Is Hair Transplant Worth It? | Does It Look Real?

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Photo illustrating a patient who is considering getting a hair transplant in Albania.

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Aging is a natural process that will affect everyone. As time passes we will start noticing several changes in our body and face. Some people will suffer from hair loss that will make them look older than they actually are. There are several procedures available that can be performed to make you look younger and prevent hair from falling. Hereditary factors are one of the main reasons that cause hair loss. Someone who is 28 years old can look relatively older if they experience hair loss. These kinds of procedures are relatively low cost, offer great results, and are the most reliable procedure when it comes to hair restoration.

All you have to do is find a good hair transplant clinic, contact a specialized doctor, get all the information about the procedure and you will get your hair back in no time. In this blog post, we will explain the benefits of the hair transplant procedure and find out if it is really worth it or not.

Photo illustrating a modern hair transplant procedure in Albania.

What Happens During A Hair Transplant Procedure?

The hair transplant procedure consists of extracting hair from one section of the back of your head and implanting it to another area where your hair is missing. This procedure is applicable to both men and women. This treatment is very effective because the main hormone that causes hair loss which is DHT will not damage every area of your head. Usually, the hair located in the back and the sides of the head are fuller and more resistant, meaning they will be extracted and implemented in the areas where hair has fallen.

The procedure of hair transplant has improved a lot over the past few years. During the FUT and FUE techniques, the surgeon will harvest the hair follicles and transplant them in groups of three to create a natural-looking hairline unique for each patient. The hair transplant should be done by an experienced surgeon because the minimization of possible risks is very important for your general health. He should manage to protect the back of your scalp where the hair is extracted, protecting the ability of it to regrow the hair over time.

Getting A Hair Transplant: Is It Worth It?

First of all, you should know that hair transplant procedures should be done by a specialist who has the right knowledge and will offer the best care. He will explain the cost, risks, consequences, and procedure in detail before moving further with the operation. The patient on the other side should be patient and consider the risks that come with the procedure and decide if they are okay with it. It is also very important to set realistic goals. Different patients will get different results. For example, if you are completely balding in the front area of your scalp, there will be a lot of improvements, but it may not provide you with the perfect hairline. On the other hand, if the patient doesn't have severe hair loss, the hair transplant procedure will provide a more natural-looking hairline, filling the temples and making them look just as natural as their remaining hair. You should also know that this procedure will not stop the hair loss permanently. The hair that has not been implemented can still fall so after the operation doctors will recommend you to still take care of your hair and do proactive steps in order to keep your hair looking great and healthy.

The Price Of Hair Transplantation

There is not an exact cost set for hair transplantation, because it can be affected by several factors and some of them can be: the surgeon, the number of grafts, the type of the procedure, and the place where the procedure will take place. This is still considered a cosmetic procedure so probably insurance will not cover it. However, if you do the proper research you will find an option that fits you and your particular needs.

Photo illustrating a hair transplant procedure in Albania.

What’s The Difference Between FUE And FUT?

The main procedures used to treat hair loss are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). They will offer the same results but the procedure may differ a little. During the FUE hair transplant, the doctor will use medical equipment to extract one to four hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp. After the first step is done the doctor will implement the follicles in the area where the head is missing, in order to add thickens to the hair and restore its appearance. This type of procedure will not leave visible scars and even the ones that are left will be minimal and will fade with time.

In contrast, FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the back of the scalp. From this strip, hairs are removed in bunches of one to four. After removing the hair follicles, the surgeon may transplant the hairs onto the top of the head to cover the hairline or crown. Compared to hairs transplanted using the FUE technique, those undergoing the FUT treatment have a higher survival rate. However, a drawback of FUT is that it leaves a larger scar on the back of the scalp, which is noticeable in some short or shaved haircuts. It's also important to remember that the surgeon’s experience will decide how the procedure will turn out.

Both procedures will provide similar results and if you have dark thick hair in the back of your head you will see that the scars will be minimal and almost undetectable. This is the only setback of hair transplants and you should consider it before deciding to go further with it or not. The right procedure for you will be decided by your surgeon after looking carefully at your individual characteristics.

Is It A Good Idea To Have A Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a good idea if you notice that your hairline is receding or if you are suffering from hair loss. If the procedure is performed by a skilled surgeon, you will get the best results which will be almost undetectable from your real hair. Your hair will appear thicker and fuller, restoring your self-confidence. Overall, a hair transplant procedure is a good idea to consider but you should also know that it will not do miracles and you may need to repeat the procedure again. Before deciding to go for a hair transplant there are a few factors to consider which we have listed above:

  • Scarring is a drawback of all hair transplant methods, including FUE. The only differences are in the size and form of each person's body scar. Whereas FUT produces a single, larger scar on the back of your scalp, FUE generates hundreds of small, evenly-spaced scars. In most cases, a hair transplant scar is unnoticeable if you have thick, black hair on the back of your head.
  • For most guys, however, having a hairline transplant may significantly enhance the way their hair looks. Just be sure that, considering the amount of hair you still have on your head, your expectations are realistic.
  • If the hair transplant procedure is done by a skilled surgeon, the chances of success will be high. You should be careful to check for their level of skill and expertise. If you choose wisely you will almost surely end up with a great-looking hairline that looks natural and a significant improvement in your appearance. As with many cosmetic operations, it is better to select a hair restoration specialist surgeon as opposed to a general plastic surgeon who performs a range of procedures.
Photo illustrating the recovery process from hair transplantation.

