HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Hair transplantation is undoubtedly the most popular hair restoration procedure, but unfortunately it is suitable for very few women. On top of that, there are very few satisfactory alternatives. Acutely aware of this, we invested heavily in research and development to find a solution that would suit almost everyone and especially women who are in real despair. The result is Hairstetics.
Safe and minimally invasive, Hairstetics immediately provides a natural and pleasing aesthetics outcome without any social withdrawal. If you would like to learn more about the Hairstetics hair implantation procedure, visit our Hairstetics PRODUCTS PAGE.
INTRODUCTION TO HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
In 2016, hair transplantation accounted for 96% of all surgical hair restoration procedures1. This invasive procedure can last anywhere up to 8-12 hours and you often have to wait about 12 months before your see the final results. Men account for 86% of those treated1. The reason for this is that female donor sites are usually not suitable as hair loss presentation and progression differs between the sexes. Read more about this on our UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS page.
The hair transplantation techniques are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). In 2016, they accounted for 52.6% and 44% of procedures respectively1. Read below for descriptions of both techniques.
1 International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery: 2017 Practice Census Results.
For FUE, follicles are transplanted individually rather than removing a strip of skin like with FUT. Of course, this leaves the donor area with less density, but still enough hair for others not to notice.
This procedure suits those with a lower grade of baldness and when the donor area is insufficient or unsuitable for graft removal. The scalp must also be shaved beforehand and the number of grafts is limited per session. Not surprisingly, this technique takes longer to complete compared to FUT, because follicles are removed individually. It’s also more expensive. However, recovery time is just three to four days. Today, surgeons often use automatic machines to carry out the procedure.
In FUT, resistant hair follicles to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) are removed from a strip of skin taken from the back of the head and transplanted into balding areas. It can takes around five to eight hours to perform. As with any surgical procedure, it does leave a fine scar at the donor site. FUT is suitable for higher grade baldness due to the number of grafts it can provide. The scar site can be quite painful. Sutures are removed at around 10-14 days post-surgery.
POST-OPERATIVE FACTS
Following the hair transplantation procedure, small crusts form over the implantation sites and these take approximately 7-10 days to fall off. You will start to see hair growth at 3-4 months after surgery and this hair will initially be very fine.
As will all surgical procedures, there is a risk of complication and usually the more invasive the surgery, the greater the risk. Some of the risks associated with hair transplantation are listed below.
Swelling
This is rare and usually occurs within 48 hours of surgery. It can include swelling to the forehead, however usually resolves itself in a few days or less.
Bleeding
This may occur in the donor area straight after surgery.
Pain
Discomfort in either the donor or recipient regions
Numbness or tingling
This can last from weeks to months.
Infection
This is usually – but not always – indicated by localised redness and pain.
