All Posts in Category: Hair Transplant Aftercare

Hair Transplant Aftercare Cheat Sheet

Hair Transplant Aftercare Cheat Sheet [Updated]

Posted  Last updated on 

The final stretch is a critical time in achieving your desired results. At this point, the ball is in your court and you play a significant part in making sure that you are setting yourself up for surgical success. To help you sway things in that direction, here are hair transplant aftercare tips to get you started.

Normal Things to Expect

Before anything else, it is important that you know what you will normally expect after surgery. While it may not always look and feel pleasing, these are body reactions you can expect. 

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General Hair Care Instructions

While you care for your hair in its initial stages of healing, it is important that you remember these quick and simple reminders. 

On washing and grooming your hair

Some surgeons allow gentle hair washing on the day after surgery. However, extra care should be given to avoid dislodging the grafts accidentally. Don’t let the stream of water from the shower hit your head directly to prevent dislodging the newly implanted grafts. To rinse the area, it’s better that you rinse it gently using a cup to slowly pour water over it. Dry the area by dabbing it with a soft towel, and comb it gently so as not to dislodge the grafts or disturb incisions.

On managing sutures

The sutures used during hair transplant are non-dissolvable, so careful aftercare measures must be taken until they can be removed. If in any case the sutures get dislodged prematurely, avoid puttling it out and just allow it to fall by itself. Just wait for the incision to close until it’s time to take them off, usually around the second week after surgery.

On avoiding habits that may compromise healing

Alcohol and cigarettes are some of the components that hamper healing. Avoid them for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Both interfere with wound healing, it counteracts the effects of your medications, and may even increase your risk for complications such as bleeding. It is also advised that you control your caffeine fix to 2 cups a day because even your favorite grind may increase bleeding tendencies.

Important Points on Hair Transplant Surgery Aftercare

Now, we go into details about the usual concerns that have a significant bearing on your healing process. 

Pain Control

Pain is a subjective experience, but this is an expected sensation during the first 2 nights following surgery. To alleviate any discomfort on the surgical sites involved, you can always take the pain medication prescribed by your doctor. This should control your discomfort, allowing you to rest and heal better.

Medications prescribed may include:

  • Acetaminophen – over-the-counter pain medications to treat mild to moderate pain (ex. Tylenol)
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – over-the-counter medications to treat mild to moderate pain (ex. Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
  • Opioids – for moderate to severe pain

In any case that the pain increases in intensity days after your procedure, report this to your surgeon. Pain can be a sign of infection, especially if there is redness in the area, warm to the touch, or if you develop a fever.

Wound Care

Proper wound care is essential for effective wound healing on the donor and recipient sites. Hair transplantation is treated much like any other post-surgical wound. It involves days of head dressings, punch grafts healing, and antibiotic therapy. How you manage these affects the way your wound heals, which is critical especially among FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) patients. 

Donor Area

The wound at the donor area requires additional collagen formation for it to heal. Eating the right foods, a potent supplement, and proper hydration can help boost your natural collagen.

If a tricophytic closure is used, healing at the donor site will be a combination of full thickness and partial thickness wounds. This needs proper moisture balance to optimize healing and reduction of tension to reduce scarring.

Furthermore, the importance of cleansing the back of the scalp – or the donor area – cannot be emphasized enough. You need to soak the area with water for one minute. Unless it is contraindicated by the surgeon, you can massage the donor area with shampoo using the pads of your fingers. Just let the water gently stream over the back of your head and prevent it from directly hitting the top of your scalp where the new grafts are implanted.

Recipient Site

The recipient site heals faster than the donor area due to the small size of the incisions created. Good moisture balance is also necessary to maintain optimal healing. While some think that Vaseline is adequate in providing moisture, some prefer to use medicated ointments.

