What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure often chosen to address hair thinning or baldness. It involves transferring hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp—areas typically less affected by hair loss—to parts of the scalp where hair is sparse or absent. This technique is favoured for its ability to produce natural-looking results. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated. Recovery times can vary depending on the individual’s general health, age, and the extent of the transplant.

Why is Hair Loss?

Hair loss can stem from a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, seasonal changes, deficiencies in iron or vitamins, and genetic predisposition. It's normal for adults to lose between 50 to 100 hairs each day. Hair naturally goes through a cycle, shedding every 4-6 years before new, healthier hair grows from the follicles. Yet, ongoing and excessive shedding may signal underlying health issues. The causes of hair loss also tend to vary between men and women. For men, genetic influences are a common factor in post-puberty hair loss. Women, on the other hand, might experience hair loss due to chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, skin conditions, cosmetic products, and certain medications. Additionally, women may notice increased hair loss during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

How Can Hair Loss be prevented?

It is of great importance to determine the main factors that cause hair loss in the prevention of hair loss. Different methods can be applied in the treatment process, which is recommended to be planned under the supervision of a dermatologist. In addition to using shampoo, cream, etc., cosmetic products compatible with the scalp, adopting the proper eating habits, and supplementing the missing hormones or vitamins in the body can reduce hair loss. In hair loss that develops due to a chronic disease such as thyroid, a plan should be made to treat the disease. However, alternative treatment methods such as drug therapy, mesotherapy, PRP, or hair transplantation are applied directly to the severity of hair loss.

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair follicles, usually taken from the back or sides of the scalp, to areas with thinning hair. This method is used to treat baldness or hair thinning. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure can take several hours depending on the size of the area to be treated. In the first few weeks, the transplanted hair may shed. Full results can take up to a year to become visible.

How are Hair Transplants Performed?

Treatment options for hair loss differ based on individual requirements. Hair transplantation is a widely recommended method to combat hair loss, involving the transfer of hair follicles from the nape of the neck or other body areas to thinning or balding spots. This procedure is carried out in a sterile operating room environment by trained specialists. After administering local anesthesia, hair follicles are meticulously harvested from denser areas and transplanted to the targeted regions, addressing bald patches on the crown and forehead effectively.

This process is not painful and can take about 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the area to be planted. It is essential that the technique applied is correct and that the newly transplanted hair adapts to the scalp and grows healthy. Post-surgery, patients are advised to take a few days of rest at home and avoid going outside. Within a few weeks after the hair transplant, the transplanted hair strands will fall out, but the hair follicles will remain secured in their new location. After this initial shedding period, new hair growth will emerge from these follicles, which have now established themselves within the skin.

Hair transplantation is applied with two primary methods:

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) Method

The old FUT technique involves placing the roots on the scalp and cutting a thin strip from the nape to the required area. Since this is a surgical technique, a scar of approximately 8-15 cm is left on the nape.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Method

The FUE method is a more modern technique that does not require an incision, prevention, or preventing the formation of surgical scars. Hair transplantation involves transferring individual hair follicles from the nape area to the channels in the area where they will be transplanted.

Another method that has been used more widely in recent times is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The solution produced from the cells that help blood clotting is used in the hair transplant process, strengthening the transplanted hair follicles and ensuring new hair growth.

Choosing a treatment method compatible with a person's hair and skin structure is crucial for its success.

What to Do Before and After a Hair Transplant Procedure?

Knowing what to do before and after a hair transplant can help minimize complications, promote faster healing, and improve overall results. It’s important to avoid substances like alcohol, nicotine, and blood thinners before a hair transplant procedure. Protecting your scalp, avoiding strenuous activities, and following your doctor’s instructions after a hair transplant will help promote healing.

Before the hair transplant operation;

• Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine consumption slow down the healing process.
• Drugs that can slow down blood clotting should not be used.
• Hair gel, spray, etc., styling products should not be used.

After hair transplantation,

• It is necessary to pay attention to the planting area while lying down; it is recommended to lie on your back. Although the critical level ends in the 4th and 15th days following the hair transplantation, the risk continues.
• Sweating activities such as heavy sports should be avoided.
• It is not recommended to use a car after the operation.
• Edema and pain may follow the operation, and regular painkiller use may be required. The hair transplant area should be protected after the surgery. It is recommended that hair washing start on the third day after the operation.
• Following the procedure, new hair growth can be observed at 30% within the first three months, 60% by the sixth month, and achieve full growth at 100% by the end of the year. Nonetheless, this development demands patience, as the rate of new hair growth can differ based on age, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
• Newly grown hair should not be cut and dyed for a while; it is expected to experience crusting on the freshly grown scalp. Places such as saunas, Turkish baths, and solariums should be avoided.
• The planting area should be protected from the sun.
• Within a month after hair transplantation, the hair starts to boil. It is essential to continue using the hair products the doctor recommends after the surgery.

What Should Be Done To Have Healthy Hair?

To maintain healthy hair, addressing hair loss linked to daily habits can be effective with specific lifestyle adjustments:

• Emphasizing protein in the diet and ensuring regular, balanced meals,
• Consuming foods rich in zinc, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamin B12,
• Minimizing stress and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption,
• Choosing hair care and cleaning products that are gentle on the scalp,
• Ensuring adequate sleep, as it plays a crucial role in promoting healthy hair.

Should hair loss exceed 50-100 strands daily, or if there's a noticeable decrease in volume and thinning, consulting with a healthcare professional to identify the appropriate medical treatment is strongly advised.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Transplant?

How long does it take to return to social life after the operation?

Many people can return to their social life within 2 to 5 days after a hair transplant. However, it is important to avoid exercise and exposure to sunlight during the recovery period. It is also necessary to protect the transplanted area from any potential impact.

Do the transplanted hairs fall out?

After a hair transplant, the transplanted hairs usually fall out within a few weeks. This is considered a normal part of the healing process. Since the hair follicles remain in place, new hair begins to grow within a few months.

From which area are the hairs for transplantation taken?

Hair follicles are usually taken from the back and sides of the scalp, which are areas more resistant to hair loss.

What should be considered in hair transplantation operations?

Hair transplantation should be performed by an experienced and qualified healthcare professional. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions is important for proper healing and achieving successful results.

Are there risks associated with hair transplantation?

As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or uneven hair growth. These risks can be minimized when the procedure is performed in a sterile environment by experienced specialists.