rare possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. Abstain from frequent touching of the scalp, ensure the hands are washed and sterilized prior to applying ointments and treatment to scalp. Avoid exposure to dust and sand for two weeks after surgery.

17. How to alleviate itching?

Itching is a typical symptom of healing that occurs when wounds are in the initial process of closing. Refrain from scratching the scalp as the action of scratching could damage the grafts. Promoting the process of healing is an ideal approach to overcoming the symptom. Stick to aftercare instruction, gently wash the recipient and donor region, to accelerate the process of scab and crust shedding. If the itching peaks unbearable levels, consult your surgeon for numbing ointments such as the Hydrocortisone 1% and apply it daily for a week.

18. Can I exercise after hair transplants?

Strenuous activity is not recommended in the first two weeks after surgery. Most patients can resume their daily activity right after, but a break of 2 to 3 days is heavily recommended. Others prefer taking a break of 7 to 10 days to ensure scabs have fallen out. Swimming, jogging, and any activity that requires effort should be completely avoided for 10 to 14 days post-surgery.

19. How to shower after hair transplants?

BMS Clinics schedules a clinical washing session the following day for the patient. During the session, nurses will use select products designed for the tender scalp after hair transplants to remove blood clots and some scabs. After this session, patients will have to maintain the hygiene of the scalp on their own. Do not apply water directly from a hose; the pressure can be harmful to the grafts. Instead, apply water gently from a bowl to rinse the scalp. Abstain from using heat to the scalp for the first two weeks, whether from blowdryers or direct sunlight.