How Effective Are Different Hair Transplant Methods?

 

Hair transplants aim to bring back hair growth in areas of the scalp with limited or absent growth. While they can be effective in treating many types of hair loss and can help prevent further ones but they are not able to prevent future loss of hair. To ensure lasting results, patients may need follow-up transplants.

 

Hair loss and thinning are normal parts of ageing. However, they can also be caused by a medical condition or a trauma to the scalp. People who experience hair loss may decide to get an hair restoration doctor for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.

 

In this article, we take a look at the rates of success of various types of hair transplant, as well as how long they will last and the potential side effects they may have.

 

Types of hair transplants

 

A surgeon removes follicles from the donor region which is a large area of hair. The surgeon inserts the hair follicles through tiny slits at the scalp.

 

There are two main types of hair transplant:

 

Follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS)

 

The surgeon will remove the skin strip from the donor site and close the incision using stitches. The surgeon will make use of an instrument to separate the donor skin into tiny hair follicular units. These units are made up of one or more hair follicles.

 

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

 

The surgeon will employ small punch tools to remove follicles from the donor area. The procedure could cause some scarring but it will not be visible and will usually not require stitches.

 

Rates of success

 

Hair transplants can be used to restore hair growth after various types of loss of hair. The success rate of hair transplant surgery is contingent on several factors, such as the expertise and experience of the surgeon as well as the thickness of the person's hair that is donated.

 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), hair transplantation can result in a small increase in the volume of hair. If you want to see dramatic changes, you might prefer skin flap surgery as well as tissue expansion or scalp reduction methods.

 

There aren't any major studies that present specific rates of success for hair transplants. However, smaller studies and articles offer certain details regarding the effectiveness of these procedures.

Are hair transplants long-lasting?

 

In most cases the person will have thicker-looking hair after the procedure is successful hair restoration Doctor. There is a possibility of losing hair or thinning after the process. This can make hair appear unnatural. For longer lasting results, people may require follow-up transplants.

 

Side effects

 

According to ASPS Hair transplants can be performed by qualified and experienced surgeons. Even with successful hair transplants, there will always be side effects.

 

Bleeding or infection

 

Hair transplants are performed by making cuts or incisions in the skin. The surgeon makes an incision to remove donor follicles , and then insert the follicles in the scalp. There is always a risk of infection or bleeding when making any kind of incision.

 

Scars

 

There is also the possibility of scarring, both on the donor's area as well as the area of the transplant. A person should speak with their surgeon about these risks before they decide to have the procedure.

 

The FUSS technique generally leaves a long linear scar where the surgeon removed an area of scalp. As new hair grows around the scar, it could disappear. It may, however, be apparent if the scar becomes wider during healing, the surrounding hair is thin or if the person wears the hair short with style.

 

The FUE procedure may leave some marks in the region where the surgeon removed the follicles using the tool for punching. These aren't so severe as those left by the FUSS method. In certain instances, a person may have bumps that have risen around the transplanted hair. When the hair grows back, it may cover the bumps.

 

The swelling and pain

 

Following the procedure, some individuals may experience pain. The surgeon could provide them with pain relievers to ease this. There may be swelling of the face and head while the skin heals.

 

Summary

 

Hair transplant surgery may be an option for those with hair loss or loss of hair. It may not be an all-time solution for thin hair however, for many they can restore hair fullness and self-confidence.