Hair Restoration

What is a Hair Tranplant?

Hair transplant can be described as ‘the permanent solution for hair loss.’ And a hair transplant is a microsurgery procedure performed in clinical environment and the term ‘microsurgery procedure’ means that the hair transplant can be performed with a much lower intervention than any other operation.

Hair transplant operation is the most effective and permanent solution for male pattern hair loss, those who have scars on their head or have lost their hair due to various hair diseases.

What are the most common types of hair transplants?

There are three hair transplant methods that are most commonly used. These are FUE, DHI, and FUT. While they produce similar results, there are some differences between these techniques that are important to note when deciding on the best treatment for you.

What is FUE?

FUE is Follicular Unit Extraction. This method works by individually removing hair follicles from the back of the head, where there is the most volume. Small canals in your scalp are then cut and the hair follicle is inserted. This part is a two step process, whereas the DHI method does this in one step.

FUE is the most commonly used hair transplant technique. It can be used for a larger area and it doesn't leave visible marks, since the hairs are removed individually. Some small scars might appear, but they should not be noticeable. This procedure is considered to be very safe, and it has a high success rate. However, due to the nature of this procedure, it does take longer to complete; approximately 6 to 8 hours.

What is DHI?

DHI is Direct Hair Implantation. This method is similar to FUE as the hair follicles are removed individually from the back of the head. However, the extracted grafts are immediately inserted into the scalp with a special instrument called the Choi Implanter Pen. This tool both removes and implants the hair follicles from the donor area to the recipient site, where they then grow and regenerate new hairs.

With this method, there is no need to shave the entire head, only the donor site. Being the most advanced of the three, with the highest success rate, it is also the most expensive. With this technique, healing is quicker, and results can be seen within 6-12 months.

What is FUT?

FUT is Follicular Unit Transplantation. This method is the cheapest of the 3 options, and it is done by removing a strip of skin from the back of the head and then individually extracting the hair follicles. Unlike FUE and DHI, an entire strip of hair is removed, rather than the individual follicles. Tiny holes are then made in the scalp and the hair grafts are inserted.

With this technique, a long scar is usually visible. The success rate of FUT is not as high as FUE or DHI, as it was the first method developed for hair loss, and is not as advanced as its counterparts.

*Alpha Aesthetics does not offer this method as we have found the FUE and DHI methods to have the best results.

Procedure and After Care

A Hair transplant is great for patients who are looking to add volume to their hair. It aids in hair loss and can help boost your confidence and overall apperance.

During the procedure

Whether it is FUE, DHI, or FUT, your hair will be shaved and a local anesthetic will be injected into the scalp. Your hair follicles from the donor area will then be extracted and implanted into the recipient site. Aside from the initial numbing this is relatively painless. Depending on how many grafts are transferred will determine how long your procedure will take. Typically you can expect between 5-8 hours but this will be discussed with you prior to your day of procedure.

After the procedure

An antibiotic cream and bandage will be applied to your head. You might feel some mild pain, thus painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended. Antibiotics will also be prescribed in order to prevent any infections. Patients are not allowed to wash/scrub the area for 3-7 days. You will not be able to additionally brush the hair area for about 3 weeks, and wearing hats or hair accessories of any kind should be avoided. You should avoid exercise for about a week, and patients can typically return to their normal lives in a few days. You should follow your doctor and technicians specific aftercare instructions to prevent any complications from arising.

Which is the Best Hair Transplant Technique?

In the end, it depends on the patient. The results they are looking to achieve, and the experience that the doctor has.The technique with the highest success rate is DHI or the FUE method. These are the most precise, with the quickest recovery and no visible scars. However, all 3 techniques are effective, and it is important to keep in mind that every patient is different. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor to determine which method best suits your needs.