Expectations When Getting a Hair Transplant

Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of hair transplants carried out yearly. Given the social disruption associated with severe hair loss, an increasing number of people, men, and women alike, now consider hair transplant a permanent and convenient solution for hair loss.

Hair transplant is a surgical intervention in which a surgeon extricates hair from a section of a patient’s scalp called the donor area and then grafts it into a bald area of the scalp. The transplanted hair is usually harvested with a thin slice of skin from the donor area to the recipient area.

A hair transplant is a good treatment for those who may be suffering from alopecia. It is also an ideal treatment for hair loss caused by scalp injuries, surgical procedures, and burns. However, it is not suitable for people whose hair loss is widespread or results from procedures like chemotherapy.

For hair transplant to be successful, there must be sufficient hair supply at your donor sites. Your scalp should also be able to heal quickly without leaving thick, fibrous scars.

So if you are considering getting a hair transplant it’s important to set reasonable expectations for the results. Hair transplant results differ from person to person depending on the current state of their hair loss.

You Are Not Getting Any Additional Hair Volume

Hair transplant does not give you any new strand of hair other than what you already have on your head. It is simply taking hair from a part of your scalp and grafting it into another part. So if your entire hair is naturally not voluminous, do not expect it to become fuller than it was before the procedure. Your surgeon can only work with what hair you currently have. This is why it’s so important not to leave it too late before getting your hair transplant.

Not Every Hair Transplant Will Be Successful

Depending on the cause and type of hair loss and the surgeon’s experience, a hair transplant may or may not be successful. Sometimes, you may need to perform more than one procedure to begin to see results.

Also, a successful hair transplant requires time to begin to show results. You may notice that the grafted hair may start to fall out a few weeks after the procedure. However, it can take up to 8 months for you to have new hair growing in the recipient area. Many surgeons might suggest a hair transplant along with a medical hair loss solution too for maximum effect.

It Does Not Cure Male Pattern Baldness

If you suffer from male pattern baldness, a successful hair transplant will cover the bald area. However, since male pattern baldness is a natural condition, a hair transplant cannot prevent other parts of your scalp from balding at a later time. 

There May Be Side Effects

As is typical with most surgical procedures, there are certain adverse effects you may experience after a hair transplant surgery. Some of these complications include inflammation, itching, swelling, numbness, bleeding, and sometimes, infection around the surgery site. Most of these effects will go away without further treatment, but you should talk to your doctor whenever you notice them.

Cheaper Is Not Better

Hair transplants vary in price and you should always shop around. Do your research and pick a surgeon who you feel comfortable and confident with. Consider aftercare too. Having your hair transplant done locally means your surgeon is only a phone call away and if there’s something that can’t wait you can always see them face to face. It’s important not to go for the cheapest option possible and base your decision on the clinic, the surgeon, their experience and what aftercare you will receive.

If you’re considering getting a hair transplant then get in touch today to book a consultation with Dr Kevin to learn more about what options are available to you.