The final appearance of a hair transplant is greatly influenced by training and prior experience. The recipient area must also receive the grafts from the donor area for the hair transplant to be successful.
A successful hair transplant is one in which nobody can tell that you’ve had one done. Of course, several other elements also play a role. In this article, we will discuss the factors responsible for the best hair transplant result.
How does a hair transplant work?
A surgical treatment called a hair transplant is used to treat pattern baldness as well as other causes of hair loss, including hereditary conditions, hormone imbalances,
stress, a poor diet, and medications.
The donor location, which is typically the back of the scalp, chest, or beard, is where the surgeon harvests grafts, or small pieces of skin, during the surgery.
After that, these grafts are implanted in the areas of the scalp where hair loss has taken place. Following the procedure, the transplanted skin heals and hair growth continues, creating a hairline that looks natural.
A hair transplant gives a natural-looking result
Hair transplants can provide natural-looking and permanent results through improvements in hairline creation and strategic placement of hairs in thinning areas.
Typically, patients witness noticeable changes between six and nine months post-surgery, with around 60% of new hair growth observed within this timeframe.
Temporary shedding of transplanted hair occurs between two and eight weeks after the procedure. To address ongoing hair loss, dermatologists may recommend medications that can slow down or prevent further thinning.
While hair loss can persist even after a transplant, these medications can help maintain natural-looking results for an extended period. Although hair transplantation is a costly procedure, it offers a good option for those who can afford it and presents relatively low risks compared to other surgeries.
Multiple touch-up surgeries may be necessary to achieve the desired natural-looking outcome, emphasizing the importance of following the surgeon’s post procedural instructions.
Additionally, the donor site eventually shrinks to a concealed incision line, hidden within the surrounding hair.
The factors responsible for optimum result
Achieving optimum results after a hair transplant is influenced by several factors. These include technological advancements, selecting a qualified surgeon, and taking nutritional supplements.
Proper Postoperative Care
Following the surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care is crucial for the success of a hair transplant. This includes maintaining a moist environment for the newly transplanted hair follicles by misting them frequently with a saline solution.
It’s important to protect the hair from dehydration and avoid washing it directly under the shower. Gentle hair cleansing, using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water, can help reduce scabbing and scalp itching.
Sleeping in a semi-upright position for the first few nights can minimize swelling and promote proper healing.
PRP Therapy
Nutritional Food and Supplements
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a common treatment used after a hair transplant. It involves extracting growth factors and proteins from your blood, which promote cellular growth and hair follicle proliferation. PRP therapy can enhance the growth and density of transplanted hair.
Proper nutrition is essential for the success of a hair transplant. The hair follicles are living cells that require a good blood supply for optimal healing and growth. Consuming a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals can accelerate the healing process.
- Vitamin B: Essential for nourishing the hair root and promoting hair growth. It can be found in whole grains, legumes, eggs, milk, red meat, poultry, dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach), bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons).
- Vitamin B2: Improves hair quality by enhancing blood supply.
- Vitamin B3: Protects hair color.
- Vitamin B5: Prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles.
- Vitamin B6: Supports scalp nutrition and cell renewal.
- Vitamin B7: Reduces inflammation and delays graying of hair.
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): Promotes rapid hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles.
- Vitamin B12: Supports hair growth.
By ensuring a nutritious diet and potentially supplementing with these vitamins, you can improve the overall health and growth of transplanted hair follicles.
A qualified and experienced surgeon
The choice of a qualified hair transplant surgeon is crucial for obtaining optimum hair transplant results. Despite notable technological advancements in the field, such as robotic-assisted surgery and suction-assisted follicular extraction, the surgeon remains the most important factor.
Countless clinics are available, but many are unable to dedicate sufficient time and resources to achieve natural-looking outcomes. Patients seeking the best results must be highly selective and may need to consider traveling to find an excellent option.
It is essential to avoid falling prey to false assurances, as correcting a failed procedure is difficult and mentally distressing. Surgical instruments used in hair transplantation are user-dependent, and poorly trained practitioners can cause significant and permanent disfigurement.
Patients must do their due diligence and choose a qualified hair transplant surgeon. Achieving optimum results requires a team effort, with a skilled team of technicians, guided by the surgeon, placing thousands of grafts in a single day.
It is crucial for patients not only to understand how to choose a surgeon but also to be fully aware of who is performing each aspect of the procedure. Some physicians delegate surgical responsibilities to their staff, such as graft dissection and removal.
Therefore, patients should discuss all the pros and cons of the procedure with a qualified hair transplant surgeon to ensure comprehensive understanding and make informed decisions.
A reputable hair transplant surgeon should meet criteria such as board certification, completion of surgical training, passing comprehensive exams, graduating from an accredited medical school, ongoing medical education, and performing surgery in accredited facilities.
