Hair Transplantation: What Is It and How Is It Done?

Hair transplantation is a medical procedure aimed at treating hair loss or balding. The process involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the head) to the balding or thinning areas. There are two main techniques used worldwide for hair transplantation: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). The FUE technique is the most recent and commonly used method. It is performed under local anesthesia and involves extracting hair follicles individually from the donor area, typically between the ears, using a 0.7 mm punch. These follicles are then implanted into the recipient area where new hair will grow.

Key Considerations for Hair Transplantation

When considering hair transplantation, it is essential to ensure that the procedure is performed in a hospital or a medical facility equipped with an operating room. The procedure should not be conducted in beauty salons, private apartments, or unlicensed clinics. A qualified specialist should always be present during the procedure, and it should be carried out by a professional team. The clinic must meet the legal requirements set by health authorities, and strict attention should be paid to the disinfection and sterilization of the environment and equipment used. The use of disposable materials is crucial to prevent the risk of infectious diseases. The procedure should be conducted in a hospital setting to ensure that any potential complications can be addressed promptly. It is important to confirm the qualifications of the person performing the procedure and inquire about the number of grafts to be transplanted. Patients should ensure that the promised number of grafts is actually transplanted and request to count the grafts if necessary. It is advisable to review before-and-after photos of previous patients, and to be cautious of photos that may have been downloaded from the internet. If possible, speak with individuals who have undergone the procedure at the clinic. Also, consider the years of experience the clinic has in performing hair transplants and whether the person you consulted will be directly involved in the procedure. Be wary of procedures that are delegated to a less experienced team or outsourced, as this can lead to suboptimal results.

Suitability for Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation can be performed on anyone who has a clear area of hair loss and does not have any underlying health conditions. It is not suitable for patients with heart disease, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, etc. Therefore, it is essential for patients to undergo a medical examination and necessary tests before the procedure. The hair follicles are extracted from the donor area at the back of the head and stored in a suitable environment. A special pen is used to define the frontal hairline, which is a crucial step to ensure a natural look, with the line incorporating slight irregularities to avoid a straight, unnatural appearance. Tiny channels are then opened in the recipient area, corresponding to the number of grafts harvested, and the follicles are carefully implanted.