Anyone who has tried to hide their hair thinning and balding may eventually grow tired of wearing hats and using other disguises. A person’s confidence is often linked to the quality and presentation of their hair. So when balding of the scalp occurs due to exterior and/or genetic influences, a person may feel plagued when every tactic under the sun just doesn’t get their hair to grow back. Eventually, hair transplants may be an option that those struggling to prevent balding may seriously consider.
Q: How much does it cost to get a hair transplant?
A: Hair transplant procedure costs can vary greatly depending on the person and the severity of his or her hair loss. It is important that anyone who is considering getting a hair transplant ensures their doctor is qualified to perform such a procedure. Receiving treatment from doctor with sufficient experience and knowledge can help yield the most optimal results, while decreasing the chances of complications arising.
Q: Are there any risks associated with hair transplants?
A: As with any other medical-related procedure, there are potential risks. Some patients may have minor bleeding or develop an infection if the site isn’t cleaned properly. A hair transplant doctor can give you instructions on post-procedure care, to prevent an infection from brewing. Other patients may have very mild nausea afterwards due to the use of local anesthetics. An inadequately trained doctor may overly harvest hair follicles and scalp skin, leading to significant pain and poor results.
Q: How can someone prepare at home for the procedure?
A: A hair transplant doctor may suggest that you avoid taking medications that could hinder your body’s ability to absorb the hair grafts. Examples of medications to avoid taking during this time are substances like aspirin, herbal supplements, ibuprofen, and certain vitamins. Additionally, you may want to limit your use of tobacco and alcohol the weeks prior to the hair transplant, as this can have a negative impact on wound healing and hair graft success.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: After the hair has been transplanted, the hair will go through the normal shedding and regrowth cycle. Within a few months, patients can anticipate a noticeable difference in the length and thickness of their hair. The maximum results are often seen around the 8-12 month mark.
Q: Are there alternatives to getting a hair transplant?
A: There are other treatment options for hair loss that doesn’t involve a procedure, such as topical medications and hair thickeners. However, by the time a person has walked into a doctor’s office for a hair transplant, they have usually tried everything possible and a procedure is now their last option.
Q: What can a patient expect during the hair transplant?
A: The procedure itself typically lasts several hours and some patients may require more than a single session. A local anesthetic is administered to the sites where healthy hair will be harvested, and at the balding area that will be receiving the transplant. The local anesthetic helps alleviate physical discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Treatment
Dr. Robin Unger, MD, Hair Loss Treatment Manhattan