Washing the new grafts must be done very gently. Surgeons suggest that you should not touch the grafts for the first week. You can prepare soapy water over the area. To prepare this you can dissolve a teaspoon of shampoo to a pitcher of water and pour it gently over the new grafts for 20 seconds. Rinse it for a good 20 seconds as well. Avoid doing it for too long or the grafts may absorb water and “pop up.”

After the first week, you can already start to work on loosening the crusts. Remember that excessive crust formation is also linked to potential infections. To carefully loosen these, you may place a bit of baby oil and gently rub it with the pads of your fingers. Follow it up with shampoo or a soapy solution before rinsing it with water. Never use fingernails to pick off the scabs as this can lead to scarring. Shampooing every day can help loosen the scabs until these are ready to fall off.

Every surgeon has their own post-surgical care instructions, but regardless of what they are it must be followed to the dot. Also remember that while some of the factors for wound healing is under the patient’s direct control, much of it is not. As a matter of fact, a large portion of wound healing has much to do with the surgeon’s techniques and the patient’s biological makeup. However, using the right techniques helps sway things in the right direction. 

Antibiotics 

There are some disputes among doctors regarding the use of antibiotics after hair transplant surgery. In most cases, doctors prescribe preventative antibiotics (prophylactic treatment), but some believe that there is no need for it at all. They believe that it is only necessary to provide antibiotic treatment only if there is already an infection present.

However, some doctors prefer that they give the medication right after treatment. This is to avoid any potential cause of infection.

Work and Exercise

You are to refrain from any strenuous activities during the first week after surgery. Minimal activity is recommended for the first 12 hours. It is also important to avoid excessive head movements and bending over during the first 24 hours. This is to prevent undue stress on the surgical site especially when it is still highly vulnerable. Some people may return to light work the day after surgery, but some may prefer to take at least 2-4 days off from work. However, due to physical signs of healing such as swelling and crusting, some patients opt to take a week off.

Follow-Up Check-Up

The follow-up check-up is an important step because this is a way for your surgeon to monitor your progress. You will also be set an appointment for suture removal around 2-3 weeks after surgery. Depending on your surgeon, there will a number of follow-up visits within the first year after your surgery. 

What You need to Do About Potential Adverse Reactions:

Bleeding

You may expect bleeding to occur the night after surgery and a few days after that. This may stop if firm pressure is applied on the area for 15 minutes. You can press it firmly but gently to prevent dislodging any surrounding grafts.

If you are unable to control the bleeding with rest and gentle pressure, inform your surgeon right away. Persistent bleeding is a sign that your surgical site is not healing as it should be.

Swelling

Swelling is an inflammatory response of the body to the slight trauma created by the surgery. It usually occurs on the forehead around day 2-4 after the procedure. The swelling may descend to the eyelids due to gravity.  However, this should be no cause for worry because it will not leave any permanent problems.

You can significantly reduce swelling if you sleep with your head elevated at 45 degrees for at least 3 nights. To do this you may prop up your head on two pillows or use a recliner. 

Normally, swelling would subside by itself within a couple of days. Therefore, any prolonged swelling, especially if it is accompanied by pain or if it is warm to the touch, may be a sign of infection.

Infection 

The risk for infection is present in any surgical procedure. While it may be rare in hair transplants, the likelihood of it happening cannot be eliminated.

The telltale signs of infection may include redness, discomfort, swelling, or bleeding. This implies that the surgical site is compromised.

To prevent infection after hair transplant surgery you can follow these tips:

  • Avoid touching the surgical site (donor and recipient areas)
  • Do not pick on the scabs as they heal, allow them to fall off by itself
  • Follow post-op care instructions carefully
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages during recovery
  • Make sure that you attend follow-up visits as scheduled by your surgeons

If you think you show any signs of an infection, immediately report it to your doctor so that prompt treatment can be given.

Remember that these are just general information which you can use during your consultation to ask the right questions. You are more than welcome to ask us your questions or concerns. Book your consultation with Dr. Daood today. 

