A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of the body to another. This is typically done to restore hair to areas that have become bald or thinning.
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
FUT
In FUT, a strip of skin is removed from the back of the scalp. The strip is then divided into tiny grafts, each containing one to four hairs. These grafts are then transplanted to the bald or thinning area of the scalp.
FUE
In FUE, individual hair follicles are removed from the back of the scalp and transplanted to the bald or thinning area of the scalp.
What to expect before the procedure
Before the procedure, you will meet with a surgeon to discuss your goals and the best hair transplant procedure for you. The surgeon will also assess your scalp and hair condition.
On the day of the procedure, your scalp will be cleaned and numbed. The surgeon will then remove the hair follicles from the donor area and transplant them to the recipient area.
What to expect after the procedure
After the procedure, you will have a bandage on your scalp. You may also experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
The transplanted hair will begin to shed within a few weeks of the procedure. This is normal and the hair will grow back within a few months.
Recovery from a hair transplant procedure typically takes 6 to 12 months. During this time, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
Here are some tips for recovering from a hair transplant procedure:
- Keep your scalp clean and dry.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing your scalp.
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks after the procedure.
- Wear a hat to protect your scalp from the sun.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for washing and styling your hair.
If you have any concerns about your recovery, please talk to your surgeon.