The Different Types Of Hair Transplant Techniques

In recent years, hair transplant procedures have made significant progress, with enduring, extraordinary, and natural-looking results. Additionally, they have turned into less of a taboo, with more individuals being open about whether they’ve undergone a hair transplant. Among the well-known names who have openly admitted to undergoing a hair transplant surgery are Gordon Ramsay, Joe Swash, and Wayne Rooney. There are also those celebrities who never admitted to doing so but the rumors have flown around, including Sylvestre Stallone, John Travolta, Chris Brown, and even Cesc Fabregas.

Similarly to any other cosmetic procedure, making the decision to have a hair transplant can immensely be a self-esteem boost, a way to restore the natural appearance and confidence that you used to have. But, again, as with any other procedure, understanding the ins and outs of hair transplants is of utmost importance. By comprehending and knowing more about hair loss and the procedures available to fix this condition, you can be better prepared to make the right decision.

What Are The Different Types Of Hair Transplants? FUE vs. FUT Transplantation

Two are the main types of hair transplant surgeries employed for the treatment of hair loss: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Both procedures involve the removal of hair from the sides or back of the head and their movement to the sites where hair loss is present. Certain people have also used, successfully, beard and chest hair for the procedure.

Follicular unit transplantation or FUT, is performed by removing a linear ellipse-shaped incision. The procedure gives the surgeon the possibility to acquire a high number of grafts in a single procedure, without the need to shave. However, it is to be noted that the FUT procedure leaves behind scarring which can be sutured and result in one linear scar. This can be easily disguised by the surrounding hair.

Follicular unit extraction or FUE, meanwhile, is conducted via the use of a small punch for the incision of individual hair follicles and removal of an entire graft. The Sapphire FUE hair transplant procedure can either be done manually or robotically- through the use of a robotic device- all dependent on the surgeon’s preferred implantation process. FUE hair transplantation, can too, cause scarring, and for this procedure, there might be needed multiple procedures in order to gather the number of hair grafts required. FUE is mostly chosen due to the fact that it is a less invasive procedure in comparison to FUT hair transplants and it provides much more flexibility when speaking about future hairstyling, making shorter hairstyles possible. For this procedure, the hair will need to be shaved, bear that in mind.

Which Hair Transplant Method Is Best?

In spite of the fact that for both techniques the procedure for acquiring the grafts varies, the FUT procedure is actually quite more straightforward. The donor hair grafts will be placed, by the surgeon, in the recipient area, where they are mostly necessary to make sure of a natural-looking coverage and a fuller head of hair. Such action is done thanks to the incisions in the scalp and the manual insertion of the grafts. While other techniques include the utilization of tools that create the incisions and transplant the grafts, simultaneously. The procedure can take approximately 8 to 10 hours to be completed.

Via surgical hair transplants, new hair growth takes from 3 to 4 months to begin. All the new hairs should be growing 8 months following the procedure, and for them to reach maturity, it takes 18 months.

Hair Transplant Options For Men

Approximately 90% of men suffer from androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, which makes them optimal candidates for a hair transplant. They do have the tendency to have good donor sites on the back and sides of their heads which aren’t affected by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the way that the other areas of the head are. Both FUT and FUE are accessible to men. The technique suggested would depend entirely on the strength and quality of the donor sites, as well as their lifestyle and the amount of hair on the head.

Hair Transplant Options For Women

Seeing as hair loss in women does work a little differently from men, they don’t really make the best candidates for a hair transplant. The donor sites in women have the tendency of being more affected by DHT and hair tends to be thinning or balding from all areas of the head, not just at the crown of the head. In men, hair restoration is more about the restoration of the hairline and fixing the areas of baldness, whereas in women, the main problem would be hair volume loss, rather than patches on the hairline or scalp.

Hair transplants can be an alternative for women in certain instances, but this is part of the discussion you need to have with your surgeon. Undoubtedly, discussing alternatives first with a specialist to ensure getting the proper advice for your situation is always best.

Though both FUE and FUT are viable alternatives for a hair transplant for women, FUE tends to be more beneficial. One of the very main benefits of undergoing a FUT hair transplant is that the scarring can be easily concealed with longer hair and you can get a high amount of quality grafts from the procedure. Precision and accuracy skill is required for female hair restoration so it is critical to make sure that you pick carefully your surgeon and clinic.

Common Questions About Hair Transplants

Indeed, surgical hair transplants can produce some mind-blowing results, but it is more than understandable if there are questions lingering in your head about the procedure. To help you decide if it is the right solution for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about hair transplants. Read on further.

Does It Hurt?

Taking into account the fact that the procedure is conducted under the administration of a local anesthetic, it is fair to say that it isn’t hurtful. Yet, patients might experience some discomfort and pain after the procedure, particularly with the FUT hair transplants. The majority of the symptoms, however, can easily be diminished with the use of over-the-counter medicines.

Will I Have Scars From Hair Transplant Surgery?

Out of the two main types of surgical hair restoration, the FUE or follicular unit extraction is the one less likely to leave scarring, which makes it a more preferred technique for short hair. Nonetheless, any scar caused by FUT or follicular unit transplantation can easily be concealed with longer hair.

How Long Does The Hair Transplant Procedure Take?

The full procedure of hair transplantation takes approximately 8 hours. The recovery and healing process can take a few weeks and can be very noticeable, which is the reason why several individuals decide to take some leave from work after the procedure.

When Will I See Hair Growth Results?

The results of a hair transplant are generally visible by the end of the third or fourth month, while the full results appear at the 12-month mark.

Am I Suitable For A Hair Transplant?

To have a better chance of undergoing a hair transplant, a candidate has to have hair. Logically, the more healthy the hair, the higher the chances of success. However, a consultation with the surgeon will determine whether you are or not eligible for this procedure.

Is A Hair Transplant Permanent?

Though a hair transplant is done with the sole intention of lasting a very long time, there is really no guarantee that it is for life, permanent. Hairs might have a different reaction to how they would from the donor area.

How Successful Are Hair Transplants?

The majority of people are happy with the results of their hair transplantation, but the results do depend on the available donor areas, the quality of them, and some other personal factors. Determining with the help of your surgeon whether you are a suitable candidate is crucial. The surgeon can simultaneously help you in anticipating the final outcome. In some very uncommon instances, hair follicles can be rejected.

Are There Risks?

Like with any other surgery, hair transplants do have some moderate risks attached to them. Some of the side effects include bruising and bleeding, and the formation of some cysts on the transplant site throughout the recovery period. Nevertheless, such complications are swiftly treatable. Picking a reliable surgeon is critical for a hair transplant, to make sure that you are in capable hands. The surgeon will have a discussion with you regarding the possible risks prior to you deciding if you want to go ahead with the procedure.

How Do I Find A Hair Transplant Surgeon?

Again, picking a reliable surgeon is critical to having a successful hair transplant. While some facilities might provide you with extremely cheap prices for the procedure, it is fundamental to pick a board-certified and qualified surgeon. You should be on the lookout for a plastic surgeon who has specific experience and skills in hair transplants, preferably one who is able to show you before and after pictures of former patients. At Advanced Hair Clinic, we only have part of our team experienced and expert surgeons, board-certified in hair restoration methods.