Book your Private Consultation

If you are considering FUE or FUT Hair Transplant surgery please contact us for further information on pricing and procedural information.

To book a private consultation today with Dr. Daood call 1300 656 236.

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7 Things to Expect After Hair Transplant-1

7 Things to Expect After Hair Transplant

Updated on December 23, 2019

Hair is an important aspect that defines your appearance and a feature that can either boost or bust your confidence. This is why some guys are willing to pay a king’s ransom to restore their locks when faced with the threat of baldness. 

However, a leap into surgical hair restoration is no easy feat and it’s good that you found your way here to apprise yourself on what to expect after a hair transplant. In this way, you are more equipped to manage the aftercare process.

Sitting is recommended

7 Things to Expect After Hair Transplant-3

Any trauma that results in a break in the skin’s integrity can result in swelling or edema on the affected area. It is a natural consequence of hair transplantation that occurs around 2-6 days after the operation. 

Due to gravity, swelling can go down to the eyelids, which in some cases can become so severe that you may be unable to open your eyes. This would result in bruising or a  “black eye” after a few days. Prolonged swelling can also increase the risk of complications and your absences from work due to an unaesthetic appearance.

Doctors use this table when objectively assessing and grading post-operative edema:

GRADE Description
Grade 0 No edema 
Grade I Upper forehead edema 
Grade II Upper and lower forehead edema
Grade III Periorbital edema 
Grade IV Black eyes

 

During the initial stages of recovery, maintaining an upright or semi-lying down position can help reduce the swelling faster. When sleeping you can elevate your head at a 45-degree angle using  two pillows. 

Other physical methods to reduce swelling include: 

  • The use of a firm headband
  • Application of adhesive tapes below the hairline
  • The use of ice packs or bags of frozen peas
  • Steroids (orally or intramuscularly)

A proactive approach to minimise the swelling helps improve healing time and will make it progress faster.

Pain is a possibility

It’s normal to feel sore days after surgery. Typically, the donor and recipient site will do well a week after surgery, but it is also true that nerves awaken and the fluid under the skin will relocate resulting in a throbbing discomfort.

Pain during and after hair transplant surgery is expected. It is managed by proper surgical technique and the use of pain medications. Factors that contribute to pain include:

  • Wide strip
  • Bleeding
  • Wound tension 
  • Large sessions with inadequate anaesthesia

FUE (follicular unit extraction) heals faster than FUT (follicular unit transplantation) because it is less invasive. The pain experienced after surgery also varies accordingly. It is normal to experience some mild pain in the area up to two weeks after surgery, especially with FUT. 

Generally, the pain will naturally decline days after the procedure. But if you notice its intensity increases, it is necessary that you report this immediately to your doctor for it could signal an infection especially if accompanied by redness, fever, and foul-smelling discharges.

Generally, the pain will naturally decline days after the procedure.

Post-operative instructions vary for each surgeon. A cold compress is the easiest way to manage pain at home. Some doctors also advise moderate massages to the donor region to help alleviate the pain and increase circulation which is vital for healing. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are also prescribed to ease the pain. 

Shock loss

7 Things to Expect After Hair Transplant-2

As the name suggests, shock loss can leave some worried as their transplanted hairs begin to fall off after surgery. This is a temporary state of hair shedding after a hair restoration procedure. this is a normal response to scalp trauma. In a few weeks, new hairs will start growing in place. For some patients, this can be a big psychological blow and may seem like the surgery failed, but for others, this is a normal part of the recovery process.

There are certain factors that increase the severity of shock loss. FUE is more likely to result in transient hair loss in the donor area than FUT. However, if FUT uses large amounts of grafts at a time and the strip is not closed correctly, this can worsen the shock loss a patient experiences.

If you are experiencing shock loss, the hair typically begins to grow back around 2-4 months in the new growth cycle. Around 99% of shock loss cases are temporary with an average return time of three months. However, if the patient has miniaturized hairs on the area where the shock loss is happening, then that hair might not grow back. This is because miniaturized hairs are already on their way out and shock loss caused by trauma only speeds up the process.

