Do Hair Transplants Work? See Before and After Photos

surgeon performing hair transplant surgery under a bright light

Hair transplant surgery is a procedure that has been performed for many years. It is designed to restore hair in bald or thinning areas of the scalp. There are different types of hair transplants, and each one has its own benefits and side effects. In this article, we will discuss the different types of hair transplant surgery, as well as the side effects associated with each one. We will also include before and after photos of people who have undergone hair transplantation.

What is a Hair Transplant?

In hair transplant procedures, a hair transplant surgeon takes healthy hair from one part of your body and move them to another part. Usually, they take healthy hair from the back of your head and put them in the front. This surgery is used to treat patients experiencing baldness and thinning hair.

Types of Transplanted Hairs

There are two types of hair follicles that are used to perform hair transplantation: curly hair and straight hair follicles. Curly hair follicles are typically used for people who have black hair. Straight hair follicles are typically used for people who have brown or blonde hair.

 

The side effects of curly hair follicle transplants are typically more severe than the side effects of straight hair follicle transplants. This is because the skin around the curly hairs is thicker than the skin around the straight hairs. As a result, there is a greater risk of infection and scarring with curly hair follicle transplants.

What are the Common Types of Hair Transplants?

There are several different types of hair transplant surgery. The most common type is the follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure. This procedure involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient area. The follicular unit transplant (FUT) procedure is another common type of hair transplant surgery. This procedure involves extracting a strip of hair from the donor area and dividing it into individual follicular units. The grafts are then transplanted to the recipient area.

 

There are also several less common ways to perform hair restoration surgery, such as the scalp reduction procedure and the tissue expansion procedure. In the scalp reduction procedure, the surgeon removes a section of bald scalp and replaces it with hair-bearing skin from a donor area. In the tissue expansion procedure, a balloon is inserted under the skin in the bald area. The balloon is then inflated, which causes the skin to stretch and create more space for the surrounding hair.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit extraction is a type of hair transplant surgery. During follicular unit extraction, individual follicles are removed from the donor area and transplanted to the recipient site. This technique is often used to treat baldness or hair loss.

 

Follicular unit extraction is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and uses a special tool to remove the follicles. The follicles are then transplanted to the desired area.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

Follicular Unit transplant surgery is a way to move hair from one part of your head to another. This can be done to treat hair loss, or to improve the look of your hair.

 

FUT surgery is done by taking a strip of skin from the back of your head. This strip is then cut into small pieces, called follicular units. These units are then transplanted to the areas of your head where you want more hair.

FUE vs. FUT

There are several differences between FUE and FUT hair transplant surgery. The most notable difference is the method of extraction. FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient area. FUT involves extracting a strip of hair from the donor area and dividing it into individual follicular units. The grafts are then transplanted to the recipient area.

 

Another major difference between these two procedures is the amount of scarring that is left behind. FUT leaves a linear scar in the donor area, while FUE does not leave any scars. This is because FUE is performed using a handheld device that extracts the donor hair follicles one at a time. Therefore, FUE is the preferred procedure for people who want to minimize scarring.

 

However, FUE is a more expensive procedure than FUT, and it takes longer to perform. Additionally, not all hair transplant surgeons are experienced in performing FUE procedures.

Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)

Follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) is a type of hair replacement surgery that involves the removal of a strip of existing hair from the donor area (typically the back of the head) and the division of that strip into individual follicular units. The grafts are then transplanted to the recipient area.

 

FUSS is a less common type of hair replacement surgery than follicular unit extraction (FUE). However, it is a more effective procedure, because it allows the surgeon to extract a greater number of follicular units. As a result, FUSS typically produces better results than FUE.

 

The side effects of FUSS are similar to the side effects of other types of hair transplantation. However, there is a greater risk of infection and scarring with FUSS, because it involves the removal of a strip of skin from the donor area.

Which Type of Hair Transplant is Right For Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each person’s hair restoration needs are different, and the best type of hair transplant surgery depends on a number of factors.

 

The best way to determine which type of hair transplant surgery is right for you is to consult with a surgeon who knows how to perform hair transplants. He or she will be able to assess your hair loss and recommend the best procedure for you.

Does Hair Transplantation Work?

There are several factors that can impact the success of hair graft survival for patients. The most important factor is the quality of the hair follicles that are used for the transplant. If the hair follicles are not healthy, they will not survive after the transplant.

 

Another important factor is the skill of the surgeon that you hire to perform hair transplant surgery. If the surgeon is not experienced in hair restoration surgery, there is a greater risk of complications and poor graft survival.

 

The patient’s age and health also play a role in graft survival. Patients who are older or have health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are more likely to experience poor graft survival.

Finally, the type of surgery that is performed also impacts graft survival. Procedures that involve extracting a strip of hair from the donor area (such as FUT) tend to have a higher rate of graft failure than procedures that involve extracting individual hair follicles (such as FUE).

Is Hair Transplant Surgery Painful?

Hair transplant surgery is not typically considered to be a painful procedure. However, some patients may experience discomfort and pain during and after the surgery.

