Things to Do Before Deciding to Have a Hair Transplant
Hair Transplant has become a very popular and common aesthetic surgery in the last 10 years. Although it is a comparatively easier and safer operation, there are many things to consider before getting it done. This article will summarize some of the most important things to consider before having a hair transplant. It should be noted that, you should consult a specialist doctor for more detailed information about your case, because only a specialist doctor can determine the best option for individual cases.
- Learn the Benefits
The first and most important part of deciding on anything is to learn the benefits. Online research can be the most useful way to learn the benefits of a hair transplant. Of course, getting your hair back is the biggest benefit but there are others which can convince you to have it. Such as it is being a very smooth and painless operation.
- Learn the Risks (Potential Side Effects and Risks)
Every surgery has risks and potential side effects, even the small ones. It is important to learn the potential side effects and risks. Hair transplant surgeries are considered to be free of side effects and risks when it is performed by a specialist doctor in this field. There are many black-market around the world which lack licensed medical doctors, in this case unqualified can create major side effects and risks. Not to mention bad results. Also, there are important aspects to consider before a hair transplant, your individual health conditions might affect the operation’s success. In this case you need a specialist doctor to consider every possibility for the surgery. So, it is important to learn the potential side effects and risks from a reliable source.
- Learn the Procedure Options
There are many different methods for hair transplant surgeries such as manual and motorized FUE. In this case, it is important to learn about the different options available and choosing the most suitable method for you. Because different cases might require different methods. The best way to do this is consulting a specialist doctor. After an initial research about available methods, you should consult a hair surgeon to examine your case and recommend you the most suitable hair transplant method.
- Ask: Do I Really Want a Hair Transplant?
It is important to be sure about your desire to have a hair transplant. Because most of the aesthetic operations are irreversible. After researching about hair transplant and the options you have, you should take some time to think about if you really want to have the surgery. Hesitations might lead to dissatisfaction even with great results.
- Ask: Are you the right candidate for a hair transplant?
Not everyone or every case is suitable for a hair transplant. Many people believe that hair transplant can be done for everyone. There are many important aspects to be the right candidate for a hair transplant. For example, hair loss in women is very hard to treat with a transplant. Also, the level of your baldness, density of your donor area or any diseases you might have are important things to consider before having a hair transplant. The best way to learn about your suitability for a hair transplant is to consult a specialist doctor. By providing photos and all the necessary health information the consultation can even be done online nowadays. In this way, you can gather the information and decide on having a hair transplant or not.
- Have Realistic Expectations
The results of the hair transplant surgeries can be very successful with the best tools, an experienced hair surgeon and the right candidate. However, it is important to have realistic expectations. You should remember that this is a medical operation and not a miracle. So, it is important to keep your expectations realistic and ask your hair surgeon about what to expect specifically from a hair transplant. Only a specialist can inform you about what to except by considering your individual conditions.
- Select the Right Hair Transplant Surgeon
Selecting the right Hair surgeon might be the most important part of the research about a hair transplant. You should research about education, specialization, experience and results of the surgeon. Also, there are some important International hair restoration organizations that can be great indicator for the qualification of the hair surgeon. For example, American Board of Hair Restoration Society (ABHRS) and International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) are one of the most credible organizations for hair surgeons. Membership to these societies generally mean great quality in the doctor’s work. There are also consultation companies who are helping patients to find the best surgeons for their cases, so you can benefit from their services as well.
- What is the success rate of hair transplant surgery?
The success of a hair transplant surgery depends on many aspects, such as finding an experienced and qualified hair surgeon. Also, the tools are extremely important, for example hybrid punches and latest FUE motors are vital for the success rate. On the other hand, post operation care by the patient is really important for the success rate. If all of these aspects in order, the success rate of the hair transplant is % 95.
- Is it a painful procedure?
Hair transplant is considered to be a relatively painless operation. Hair transplant is performed under local anesthesia, so after the initial anesthesia injections the head becomes numb.
- Hair Transplant Procedures
There are many hair transplant procedures and methods, such as FUT, manual FUE, motorized FUE, long hair FUE etc. The most used method is the motorized FUE method. It is one of the most technologically advanced method, since it allows the hair surgeon to extract better and more grafts from the donor area faster. Of course, the eligibility for these methods should be consulted with your hair surgeon.
- Medications
There are not many post-operation medications following a hair transplant. Generally, the patient should use small amount of medication for a short amount of time.
- Hair Transplant Cost
Hair transplant costs differentiate from location to location. It mainly depends on the location of the of your choice, for example Turkey has lower costs than Europe and US. Furthermore, there are many qualified and experienced hair surgeons in Turkey. Also, even in the same location the hair transplant costs might differ because of the qualification and experience of the hair surgeon.
- Selecting Location for Hair Transplant
Deciding on a location for your hair transplant surgery is an important issue. Besides the costs, the qualification, experience, and license of the doctor should be the most important aspect for your selection. For example, many countries such as Cyprus and Turkey offer good ratio for cost and qualification for a hair transplant.
- Effects of Alcohol and smoking
As mentioned above the post-operation care is vital for the success of a hair transplant. Smoking and consuming excessive amount alcohol hinder the healing and growth process of the transplant. In this case, alcohol and smoking can lead to bad results. Also, after a hair transplant you cannot consume alcohol and smoke for two weeks. After those two weeks, average alcohol consumption is not harmful however you should stop smoking for your health and a good result.
- How Long Until I See Results from Hair Transplantation?
The final result of a hair transplant surgery can be seen between 12 to 15 months after the operation.
- Can I Cut, Style, or Colour My Hair After Transplantation
You can have a haircut with scissors and style your hair a month after your surgery. However, for coloring your hair you should wait at least 3 months.
- Does transplanted hair grow?
The transplanted hair is your own hair, it lives and grows normally after it is transplanted as well.
- Will I need another hair transplant procedure in the future?
The need for a second operation can be possible depending on the case. In some cases, it is not possible to cover the bald area in one session or operation. So, there might be a need for a second operation. Also, some special hair transplant methods require 2 sessions in consecutive days. You can always discuss this possibility of a second operation with your experienced and specialized doctor since only they can properly consult you on this matter.