Losing your hair can be a tough pill to swallow. As we age it’s not unusual for hair to thin and fall out and with footballers, rugby players, and actors investing in hair transplants it’s tempting to follow suit. Not all baldness is created equal, and transplants don’t work for everyone. There is a huge amount to consider when deciding if it’s the right path for you. Before you begin the process of getting a hair transplant, read our guide below.
Chapter Overview
How Do They Work?
Transplants work by taking hair from a donor site and transferring it to the area where you’re thinning or already bald. The donor site must have healthy, growing hair to be considered worthy of transferring. There are two techniques to implant the hair back onto the head.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is the preferred method as it typically leaves less scarring. The surgeon will take individual hairs from the donor site and reinsert them back into the balding area using a tiny needle.
The second method is Follicular unit extraction (FUE) which involves the surgeon removing strips of hair from the donor site, then cutting the strips into individual units. The surgeon makes minuscule cuts on the head for the hairs to be placed in. This method comes with risk of scarring, so it’s usually the less popular option.
After either option, you’ll lose all of the hair after a couple of weeks, so expect to be bald for a little while longer until the implanted hair regenerates and you’ll be left with new healthy tresses. When considering this type of procedure shop around to find the best place for you, including this clinic for hair transplants – Edmonton.
Am I A Candidate?
Not everyone can undergo the procedure. If you have hair left in some areas of your head but have been seeing progressive hair loss for over five years, you may be a good candidate. Check out the Norwood Scale to see what type and stage of hair loss you’re at. If you’re considered stage 3 or above, you may be an appropriate candidate. Hair color, density, texture, and thickness all play a role in your eligibility so be sure to do your research before you get your hopes up.
Does It Hurt?
In short, the answer is yes. Before the procedure, you will be administered a local anesthetic which should ward off any severe pain but most people who have had a transplant have said it hurts, particularly with the FUE method, as the tiny cuts can sometimes be felt through the anesthetic. Post-procedure, expect some swelling and bruising which can again be painful. After any surgery, there will likely be discomfort. As the old saying goes ‘No pain, no gain’, so bear that in mind when you’re deciding whether to go ahead or not.
How Long Does It Take?
A hair transplant can take around 4-8 hours on average, with the FUT method typically being a bit quicker. However, it really depends on how much hair needs to be taken from the site and implanted. Everyone is different.
Are you considering a hair transplant? Let us know in the comments below.