Healing time varies

The healing time for a hair transplant surgery generally follows a certain timeline. However, it is also true that there is no hard and fast rule on how we recover. It is normal for some to heal much faster than others, while some may encounter problems along the way. These differences are either caused by your biological makeup, your post-operative aftercare technique, or the surgeon’s surgical technique and expertise.

Usually, patients would sport a full growth around the tenth or eleventh month after surgery. If you are growing as much as the next guy, know that there are other factors that may come into play. Don’t immediately raise up arms thinking that you have been short-changed. Full growth may take a year, while others might even start to notice it during the 24th month.

You might need more than one session

As mentioned earlier, every patient heals differently. This is the reason why some patients need more than one session. In these cases, the surgeon would assess the hair growth after the initial procedure, before deciding on whether a second one is necessary. This is part of the individualized care that can be expected from a reputable surgeon.

The extent of hair loss would also affect the number of sessions that you need to undergo. This is common in those who have extensive or an advanced form of hair loss. If you prefer an FUE procedure, this would usually require more than one session to achieve the desired result.

These secondary procedures may also be considered touch-ups to cover areas that may still be affected by the progressing hair loss. Therefore, some surgeons advise other patients against hair transplant too early on, as they prefer to perform the procedure after the hair loss has stabilized.

Risks are always involved

Every surgery comes with risks. Anything that involves a break in skin integrity means opening yourself up to a host of complications which can result in a poor outcome.

Post-Operative Complications in Hair Transplant Surgery
General Complications
  1. Syncope
  2. Itching
  3. Post-operative hiccup or cough
  4. Localised infection
Complications After FUT 
  1. Donor site wound dehiscence (strip wound opening up)
  2. Tissue death on the surgical site due to delayed wound healing or no healing at all
  3. Scarring
  4. Persistent pain 
  5. Hematoma (bruising)
  6. Suture extrusion
Complications After FUE
  1. Donor site depletion
  2. Pinpoint scarring
  3. Unusual discharges in surgical site
  4. Buried grafts
  5. Overharvesting
  6. Tissue death
  7. Subdermal cysts
  8. Keloid 

 

The good news is that the circumstances that surround these risks are all controllable. It comes down to preparing your body, choosing the right team, and never selling yourself cheap to dubious practices. The question is, are you willing to increase these risks or improve your chances for success? From there, you make the effort accordingly.

It’s not just your hair you restore!

Although this is not an assurance, a new hairline or an improved hair density is not the only possibility that you get out of the procedure. A hair transplant helps you regain confidence as well. The reason why success is not a certainty is that the result relies on several factors that all come into play. If you want to meet this expectation, you need to put in the effort to prepare for the procedure. When done properly, this surgical option can leave you with highly satisfying results.

A hair transplant helps you regain confidence

More people are opening up to a hair transplant now due to the advanced techniques and devices that increase your chances of getting a natural-looking result. If they like to be discreet about it, people can come out after recovery feeling more confident because studies show that most men can’t even notice a hair transplant.

Take these into consideration while you plan for your hair transplant. For advice on hair transplant in Sydney, talk to Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic. Book your consultation today, here.

If you’re considering hair transplant surgery, contact us to map out your plan today.  Book a private consultation with Dr. Daood today.

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Female vs Male Hair Transplant Blog - Sydney Hair Transplant - Dr Daood

Female Vs Male Hair Transplant: Defining Differences

Updated : October 31, 2019

Hair loss can take different forms in men and women. Therefore, treatments also vary to suit each patient’s needs. Hair transplant is one of those that can be customized accordingly, especially when addressing male and female hair loss. Here’s how the process differs for men and women. 

Hair loss in men and women

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition that affects males and females. The reasons may be similar, but it progresses differently.

