What Is the Long-Term Result of Hair Transplant? (2024)

Published on Feb 08, 2024 -4 min read

Contents

Introduction:

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure done for aesthetic concerns. Here, hair follicles are moved from one part of the scalp or body to an area with no hair (baldness) or thinning. This procedure commonly treats male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) or hair loss problems in women.

How Does Hair Transplant Work?

Hair transplantation is a cosmetic procedure that is typically done to add more volume of hair over the thinning and balding areas of the scalp. The procedure usually involves the removal of the hair from another region of the scalp called the donor site. Such part is not facilitated and regulated by the male hormones attributable to the hair loss called androgen. Moreover, hair can also be taken from certain parts of the body.

The pre-procedure preparations for hair transplant include the following:

• The healthcare provider trimms the donor area shortly for rapid access and hair removal.

• A numbing agent will be injected into the scalp by a plastic surgeon.

• The harvested hair grafts will be recovered, followed by the stitching of the wound at the donor area.

The transplantation procedure can be done in the following ways(techniques).

• Flap Surgery: A substantial bald patch can be treated by flap surgery. One kind of flap can have about 350 grafts. Here, the bald area is cut, and the flap is lifted over another area of the scalp. The other end of the flap remains associated with the actual blood vessels. Only the flap of the hair-bearing area being removed is drawn into the bald patch and sewn.

• Strip Harvesting: Here, the strips of the scalp tissues are cut and punched into the areas of bald parts. The newer strands of hair tend to grow in the bald patches from the implanted strips.

• Micro-Grafting: Micro-grafting and slit grafting approach is used mostly in the front hairline receding cases. It helps recreate the shape of the frontal hairline. Here, the surgeon makes a slit in the frontal scalp using a needle or scalpel. Then, thinner strips of scalp tissue with the hair follicles are implanted into the created slits.

• Advancement Flap Surgery: Advancement flap surgery is otherwise known as scalp reduction. In this approach, certain regions of the hair-bearing scalp are drawn or pulled forward to cover the areas of the bald crown. Subsequently, the surrounding skin of the cut-out region is slackened and drawn to bring the hair-bearing scalp area closer together to suture them.

• Dilation: Here, the surgeon inserts or implants the dilators tightly into the scalp so that the scalp is pushed, allowing the insertion of grafts.

• Follicular Unit Extraction: This is the most commonly employed technique in hair transplantation. Here, the individual hair follicles are taken out from the scalp. Then, the hair follicles are grafted into the bald areas by making smaller holes.

The post-procedural process for any approach to hair transplantation is:

• The transplanted area of the scalp is bandaged with topical antiseptic and sterile gauze.

• Steroids might be injected into the scalp to help relieve the swelling.

• Painkillers, vitamins, and antibiotics are prescribed following the hair transplant procedure.

• The doctors prescribe medications for promoting hair growth.

• It is recommended to avoid hazardous exercises, sexual activity, and weightlifting for about one to three weeks.

• The doctors also advise not to go for the hair wash for at least two weeks following the procedure.

Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

Hair transplantation is sometimes referred to as hair restoration. This is an outpatient procedure that utilizes micrografting technology. Many people report that hair transplantation results are long-lasting, manifesting permanent results.

It takes substantial healing following the grafting process of hair follicles into bald areas. Moreover, it is considered normal for some hair to fall out during the first three months of the treatment. Healing after hair transplantation generally takes within six to twelve months. After the termination of healing, the implanted hair follicles start progressing to cover the bald patches on the scalp. The implanted hair will then proceed with growing through the ages.

The results of hair transplantation are more compelling and permanent because the movement of the grafts and hair follicles is enduring. The implanted hair follicles never revert to its previous position. However, the transplanted hair follicles have a determined lifespan like the natural ones. The implanted ones might slowly stop producing hair at some time.

What Is the Long-Term Result of Hair Transplant?

The result of a hair transplant is obvious in three to four months, while they continue to progress over the years. In some cases, it might take about six to nine months. It is crucial to note that the transplanted hair on the scalp might fall out and become thinner within a few months of the treatment. This is normal. The hair will then tend to grow after some sort of shedding.

Hence, the hair transplant should be sustained for a longer period. However, with age, the implanted hair follicles will produce a certain quantity of hair, at least for the rest of their life. But, it is crucial to stick with the appropriate care and things.

What Are the Potential Complications Associated With Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation does not result in any significant complications. However, certain side effects can occur in people undergoing hair transplants. They are usually minor and get relieved within a few weeks.

• Infection.

• Bleeding.

• Swelling of the scalp.

• Crust formation on the scalp.

• Lack of sensation or numbness in the treated scalp areas.

• Itching.

• Inflammatory condition of the hair follicles, called folliculitis.

• Bruising around the eyes.

• Shock loss.

Conclusion

A hair transplant is a permanent solution for hair loss concerns in both men and women. The implanted hair follicles are less likely to fall out over time since they are taken from those areas that are genetically resistant to hair loss. Nevertheless, the success of this procedure might vary from individual to individual based on certain attributes. It is important to seek professional treatment and follow the post-care procedure to maximize the permanence of the outcome.

Last reviewed at:
08 Feb 2024-4 min read

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