What I can expect from a hair transplant?
If your hair is not as full as it once used to be, you might benefit from a hair transplant. It’s an individual decision, and many doctors welcome calls from those who wish to know more about the process and to find out if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Many people choose to undergo a hair transplant for cosmetic reasons but find they also receive a boost of self-confidence afterwards. One may receive a hair transplant for any number of reasons, but it’s important to understand the process beforehand. Prior to receiving treatment, a hair transplant doctor will explain the steps and what to expect based on the individual’s particular circumstances. Here is a general overview that may be helpful to you in understanding the nature of a hair transplant:
What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is a form of surgery that relocates existing hair to an area of the scalp that has no to little hair. It is a safe and effective treatment and medical advancements in recent years has even further improved the methods and results.
Is the procedure done in the hospital?
No, in most cases the procedure will be done in the doctor’s office. It is an outpatient procedure and the patient goes home the same day.
What is the process for the hair transplant?
This may vary slightly from one patient to the next or according to doctor preference. In general, the procedure will follow this basic overview:
- The doctor will clean your scalp prior to injecting a numbing medication to the rear of your head.
- The doctor will either use follicular unit strip surgery or follicular unit extraction. This will be determined beforehand.
- Follicular unit strip surgery requires the removal of a six-to-ten inch section of skin from your head, usually the back of it. That scalp area is sewn shut and will be covered by the surrounding hair. The removed scalp will be divided into many small grafts. The grafts are then transplanted to the needed area of the scalp.
- Follicular unit extraction surgery requires that the doctor shave an area in the rear of your head. The doctor, like a hair transplant doctor in NYC, will then individually remove as many hair follicles as necessary. Your existing hair will cover the areas where the follicles were removed. The follicles are then transplanted to the needed area of the scalp.
How long does the hair transplant process take?
The more complex the transplant, the longer it will take but it should be completed within four to eight hours. The doctor can perform additional surgeries in the future if you wish to further add to the thickness of your hair, or if you lose more of your existing hair.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Transplant
Dr. Robin Unger, MD, Hair Transplant Doctor NYC
