Causes of hair loss and the procedure of hair transplantation
One of the best ways to increase attractiveness and beauty has always been to have a dense hair distribution. Many people suffer from hair loss for different reasons and are dissatisfied with the state they are in. This problem can be solved by transplanting natural hair. Hair follicles are weakened as a result of various practices such as using hair dryers and hair straightening irons, applying shampoos inappropriate in terms of hair type, using chemical dyes for cosmetic purposes, or in some cases as a result of a genetic or hormonal disease. All o these factors play a role in causing the need for transplantation. Hair transplantation today is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide.
Non-surgical technique:
In this technique, surgery and flap removal isn’t required and hair follicles are separated one by one from the hair bank using a hand “punch” device (FIT), automatic micro-motors (SUT technique), or by utilizing other similar devices such as “Neo Graft” and “Safer”. The physician first starts by disinfecting the head and then applying local anesthetic to the pre-designated points of injections. Hair follicles are then extracted as a whole follicular unit using the “punch” devices specific to each extraction technique. Lastly, the follicular units extracted from the hair bank are placed in a specific preservative solution and then given to the transplant specialist physician so that the procedure can begin. This stage is performed using 2 techniques. In the SUT, FUT, and FIT techniques a transplantation razor is used to make millimeter-wide incisions and hair follicles are then placed using special forceps in the hairless area. Another technique that makes use of the latest of natural hair transplantation techniques and utilizes a transplant device is known as “microFIT”.
Hair transplantation with the combination technique:
Whenever baldness reaches a degree where the need for a hair graft is felt, hair is extracted from the hair bank using both the surgical and non-surgical techniques simultaneously.
Natural hair Transplantation Techniques:
We here discuss the different techniques of natural hair transplantation so that we can help you in choosing the most suitable technique for you. The important point in regards to the process of natural hair transplantation is choosing the most suitable technique according to the degree of baldness and the specific condition of your hair bank. It is thus best that you pay attention to the physician’s instructions and recommendations.
FUT technique hair transplantation:
The “FUT” technique is the oldest technique of natural hair transplantation where a flap is surgically extracted from the hair bank and then separated into hair follicular units. These units are then transplanted inside small ridges made in the site of baldness in the transplantation phase.
FIT or FUE Transplantation:
The first technique of non-surgical hair transplantation is performed using a manual punch technique where grafts are extracted one by one and are then transplanted on the head using the “FUT” technique.
SUT Transplantation:
The new SUT technique is also known as the advanced FIT, Super FUE, Safer, Neo Graft and micrograft. In this technique, grafts are extracted using automatic micro-motors without the need for surgery or causing damage to the hair bank. This results in a more dense hair distribution.
Best candidates for hair transplantation procedure
Now that we have become more familiar with the procedure, you might ask yourself if you are a suitable candidate or not.
A suitable candidate is one that is going to be satisfied with the results because natural hair transplantation causes a significant improvement in the patient’s appearance and the patient’s hair will grow back again. Despite what has been mentioned, not everyone can undergone a cosmetic procedure.
Some of the the characteristics that make up a good candidate are the following:
- Age of at least 25 years old or more
- Men with a history of more than 5 years of hair loss
- Men with realistic expectations that are aware of the possibility that hair loss may occur even after the procedure
- Men and women that have lost their hair due to burn injuries
- Men and women that have lost their hair due to other reasons such as after face lifts
Common questions related to hair transplantation
1. Is hair transplant only suitable for men?
Hair loss occurs frequently in both men and women; to solve this problem different techniques of hair transplant according to the specific pattern of baldness are used. F example, the “FUE” technique is more popular among men but can also be used in women suffering from a male baldness pattern.
2. Where are the transplanted follicles extracted from?
For the transplantation to be performed successfully, follicular units are extracted from different areas of the patient’s head or body. This is because transplanting hair follicles from another person causes the body to recognize them as foreign and then reject the transplant. Hair follicles are usually extracted from the back of the head and the upper neck area (known as the nuchal area). In very rare cases where the amount of hair available for extraction in that area isn’t sufficient, hair follicles are taken from other areas of the body such as the chest or arms.
3. What are the different kinds of hair transplantation?
The oldest technique of hair transplant was the “FUT” technique which has become obsolete due to it involving multiple graft extractions and the presence of long-lasting wounds and sutures. After that the modified “FIT” and FUE techniques were introduced and involved extracting grafts one by one without the need for surgery but the hairs were still transplanted into the ridges made in the scalp. In recent years, the new “SUT” technique has found many advocates due to the advanced equipment it uses which doesn’t cause damage to hair grafts. Hair follicles are transplanted with the “MicroFit” technique which, along with the benefits of the previous techniques, can be used to transplant the largest number of hair grafts without the need for surgery in advanced hair transplantation centers.
4. Does hair transplantation cause pain?
To perform hair transplantation, both the target and extraction area are injected with local anesthetic. The scalp becomes completely numb within a few minutes and no pain after that is felt.
5.How long does hair transplantation take?
The faster the rate of hair loss and the larger the area in need of transplantation, the longer the procedure will take. If the area of baldness is large, several sessions may be needed to complete the hair transplantation. The technique used also plays a significant role in the time needed to complete the procedure and new techniques in general require a single session of 4 to 6 hours.
