FUE Hair Transplantation
There are numerous individuals facing hair-related issues, and for them, various solutions exist in both alternative and modern medicine. These solutions include chemical or natural drugs and nutritional recommendations. However, the most permanent and effective method among these options is hair transplantation.
Hair transplantation has been attempted for a long time, but it gained significant credibility with the introduction of the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method. However, the FUT method had drawbacks such as visible scars, numbness, and insensitivity resulting from sutures at the back of the neck, which discouraged some people from pursuing hair transplantation.
Today, hair transplantation has evolved into a widely preferred treatment option, thanks to the advancement of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method, which gained popularity in the early 2000s. In the FUE method, individual hair follicles are extracted instead of a strip of skin from the back of the neck as in the FUT method. These extracted follicles are then placed in a special liquid at an optimal temperature and transplanted into the desired area. Unlike other methods, the FUE method does not cause bleeding or leave permanent marks. This is a significant advantage of the FUE method, and hair transplantation experts often recommend it over the FUT method.
Overall, the FUE method has revolutionized the field of hair transplantation, offering a more advanced and preferred approach for individuals seeking effective and natural-looking results.
The Process of Hair Transplantation
The first step for someone who suspects hair loss should be to consult a hair health center and see a doctor. It is important not to use any medical or natural products available in the market before consulting a doctor. A specialist can assess the extent of hair loss and recommend appropriate medical treatments to address the issue and strengthen weak hair. If there is significant thinning of hair or visible bald spots on the scalp, hair transplantation may be considered.
Currently, the most preferred method for hair transplantation is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which is known for causing less pain and minimal bleeding. In the FUE method, the area where hair transplantation will take place is first photographed and documented. The donor area, typically the back of the neck and the area behind the ears, is examined, and the new hairline is planned and determined based on the individual’s age and facial proportions. Once the patient has been documented, the surgery begins. Limited local anesthesia is applied to the person before the surgery. Hair follicles are then individually extracted from the donor area and classified based on the number of grafts. These grafts are placed in a special solution at a specific temperature and transplanted one by one into the recipient area through small incisions. The entire procedure lasts approximately 6 hours, and the patient can be discharged without the need for bandages.
The donor area of the neck and back of the ears is chosen for hair transplantation because the hair in these areas is programmed not to shed. Following the FUE method, there will be tiny pinpoint-sized marks where the hair transplantation took place. These scars are generally inconspicuous and will be concealed as the transplanted hair grows. Additionally, the FUE method minimizes bleeding during the surgery, allowing for a same-day discharge.
After the hair transplantation surgery, it is important to rest and stay at home on the same day and the following day. The patient should avoid engaging in activities that may cause fatigue unless necessary.
Before the first hair wash, it is advisable to have the head examined at the hospital or clinic by specialists. The first washing should be done within 24 to 72 hours after the surgery. Before washing, applying a small amount of softening lotion to the transplanted area can help soften any crusts. During washing, a special medical shampoo should be used, and gentle rinsing is recommended, avoiding any rubbing or aggressive strokes.
When can I return to social activities after Hair Transplant?
As mentioned earlier, patients may experience mild swelling around the transplanted area and face during the first two weeks following the hair transplant. While this swelling is mostly painless, it can be uncomfortable.
By the fifth day after the transplant, the swelling is likely to have subsided and will no longer be visible to others. Additionally, any small crusts in the recipient area may dissolve after about 10 days. Therefore, a period of two weeks (14 weekdays) after the procedure is generally considered an appropriate time to resume social activities and return to your normal routine.
