Is hair loss common?
F.A.Q.s
Do transplants increase the number of hairs on my scalp?
No, the number of hairs on your head will not increase from a transplant. Since hair transplanting involves taking hairs from one area of the scalp and moving them to a different area, there will not be an increase in the number of overall follicles. Instead, the relocation of these hairs corrects the distribution and gives the appearance of thicker hair in the area that is balding.
How is the procedure performed?
Hair transplants involve harvesting hairs from an area with more hair follicles and moving them to a different area to cover balding. Our clinicians use sophisticated FUE technology to harvest hair follicles individually from the scalp. These follicles are then implanted into the balding area to produce natural-looking hair thickness.
What is FUE?
FUE stands for “follicular unit extraction” and refers to the method of extracting follicles from the scalp. Using the FUE technique, hair follicular units are uprooted individually from the scalp via microscopic incisions, allowing hairs to be harvested in a way that does not involve large incisions, stitches, or scarring. It is often compared to the “follicular unit transplantation” (FUT) method which uses a more surgical approach to harvesting hair follicles for transplantation.
Is FUE better than FUT?
Here at Flawless Hair Restoration, the FUE method is our preferred method. FUT tends to require more recovery time and can leave a scar. The FUE method is less invasive by comparison. The incisions are tiny, which means the likelihood of scarring is significantly less.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is performed using a local anaesthetic, which minimises or eliminates patient discomfort. In the hours following, your scalp may be numb and you may be prescribed pain medication to alleviate any pain that arises after the anaesthesia wears off.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of hair transplanting sessions will depend on your personal hair condition and the amount of hair you wish to have grafted. This can be discussed during your individual consultation.
Are hair transplants just for your head?
No, hair transplants are commonly performed on the scalp but can also be used to address hair loss of the beard, sideburns, eyebrows, and other parts of the body.
What results can I expect?
Transplanted hair follicles will usually go through a shedding phase about a month after the procedure. The hairs will then begin their new cycle and continue at their normal growth rate. For this reason, noticeable improvement in hair thickness is usually seen after about four months, and it may take longer for the hair to reach the length you desire.
Are results permanent?
Hair follicles are grafted to live permanently in their new place on the scalp, which means the hair should continue its growth normally as if it were still in the original location. It should be noted that a hair transplant is not a cure for hair thinning, receding, or baldness; it is a cosmetic procedure designed to cover baldness on the scalp. This means that although results are long-lasting and the relocation of follicles is permanent, the procedure will not prevent further hair balding in the future.
How long is the recovery time?
Healing after FUE is usually very rapid, and patients can typically return to work after a couple of days. However, exact recovery times, as well as the rate of hair growth, are different for each patient. Following your personalised aftercare plan will help your scalp heal and encourage hair follicles to take root in their new location.
Can I wash my hair?
Hair washing should be avoided for at least 24 hours after a hair transplant procedure. After a couple of days, your grafts will be attached but still quite fragile. Generally, grafts are quite stable after five days and the hair can be washed normally.
What are the side effects?
Patients often experience some redness after the procedure, which can appear like a sunburn. Some sensitivity and swelling can also be expected. These symptoms are a normal part of the recovery process, and any residual discomfort should subside in about 10 days.
What are the associated risks and complications?
Although hair transplants have a very high success rate, the procedure does come with some risks. If you are considering undergoing a hair transplant procedure, it is necessary to understand both the benefits and risks. Possible complications include:
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling and tightness
- Pain or irritation
- Nerve damage, including changes in skin sensation
- Failed grafts
- Scarring
- Further procedures to correct complications
Individual results may vary. Hair transplant outcomes depend on a variety of factors, such as: age, hair type, extent of hair loss, lifestyle, and adherence to aftercare instructions. No guarantee is made regarding the amount or permanence of hair growth. All medical procedures carry risks; a consultation with one of our doctors is essential to determine suitability and expected results.