3 Important Types of Hair Transplantation Methods

Millions of people around the globe have one common problem – hair loss. Hair loss has been around for centuries, and people have been developing treatments to encounter it. The problem of hair loss usually leads to baldness if not treated in time. Alopecia is a common issue among men, and it has no other permanent treatment except hair transplant. So, it’s better to address this problem as soon as possible; otherwise, hair regrowth may become impossible.

Several reasons can cause hair loss, including:

• hormonal changes
• aging
• family history
• trauma such as burns
• unhealthy diet
• stress
• illness
• medications
• pattern baldness

Different types of hair transplants are used to treat hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. But, before explaining types of hair transplant, let’s understand what hair transplant is.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure. It is an invasive procedure that cannot be carried out without an expert surgeon.

During a hair transplant, the surgeon removes hair follicles from a baldness-resistant part of the scalp. Usually, the back and sides of the scalp are considered baldness-resistant. The surgeon, then, transfers the healthy hair follicles to a bald area on the scalp. Mostly, the top or front of the scalp is affected by baldness.

Once transplanted, the hair will continue to grow. However, before regrowth starts, the transplanted hair will fall off.

Hair transplants are performed on an in-office basis under local anesthesia. It’s better to transplant a few hair strands per session for making the results more natural-looking.

Types of Hair Transplant Techniques

Two techniques are commonly used for hair transplantation, but a third technique is also used in some cases. These techniques include:

1. Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) 
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) 
3. Scalp Reduction

Let’s discuss each technique in detail.

1. Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is an old and traditional technique used for hair transplantation. In this procedure, the surgeon takes a horizontal strip from the backside of the scalp (known as the donor site). The back and sides of the scalp are used as donor sites because they are baldness-resistant.

From the extracted strip, the surgeon harvests healthy hair follicles. These hair follicles are then transplanted into the bald spots on the scalp.

The area from where the strip is harvested is treated and sutured. Due to the sutures, it takes a few days for the area to heal completely. Moreover, a long scar remains visible after the transplant, which may be difficult to hide with short hair.

Although this technique is the oldest of all, it is also the most invasive one. Therefore, some patients and surgeons don’t prefer this technique.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is the most popular technique for hair transplant. The reason for its popularity is the minimally invasive nature with minimal scarring.

In this technique, instead of taking a linear strip, the surgeon extracts hair follicles one by one. The follicles are harvested from the donor site like in FUT, but each follicle is removed individually from the site.

Since the hair follicles are extracted individually, the scarring is minimal. Instead of leaving a long and linear scar, FUE leaves tiny scars that are temporary and fall off like scabs. Moreover, hiding these scars is easier as compared to FUE. The results of this technique are also more natural-looking.

3. Scalp Reduction

A rarely used technique for hair transplant is scalp reduction. This technique is the most invasive and has the most extended recovery period. Moreover, it has more risks associated with it than benefits.

In this technique, the surgeon will surgically remove the bald area. After removing the bald area, the baldness resistant scalp is stretched to replace the removed area.

This technique requires a lot of expertise. Moreover, it is quite expensive as compared to other methods. There is a chance of scalp tightening in this technique which will lead to hair thinning. So, usually, surgeons avoid using this technique for hair restoration.

Complications Associated with Hair Transplants

Every hair transplant technique has some side-effects associated with it. However, most of the complications are minor and temporary. Usually, these side-effects subside within a week.

• bleeding
• infection
• swelling
• bruising around the eyes
• crusting and flaking on donor or recipient sites
• numbness or lack of sensation
• itching
• inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• shock loss
• unnatural-looking results

In typical cases, these side-effects will subside on their own within a week or so. However, if any of the side-effects persist, consult your doctor immediately. Also, if any other complication occurs, it should be reported at once.

Benefits of a Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is an excellent option for hair restoration, especially for patients of pattern baldness. It has multiple benefits, and some of those are mentioned below:

Elevates Appearance

Most people feel stressed due to baldness. Their confidence levels lower due to excessive hair loss. Due to hair transplants, they feel like their older selves again. Their appearances are elevated, and confidence is boosted.

Permanent Solution

Some people use topical treatments or drugs to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. While it works for some, it doesn’t work for others. Moreover, none of these treatments is permanent. Hair transplant is the only permanent solution for hair loss.

No More Baldness

According to reports, hair transplants are quite successful in treating baldness. After a transplant, the patients can say goodbye to baldness. With the help of hair transplants, they can have permanent hair that won’t fall out again.

Cost-Efficient

As compared to topical treatments and medications, a hair transplant is a more cost-efficient option. Hair transplantation may cost more, but it is a one-time cost. So, it’s better to spend once but spend carefully.

Low Maintenance

Transplanted hair looks exactly like natural hair. Therefore, the transplanted hair require the least bit of maintenance.

Conclusion

If you are considering undergoing a hair transplant, only choose an expert dermatological surgeon. They can guide better about the type of hair transplant technique that suits you best. So, ask for professional advice before going under the knife.