 

The pain management methods used by hair transplant surgeons vary depending on the type of surgery that is performed. For FUE procedures, the surgeon may use a local anesthetic to numb the donor and recipient areas. For FUT procedures, the surgeon may use general anesthesia or a local anesthetic to numb the donor area.

 

Overall, most hair transplants are not considered to be a very painful procedures. Patients who experience pain during and after the surgery can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

Does Transplanted Hair Fall Out?

One of the potential side effects of hair transplant surgery is hair loss. This is because the transplanted hair is not always guaranteed to take root and grow. In some cases, the transplanted hair may fall out within the first few weeks or months after surgery.

 

There are several factors that can contribute to hair loss after hair restoration surgery. One of the most common causes is shock loss. Shock loss is a condition that occurs when the hair follicles are traumatized by the surgery. As a result, the hair may shed prematurely.

 

Transplanted hair may also fall out due to poor wound healing or infection. If you experience any sudden or significant hair loss after surgery, consult your doctor immediately.

Telogen Effluvium After Aesthetic Surgery

Patients may also lose hair after FUE or FUT procedures due to a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a condition that causes the hair to enter into a resting state and fall out prematurely. It can occur weeks or months after surgery and can last for several months.

Hair Transplants Complications and Disclaimers

Your surgeon will explain to you what complications are associated with this surgical procedure. Common complications include: pain and swelling; Infections Scarring; Cyst growth at the suture site; Bleeding; Anesthesia; complications; Heart problems; and failure of operation. Additionally, sometimes patients are disappointed with their hair plugs as they do not always deliver the aesthetic results that patients expect.

Recovery Time and Post-Surgical Care

close up photo of hairline of patient who just received FUE

Surgical procedures require physical costs as well as financial costs. If you get bandage on yourself you should always wear protective gloves to remove them – they may cause damage to your skin. There will even be swelling on the scalp where the wig has been removed. During surgery, doctors might use steroids to reduce these effects. It should be a good idea to wash your hair twice a week, but avoid wearing pullover shirts for more than one week if possible.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?

Ballpark estimates range from around $3,000-$15,000 and up. However as for any medical procedure it varies according to several factors. Because surgery is usually seen as a cosmetic procedure, it is unlikely your insurer will reimburse it. If a hair loss has caused illness, insurance might apply.

Does Insurance Cover Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair transplants are typically considered to be a cosmetic procedure, and as such, is not typically covered by health insurance. There are, however, some exceptions. For example, if the hair loss is a result of a medical condition (such as androgenetic alopecia), or if the surgery is considered medically necessary to correct a disfiguring injury, it may be covered.

 

It’s always best to check with your specific insurer to see if they have any coverage for cosmetic surgery before undergoing the procedure.

What is the Success Rate of Hair Transplants?

Can a hair transplant be performed in a positive and healthy manner? The survival rate of transplanted follicular hair units in patients has been clinically shown to be roughly 50%. However, this percentage may increase or decrease depending on many different factors – including the patient’s health and the skill of the surgeon.

How to Improve the Survival Rate of Hair Grafts

There are several things you can do to improve the chances of a successful hair transplant surgery and ensure the best possible outcome. Some tips include:

 

  1. Follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions carefully.
  2. Make sure you are properly hydrated before and after surgery.
  3. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol in the weeks leading up to and following surgery.
  4. Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  5. Keep any incisions clean and dry post-surgery.

How Long Do the Results of Hair Transplant Surgery Last?

The results of hair transplantation surgery can last for many years, depending on the individual. In general, the longer the hair is in place before the transplant, the better the result will be. Most people experience some hair loss in the weeks and months following surgery, but this is typically temporary and the hair will grow back in time.

 

For best results, it is important to follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions closely. Make sure you are well hydrated before and after surgery, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and take all prescribed medications as directed. Keep any incisions clean and dry post-surgery. With proper care, the new hair implants can last for many years.

Before and After Photos of Hair Transplant Surgery

front view of man's head showing before and after hair transplant surgery
front view of man's head showing before and after hair transplantation surgery

What Are the Alternatives to Hair Transplantation Surgery?

While surgery is an option to restore hair there are less invasive (or cheaper) solutions which can be done and do not require you to cut yourself. The FDA approves two drug products to treat hair loss in men: minoxidil and finasteride. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that these medications decrease hair loss and increase hair density in a significant number of patients.

 

Beyond the FDA approved methods for treating hair loss, there are many potential natural ways to stimulate hair growth. There are many anecdotal reports of people using essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, or thyme. Others recommend using natural herbs such as ginger, horsetail, or nettle. Some people recommend taking biotin supplements or drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water. However, it’s worth noting that many of these “home remedies” for hair loss lack scientific support.

PRP Injections for Fair Growth

There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that PRP injections can help stimulate hair growth, but what does the scientific evidence say?

 

Clinical studies have shown that PRP injections do indeed stimulate hair growth. One study, for example, found that PRP injections resulted in an increase in hair count and thickness. Furthermore, the study participants did not experience any adverse effects from the injections.

 

This research suggests that PRP injections may be a viable treatment option for people who are struggling with hair loss, whether it be male pattern hair loss or female pattern baldness. If you are considering this treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out if it is right for you.

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