Recovery Process

The time needed to recover from FUT and FUE treatments might range from a few days to several weeks. This depends on how much work the surgical team gets done. On the day of your treatment, you are allowed to go back home. Your physician will carefully remove any bandages used when the therapy is finished. Because of this swelling, your surgeon can decide to inject triamcinolone into the swollen area in order to control the swelling. It's probable that you will feel a little pain or discomfort where the hair was taken and where the transplant was made. The following drugs may be prescribed by your surgeon during the course of the following several days: Medications that help promote hair growth include finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine), anti-inflammatories that reduce swelling and relieve pain, antibiotics that prevent infections, and analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil) that help alleviate discomfort. Following hair transplant surgery, it's critical that you stick to these basic recommendations for aftercare:

  • After surgery, wait a few days before shampooing your hair. Simply wash your hair with mild shampoos for the first several weeks.
  • You should be able to resume work or your regular activities in about three days.
  • Don't use a brush or comb on the new grafts for around three weeks.
  • You should wait to wear turtlenecks, pullover shirts, and headgear until your doctor provides the all-clear.
  • Take a week or so off from all physical exercise.
  • If a few hairs fall out, don't worry. This is a typical step in the process. It is possible that the transplanted hair may not grow significantly or may not blend in seamlessly with neighboring hair for a few months. 

The Benefits Of Surgery For Hair Transplantation

The advantages that hair transplant provides in terms of look and confidence may be the primary reasons for considering this procedure. The consequences of a hair transplant are also immediately noticeable; you should see some improvement in your hair's thickness after only one session, and the complete impact should show within three months.

Hidden Benefits Of A Hair Transplantation

Although some people may not find having surgery on their head very pleasant, there are several advantages that come with this procedure. A person's confidence is boosted after a hair transplant since they are no longer concerned with hiding their balding scalp or thinning hair. Additionally, having surgery gives you the freedom to pick the style of your new hair, frequently enabling you to create looks that were previously undoable with just natural hair growth.

Long-Term Benefits Of A Hair Transplant

In addition to the immediate outcome, a hair transplant over time can help stop baldness and future thinning hair. As hair transplants function by boosting the quantity and quality of your existing hair, you will always profit if you were one of the fortunate individuals who had thick hair prior to your procedure. Ongoing treatments, however, might be able to restore some of the damage already done to your hair or slow down its progression if, like most men and women, your genetic tendency to baldness was too strong to resist despite all of your best attempts to avoid it.

Photo illustrating the results of hair transplant in Albania.

How Long Do The Results From A Hair Transplant Procedure Last?

Most people note that their hair seems thicker and fuller after a successful hair transplant. However, some patients may have hair thinning and loss after the procedure, which might make the hair seem fake or uneven. To get longer-lasting advantages, recipients could require more transplants.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that there's a chance some of the hair follicles that were transplanted won't take. As a result of these hair follicles dying, no new hair grows in their place. In certain situations, you could need a touch-up procedure to restore the sections that were damaged. This method can help you in two ways: either by filling up areas that are not thick enough or by combining the follicles for the most natural appearance.

The best possible result may be guaranteed by adhering to the post-procedure instructions that the surgeon provides. If they follow through on this, their chances of receiving a successful hair transplant will be higher. It can be necessary for a person to abstain from strenuous activities or exercise for several weeks. It can take them a few days to be able to wash their hair.

Do Hair Transplants Look Real?

As long as the operation is performed by a skilled surgeon and you take care of your head in the appropriate way, there will be no scars left or any indication that you have had a hair transplant.

Are Hair Transplants Obvious?

In the initial days following transplantation, it is very noticeable. It is not advisable for you to cover up or hide your newly transplanted hair grafts with a scarf or cap. It will also be OK to take a week off work and isolate yourself till your scabs fall off or until you feel comfortable to do so.

You will forget that you were balding in six to twelve months, depending on your age and recovery time. You should know that hair transplantation is one of the least time-consuming cosmetic procedures that leaves no scars and requires no aftercare. It's unlikely that even your hair stylist can detect that you had a hair transplant because it's hardly noticeable at all.

Do Hair Transplants Look Natural?

In general, if the patient has reasonable expectations, the answer is yes. Your hair grows naturally from the freshly transplanted roots after the healing process is complete. When someone has undergone a well-thought-out hair transplant, it's nearly hard to recognize the difference. It is the quickest and most aesthetically pleasing method for treating baldness at any stage.

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