6. What is the newest hair transplantation technique available?
The newest hair transplant techniques are the “SUT” and “MicroFit” techniques, which are both performed using automatic micro-motors that don’t cause damage to grafts, provide high-density transplantations. With the introduction of the “implanter” pen in 2010, the “MicroFit” technique provided the possibility of direct transplantation without the need to make a surgical incision. Direct hair transplantation, like many other techniques, involves the 2 phases of incision and transplantation, albeit with the exception that the hairs extracted with the implanter pen get grafted in a shorter period of time and this leads to a natural and successful result.
7. What is the best hair transplantation technique?
The new techniques (SUT, MicroFit), where the hair graft is extracted using an automatic device, don’t have many of the disadvantages which the classic techniques suffer from. On the other hand, not requiring surgery, not leaving a permanent scar and maintaining the integrity of the hair follicle are some of the advantages of such techniques. Unlike other techniques, direct hair transplantation doesn’t require head shaving, surgical incisions, or sutures. This plays a role in making the recovery time much shorter. Another advantage of using the “MicroFit” technique compared to other techniques is that 80 to 90 hair follicles per centimeter square can be transplanted, which is about three to four times more dense than the “FUE” technique.
8. How long is the convalescence phase after transplantation?
Seeing that hair transplantation is a non-invasive surgical procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia, the convalescence phase is very short. It must be noted that the transplantation technique used directly affects the duration of this phase. Overall, new hair transplantation techniques only require a few days of rest after the procedure and special hair care is necessary in the first few weeks.
9. Will the hairs transplanted fall?
When the transplantation procedure is done in certain area of the head where hairs of weak roots are present, the physical shock of the procedure causes these hairs to fall. This is only temporary as these hairs regrow and return to their previous state shortly after. Transplanted hair follicles also fall after a few weeks of the procedure, but this hair fall is transient and after 3 to 4 weeks follicles regrow while maintaining their previous characteristics.
10. Can hair transplantation be done in the COVID pandemic?
It is vital that clients go to trustworthy well-equipped clinics. Our clinic maintains a high level of safety from contamination with the Corona virus by implementing all recommended health protocols, screening personnel on a daily basis for symptoms, and providing our services to a limited number of clients each day.
11. When will the final result of hair transplantation be identified?
As mentioned above, you may notice hair fall from the area of transplantation. Don’t worry as the hairs transplanted will start to grow back after a period of about 4 months. Hair growth has a slow pace in patients that don’t suffer from this kind of hair fall, and it takes about 12 to 15 months for healthy and strong follicles to grow and become visible.
12.Will the result of the hair transplantation be permanent?
Taking into consideration that the hairs transplanted are genetically the same as the rest of your hair, there is no risk of transplant rejection. The hair follicles transplanted are resistant to baldness from the genetical perspective and will continue to grow throughout your life. However, it is possible that you experience mild hair loss in different parts of your head and this can be alleviated by consulting your physician who can be provide you with supplemental hair growth treatments.
13. Is there an age limit for hair transplantation?
People between the ages of 25 and 50 are usually the best candidates for hair transplantation. It is not necessary for the patient to be in this age group. Nonetheless, in younger ages the hair loss pattern may be irregular or continuous while performing of the procedure may not be possible in older ages.
14. Is anything prohibited before the procedure?
Abstinence from any kind of smoking (e.g. cigarettes, hubble-bubble, electronic cigar) or alcoholic beverages one week before the procedure is highly advised. This is because nicotine causes excessive bleeding and alcohol causes blood dilution. It is also best for you to consult your physician regarding your nutrition. If you use medications, especially blood thinners such as aspirin, definitely inform your physician.
15. Do I have to shave my hair before the procedure?
In the consultation session with the physician the hairs should have a normal size so that their density and growth direction be identified. In the “FUE” technique, the all of the head should be shaved so that the medical technician can carefully perform the procedure.
16. Does hair transplantation require general anesthesia?
In old techniques such as “FUT”, which requires extracting grafts from the hair bank in a band form, general anesthesia is required. This is not the case in the newer techniques, especially the direct hair transplantation “MicroFit” technique, which is done with a “micro-tool” that only causes minor pain that can avoided by applying local anesthetic to the scalp.
17. What season is more suitable for hair transplantation?
There isn’t a best time of year for hair transplantation and the procedure can be performed in any season of the year. The only remarks in this regard is that the patient not expose themselves to direct sunlight beams in open spaces in the summer as this can cause permanent damage to hair follicles. Also, it is recommended that hats and thick scarves not be used in the winter to. Prevent follicular damage. Overall, it can be said that the best time for hair transplantation is when the person can rest at home and prevent any kind of damage or injury to occur to his/her scalp.
18. What is prohibited after hair transplantation?
It is recommended that you not use razor blades or hair trimmers for 6 months. It is also recommended that for a period of 6 months you not use hair care products such as gels, oils, hair dyes, or any other product that has been made with chemical materials. Albeit it is better that any chemical products not be used even after the final hair transplantation result has been attained.
19. What should I eat after the procedure?
Suitable nutrition that is protein-rich always helps in better hair growth. Thus, it is recommended that patients have a balanced diet that is comprised of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food products so that it can help in better hair growth and in attaining a better final result. If you suffer from vitamin or mineral deficiency such as iron, vitamin D, or biotin, it is best that you consult your physician on the use of multivitamin and mineral supplements.and hopefully with a great experience at TRAVELTEB in IRAN. We will miss you! Hope you had an unforgettable journey with us
