In past decades, people who experienced hair loss have had relatively few options for restoring a youthful look. Wigs and hairpieces have been used for centuries; however, these can be difficult to maintain, and can look unnatural. Hair transplants have recently emerged as new option for people who want to restore lost hair. However, you should be prepared for the process, both during and after the procedure.
Definition
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves removing hair, including the follicles, from a donor area where there is still plenty of hair. For most people, the donor site is on the back of the head. Small sections of the scalp, usually containing one to four hair follicles each, are then surgically embedded into the scalp in the thinning or balding area. Hundreds or even thousands of hairs may be transplanted during a single session, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Purpose
The purpose of hair transplantation is to enhance cosmetic appearance. Balding men and women may experience increased confidence as a result of this hair restoration procedure, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. While most people who undergo hair transplantation do so because of alopecia, or pattern balding, this procedure may also benefit people who have experienced hair loss because of injuries, medications or diseases.
Pain and Swelling
Mild to moderate pain typically occurs at both the donor site and the transplant site. Pain typically begins within 24 hours after the procedure, and lasts about seven days, according to Manzanares Hair Restoration. Pain can usually be managed with prescription medications. People who undergo hair transplantation also typically experience swelling in the forehead and upper eyelids. The swelling is most pronounced about 48 hours after the procedure.
Scabbing
Because hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that requires hundreds of scalp incisions, scabs typically form during the first day after the procedure. This may be accompanied by redness of the scalp. Scabs typically remain for five to seven days. Although medication must typically be applied, avoid rubbing the scalp or picking off scabs, advises the Skin Care Physicians website. The hair follicles attach to the scalp during this period, and rubbing can dislodge the follicles.
Shedding
People who undergo hair transplantation may be surprised to see the transplanted hairs fall out about three weeks after the procedure. Shedding may occur because the transplanted follicles may temporarily enter a dormancy phase, according to Manzanares Hair Restoration. This is normal, and should not be a cause for concern.
Regrowth
New growth at the transplant site typically begins about one to three months after transplantation, notes Manzanares Hair Restoration. Initially, the new hair may be fine and thin. By the seventh month, the hair begins to thicken and blends naturally with non-transplanted hair.
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