Hair transplants were first performed in the early 1900s. Since then, they have advanced greatly, using advanced surgical techniques resulting in more natural results and increased success rates.
People go in for a hair transplant when they lose hair due to various issues.
The main reasons behind hair loss include hereditary traits, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions [1].
Two major types of hair plants are popular in India. They are Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) [2].
Introduction to hair transplantation
Hair transplants involve a surgical technique in which doctors pull out hair follicles from one spot on your head and replace them in another spot where your hair has diminished or disappeared [3]. This makes the hair look fuller, improving your appearance and, in the bargain, making you feel better about yourself.
Earlier techniques of hair transplantation had lower success rates. However, they have improved over time due to advances in technology and procedures. The risks associated with hair transplant surgery have also been reduced.
Hair transplant surgery process
Selection of donor hair: Eligible donor hair should meet certain requirements. First, there should be enough healthy hair to be transplanted. Second, it should look like the hair it is being added to. Furthermore, the spot from where the hair is taken out must be cured after the surgery [4].
Preparing hair graft: After choosing the appropriate donor hair and removing it, the surgeon must prepare it by dividing the hair follicles into single or small groups using a microscope to ensure it has been done correctly.
Creation of recipient site: Doctors create a recipient site by making small cuts in the scalp, where the new hairs will be placed. They place groups of hairs in these spots so that the hair looks natural.
Different types of hair transplant
FUT Process
FUT, also known as strip surgery, involves doctors eliminating a strip of the scalp skin. After that, they sew up the spot where they took it. Later, the strip of hair is split into a few hair grafts to be transplanted.
The steps involved in the FUT procedure are as follows.
- The doctor administers local anesthesia, which even might sedate you to make you feel comfortable when the procedure is being carried out.
- They remove a scalp strip from the donor site.
- Following that, the incision is stitched back together.
- Special tools divide the donor strip into smaller follicular units.
- Doctors then place the units into the recipient’s site through minute cuts.
FUE Process
Since FUE is a newer technique, a scalp strip is unnecessary here. On the other hand, doctors pull out single hair follicles using a social tool from the donor site.
The steps involved in the FUE procedure are as follows.
- Hair is shaved in the donor site by the doctor.
- Local anesthesia is administered.
- A punch tool removes single hair follicles from the donor site.
- The removed follicles are then placed in the recipient site through minute cuts [5].
Conclusion
Hair transplant is a godsend for those who have suffered hair loss or hair that is thinning. But before opting for it, take into consideration the risks and advantages of hair transplant.
Check the skills and experience of the surgeon you have chosen. Visit the surgeon and clear all your doubts so that you would know which surgery would suit you the best. Remember that the journey to replace hair takes a lot of time to see the full results.
References for the blog:
- Healthline Media LLC. – https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-transplant#what-is-it” target=”_top” rel=”noopener noreferrer.
- WebMD LLC – https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-transplants.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons – https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/hair-transplantation-and-restoration/procedure#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20steps%20of,thinning%20area%20of%20the%20scalp..
- Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hair-transplant-surgery.
- The Treatment Rooms London – https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/fue-hair-transplant/how-does-a-hair-transplant-work/.