Hair transplants are today’s modern approach to hair restoration and rejuvenation. Hair loss can be a frustrating and confidence-damaging experience for both men and women. For many people, hair loss can feel like a losing battle. However, hair transplant surgery offers a solution to those struggling with hair loss, specifically Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
Today, let us know more about hair transplants, how they work, and what percentage of these procedures can survive. Read until the end and discover if hair transplants can work for you.
What are Hair Transplants?
Hair transplants are cosmetic procedures that involve transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The goal of the process is to restore hair growth in regions with thinning or balding hair.
The procedure typically starts with a doctor or hair transplant specialist consultation. During this consultation, the doctor will examine the patient’s scalp, hair loss pattern, and medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Once the patient is deemed a good candidate, the doctor will begin the transplant process. There are two primary methods of hair transplant: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
In FUT, the doctor removes a strip of scalp from the back of the head and dissects it into individual hair follicles, which are then transplanted into the balding area. In FUE, the doctor uses a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the back of the head, which is then transplanted into the balding area.
The transplanted hair follicles will grow in their new location, producing further hair growth over time. The length of the procedure and recovery time varies depending on the extent of the transplant and the method used.
Overall, hair transplants can effectively restore hair growth in areas of the scalp that have thinned or balded. While the procedure can be expensive, it is often considered a worthwhile investment for those who desire a fuller head of hair.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE?
FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure that involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area and transplanting them to a recipient area, where hair loss has occurred. FUE is becoming increasingly popular because it is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than traditional hair transplant surgery.
How FUE Works
FUE involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back of the head, where hair growth is still dense. These individual follicles are then transplanted to the recipient area, where hair loss has occurred. The process of extracting and transplanting individual follicles allows for a more natural-looking result, as the hairline can be precisely defined, and the hair can be positioned in a way that complements the patient’s natural hair growth pattern.
The FUE Procedure
The FUE hair transplant procedure begins with administering a local anesthetic to the donor area. The hair follicles are then extracted one at a time using a small punch tool. The punch tool is typically 0.8-1.0 mm in diameter, allowing for removing individual hair follicles without causing significant scarring.
Once the hair follicles have been extracted, they are prepared for transplantation. The recipient area is also numbed with a local anesthetic. The surgeon then makes small incisions in the recipient area, and the hair follicles are carefully transplanted into these incisions.
After the Procedure
After the FUE procedure, patients can expect minor swelling and redness in the donor and recipient areas. Pain and discomfort are minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients from this hair transplant can usually return to work and resume normal activities within a few days.
In terms of recovery, patients should expect the transplanted hair to fall out within a few weeks after the procedure. However, this is a normal part of the healing process, and new hair growth should begin within a few months. Patients should expect significant hair growth within six to twelve months after the procedure.
Advantages of FUE
FUE offers several advantages over traditional hair transplant surgery. First, FUE is less invasive, which means less scarring and a shorter recovery time. The procedure can be performed in a single day, and most patients can return to work within a few days.
FUE also allows for a more natural-looking result. Because individual hair follicles are extracted and transplanted, the hairline can be precisely defined, and the hair can be positioned in a way that complements the patient’s natural hair growth pattern.
Finally, FUE is a relatively low-risk procedure. While all surgeries come with some degree of risk, FUE is minimally invasive, and the risks associated with the process are relatively low.
The Big Question
Hey there! So, what percentage of hair transplants survive? Well, the success rate of hair transplant surgery is relatively high these days. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 90% of hair transplant procedures are successful.
Now, it’s important to note that the success rate can vary depending on several factors, such as the skill and experience of the surgeon, the type of hair transplant procedure used, and the patient’s overall health. But generally speaking, hair transplant surgery has come a long way in recent years, and most patients see positive results.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that a successful hair transplant doesn’t necessarily mean that all of the transplanted hair will survive in the long term. Some degree of hair loss can still occur over time, especially if the patient has underlying hair loss conditions like male pattern baldness.
But overall, if you’re considering a hair transplant, you can take comfort in knowing that most patients see positive results from the procedure. Just be sure to research and choose a qualified, experienced surgeon to perform the function and make your hair transplant a successful one.
Final Takeaways
Hair loss can be a challenging experience, but hair transplant surgery offers a solution for those struggling with hair loss. FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure that offers several advantages over traditional hair transplant surgery. The process involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area and transplanting them to a recipient area, where hair loss has occurred. FUE allows for a more natural-looking result, and patients can expect a shorter recovery time than traditional hair transplant surgery.
Do you want to experience hair transplants? Our great friends at Rawnsley Hair Restoration can help you today.