Both male and female hair loss stems from an increased sensitivity to male sex hormones. Testosterone, which is also present in specific amounts in females, becomes dihydrotestosterone or DHT when it comes in contact with a particular enzyme. DHT is the culprit behind male pattern hair loss even though it is said to possess specific beneficial effects on other parts of the body.

Androgenetic hair loss for both sexes is defined by a genetically determined shortening of the hair’s growth (anagen) phase. It also takes a lengthier time when hair sheds and the start of another anagen phase. So, in the course of the normal growth cycle, it takes longer for hair to start growing back. 

Androgenetic hair loss is also accompanied by follicular miniaturization. It is when the hair follicle shrinks, resulting in shorter, thinner hair shafts. 

Hair Life Cycle

It is in the pattern that the hair loss progress that men and women differ. Guys start to lose it from their front hairline. It starts to thin and regress towards the center of the head, forming an inverted M or a U. For women, hair loss begins at the center part of the hairline going outwards.

The pattern in which hair loss progress is a key characteristic that distinguishes male and female pattern baldness. In men, it starts above the temples as the hairline recedes to form an “M” shape eventually. The hair at the top of the head also thins out, which usually progress to baldness. In women, androgenetic hair loss begins with gradual thinning at the part line, which is followed by increasing diffuse hair loss that radiates from the top of the head. Frontal hairline recession is rare in women, and women also rarely go bald. 

Female vs Male Hair Transplant Comparison

Male Hair Transplant

Considerations

Whether you are financially and psychologically ready for surgery, there are other considerations your surgeon must take.

As an initial step, they will determine if hair loss progression has run its course before hair transplant can be done. There is no universal age when hair loss stops. The amount and rate of hair thinning depend on several factors (e.g., diet, environment, a person’s health in general). Genetics also determines when and how much hair a man will lose.

If a patient jumps the gun prematurely by undergoing hair surgery much early on, then hair loss might still progress. So a man could end up with a restored hairline but is eventually left with a bald center.

Hair loss medications maintained before the surgery would still be continued even after the procedure. This is to prevent hair loss from worsening or control it entirely.

The procedure

A male hair transplant is done by removing donor grafts at the back of the head since this area is often unaffected by the condition. There are two techniques in doing this, the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). FUT, also known as the “strip method,” involves the removal of a piece of the scalp which contains the donor graft. This is more invasive, but it promises better yield because it is less traumatic to individual hair follicles. FUE, on the other hand, is a newer technique which uses a special tool that acts as a punch to remove individual grafts directly from the scalp.

Female Hair transplant

A lot of men may make great candidates for hair transplant, but this isn’t necessarily the case for women. As mentioned earlier, the donor areas for men are found at the back of the head. It is called a “stable site,” which means that it is not affected by DHT. In female pattern baldness, the same areas are usually unstable. These areas are also thinning, just like the other areas of the head. 

Therefore, if you remove hair from these areas and transplant them to thinning areas, they would eventually fall out. Any surgeon who attempts to transplant hair from an unstable site is unethical and is only taking advantage of the patient.

What is the goal of treatment for female hair transplant?

Unlike men, the frontal hairline in females remains unaffected since their hair loss takes on a more diffuse pattern. Hair transplants for this group are not aimed at framing the face but restoring volume from the top and the back. FUE is often the technique of choice for such cases, although some clinics prefer the strip method.

Who is a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?

Not everyone can undergo a hair transplant. A surgeon has to thoroughly evaluate patients to see if this treatment will be appropriate for them. The potential female candidates include:

  1. Women who have suffered hair loss due to mechanical reasons, such as traction alopecia. It occurs in women who frequently style their hair in tight buns, braids, or weaves.
  2. Women with a distinct hair loss pattern similar to that in male pattern baldness.
  3. Women who suffer from hair loss that is caused by burns, accidents, and trauma.
  4. Women who had previous cosmetic or plastic surgeries and are concerned about hair loss on the incision sites due to scarring.
  5. Women who are suffering from alopecia marginalis, which is a condition that is closely similar to traction alopecia.

