Hair loss is a common problem that affects men of all ages. Fortunately, several hair restoration treatments are available to help combat this issue, with hair transplant being one of the most effective solutions. If you are considering a hair transplant for men, you may be wondering how it works and what to expect.
So you can make an informed decision, this post will discuss how a professional hair transplant for men works, its benefits, and what to expect during and after the surgery. Equipped with this information, you’ll know whether a hair transplant for men is the right procedure to restore your hairline and (importantly) your confidence.
First off, what exactly is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy hair from a donor to the scalp of the recipient who has balding or thinning hair. A hair transplant aims to restore hair to areas of the scalp that have experienced hair loss or thinning and varies depending on the method used (FUE vs FUT, for example). This procedure is usually performed on men with male pattern baldness, but it is also commonly performed for women who have experienced hair loss due to trauma, surgery, or other medical conditions.
How does a hair transplant for men work?
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Both methods involve removing hair from a donor area of the scalp and transplanting it to the recipient area.
FUT, also known as strip harvesting, involves removing a small area of skin from the back of the scalp, which is then dissected into individual hair follicles. These follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area. FUT is ideal for patients requiring many grafts, as it allows for harvesting more follicles at once.
FUE, on the other hand, involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area using a tiny punch tool. These follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area. FUE is ideal for patients requiring fewer grafts, as it allows for more precise extraction of individual hairs.
Before the surgery, the patient will consult a hair transplant specialist. During this consultation, the specialist will examine the patient’s scalp, review their medical history, and discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure. The specialist will then recommend the best hair transplant method for the patient based on their individual needs.
What to expect during the surgery
The hair transplant procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and can take several hours to complete, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. The patient may also be given a sedative to help them relax during the procedure.
During the surgery, the donor area is usually numbed with local anaesthesia. The hair follicles are extracted using the FUT or FUE method. The extracted follicles are then prepared for transplantation by separating them into individual grafts.
The recipient area is then numbed with local anaesthesia, and small incisions are made in the scalp to accommodate the grafts. The grafts are carefully placed in the incisions, ensuring they are placed at the correct angle and direction to achieve a natural-looking result.
After the surgery
After the hair transplant surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and redness in the scalp area. These symptoms are usually temporary and should subside within a few days. The patient may be prescribed pain medication and instructed to avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks.
Within two to three weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hair will begin to shed, which is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Don’t worry; the shedding is temporary. The hair follicles will produce new hair within a few months. It may take up to a year or more for the full results of the hair transplant to become visible.
Conclusion
If you are considering a hair transplant for men, we hope this article has helped shed some light on the procedure so you can make an informed choice about whether it’s right for you. As always, speak to your healthcare provider before making decisions regarding your health and well-being.
