What makes a good candidate for hair transplant?
With many celebrities such as Wayne Rooney going for hair
transplant, professional hair transplant services can have an amazing effect on
the life of a person. Although hair transplants still have some stigma attached
to them, it's truly amazing the effect that a high-quality hair transplant can
actually have an instilling confidence and making someone look much younger.
There transplants today can be found everywhere whether it's
in Premier league football to actors, producers, musicians and people that we
see almost every day. This stigma on hair transplant is gradually reducing and
instead of people having to simply accept a hairline reducing, the procedure
has become much more widespread. While the idea of a hair transplant may seem
like a condition that's completely reversible for most hair loss sufferers,
there needs to be some specific conditions met to make sure that a subject is a
good candidate for a hair transplant.
The top conditions that need to be met to ensure a better
hair transplant:
A particular hair color:
The color of your hair and the way that your hair actually
matches with your skin tone can be a great indicator of how natural a hair
transplant will look. If someone has light-colored hair and there is very
little contrast between the color of their hair and the color of their scalp,
there will be an increased chance of better coverage and a more natural result.
People with more contrast between the color of their scalp and hair often
require a much more in-depth transplant procedure to obtain natural results and
to achieve better coverage.
The thickness and shape of your hair:
A quick cross-section of your hair follicles will be done to
see if you are a good candidate for hair transplant. The way that the
individual hair on your head is shaped, how it curls and the nature of the
thinning on your scalp can all be a great indication of how the new transplants
will cover your scalp. The way that light reflects off of your scalp and the way
that the transplanted hair will move on your scalp can be indication of how
successful your transplant might be.
The flexibility of your scalp:
A loose scalp can make it easier for surgeons to insert
follicles during the procedure. If your scalp doesn't move around too much, a
hair transplant may be a very difficult procedure for you.
A prior condition with alopecia:
If you have had a prior condition with un-patterned alopecia
you should not even consider a hair transplant. Often the hair that you are still
producing is unhealthy and the results would last very temporarily making a
hair transplant a poor investment.
If you can afford it:
A hair transplant may still be a relatively new concept as
well as something that is growing in popularity. The main barrier to access for
many people however is the cost concern. Most hair transplants start at $3500
costing upwards of $15000 and there are no types of medical coverage that will
handle the cost of a cosmetic surgery like surgical hair restoration. Unless you
think you can afford to pay the full costs of I hair transplant, it's usually
not wise to begin the procedure to see if you would be a good candidate.
To learn more about hair transplants and the procedure of
assessment follow some of our future blogs!
Hairfear - 05-16-2016
Frequently asked questions about hair transplant procedures
How much does a hair transplant cost?
Hair transplants can vary in price based off of the area in the world that you are interested in getting a hair transplant as well as the size of the area where you may need a hair transplant. Experienced doctors in the United States will often charge some of the highest prices for a hair transplant worldwide and this is why so many travelers make the move to other parts the world like Turkey, India, Thailand, Mexico...etc for their hair transplants.
Will a hair transplant hurt?
Although hair transplants may look like a particularly
unpleasant or painful experience is actually very little discomfort involved
with the surgery itself. Hair transplants are always done under an anesthetic so there's absolutely zero pain during the treatment itself. Many people actually relate the process as being very similar to going to the dentist for filling or root canal. Mild pain can persist over the course of postop treatment but he generally just resumes for a few days.
Who can deliver the best surgery?
It's usually best to consider working with surgeons who have and IAHRS certification or international alliance of hair restoration surgeons recognition. IAHRS can often deliver recommendations for the best surgeons in each particular area.
Is this scarring noticeable?
Any type of hair transplant will require the use of incisions throughout the scalp. There can also sometimes be a small scar from the donor area towards the back of the scalp. Asking to look at photos of the surgeon's previous work will help you to see roughly how bad the scarring could be. In most cases an experienced professional can limit the look of scarring and noticeable marks from the surgery.
How long does it take for the hair to grow?
In most cases hair growth will start within eight months and you can start to see a full effect from the hair transplant after a full year. The initial signs of growth can usually start between 3 to 4 months after the surgery.
Are the results permanent?
The hair follicles that are transplanted are generally the ones which are genetically resistant against the symptoms of baldness. As long as you receive hair loss treatment later in your life after the symptoms of balding have started to subside, you can have a better chance at permanent results.
While everyone know you've had surgery?
If you want to limit the chance that people may find out about your surgery it's important to give at least three weeks of healing as the surgical area will be affected and red just after surgery. After around a month of healing it can look far less noticeable. You could consider wearing a hat while time passes or opting for some extra time off if possible.
How long should I rest after surgery?
It's recommended to rest for at least a few days after surgery so that your body can recover. Trenton to over exert yourself and limit sexual activity, running in the gym for around 10 days after surgery.
Is it possible to lose more hair as a result of surgery?
There is always a chance of shock loss which happens when the hair is weak and miniaturizing after the surgery. As long as the surgeon is choosing the correct hair follicles and performing the surgery well it's possible to minimize the chance of this happening however.
Will I need another hair transplant?
The need for another transplant really depends on the individual. With a solid foundation surgery and working to potentially bolster results with drug therapy, you can improve the stability of the hair that was transplanted as well as prevent further loss. Getting a hair transplant early
on in your 20s or early on in life could lead to needing long-term transplants as hair loss can be progressive.