Results

Female hair transplants have provided excellent results in patients who have undergone the procedure. The Daily Mail shared the journey of one woman who had the surgery done, and how she came out of it very satisfied and confident of her new look.

Hair transplant today is not the same as it was ten or twenty years ago. Today, the practice has dramatically improved to provide natural-looking results. It is less painful, it can be minimally invasive, and it also guarantees strong and healthy follicles for donors. These are also the reason why female hair transplant cases are slowly catching up to male hair transplants.

Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic is also keeping abreast of the tools and techniques available for your specific case. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Daood today for a personalized plan of action.

If you’re considering hair transplant surgery, contact us to map out your plan today.  Book a private consultation with Dr. Daood today.

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5 Ways to Make Your Hair Transplant Scar Less Obvious

Both methods of surgical hair restoration (FUT or FUE) carry a risk of forming a hair transplant scar. While our aim is to create natural-looking results without any of the obvious signs of surgical intervention, is a reality that waits on you at the end. However, that is not a sentence because there are several ways to conceal the scars better. Here are five ways that can help you do it.

What Type of Hair Transplant Scarring Should You Expect?


The type and extent of scarring will depend on the hair transplant method you choose.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUT), which is also called the “strip method” is the more invasive approach in donor hair removal. It involves a linear scar at the back of the head from which a piece of scalp, containing the donor hairs, is removed. Meanwhile, in a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), multiple dot-shaped scars are left from which donor grafts are removed using a punch-like instrument.

The type of hairstyle a patient prefers will determine the approach that will be most suitable for them. For example, if a client prefers to wear their hair very short, he might choose FUE because the small circular scars are spread out across the donor area and are smaller in size making them less visible – or they are less likely to be noticed.

Since a hair transplant scar is possible with any surgical intervention to address hair loss, here are 5 ways to make the problem less visible.

1. Make Your Aesthetic Preferences Clear with Your Surgeon

A hair transplant procedure is largely done for cosmetic purposes. It is for this reason that you should express to your surgeon what your aesthetic preferences are. Realistically, scars will be inevitable, but there are different methods a surgeon can do to make the outcome suitable for you.

One way to minimize scarring is the tricophytic closure. It is an advanced surgical method that allows the scalp to heal tightly leaving it with the thinnest linear scar possible. Once the flaps of the scalp are closed, the two sides are held together with surgical staples for 14 days while it heals. After the staples are removed, what is left is a thin white line which will be barely perceptible. A tricophytic closure attempts to allow the hairs to grow directly through the scar line.

If you are serious about keeping your hair transplant surgery a secret, this will be a good method to discuss with your surgeon during your consultation.

2. Follow Proper Post-Operative Care for the Surgical Site

Patients can do several things after the surgery to optimize the appearance of scars. One of the basic, but most important, reminder is to keep the incisions clean. This is a cardinal rule in proper wound care which can save you from several potential problems that might worsen the appearance of a hair transplant scar. One of these problems that you should be wary about is infection. Prolonged wound closure due to an infected surgical site will most likely result in poor wound healing. Therefore follow proper wound care and ensure that you take the entire course of antibiotic that was prescribed to you.

You should also avoid exposing the surgical area to tension/pressure. This may cause the flaps to heal poorly or uniformly. Therefore, avoid bending over or carrying a heavy load to avoid disrupting the integrity of the skin any further.

It is also wise to minimize sun exposure while the incisions heal. Since the skin in these areas will be more delicate as it heals, premature and prolonged exposure to the sun will make the scars more prone to darkening.

3. Be More Flexible in Choosing Hairstyles

Since the donor hairs are often found at the back portion of the head, specifically at the lower area of the scalp, the scar will be easily visible for those who will wear their hair short. The easiest way to conceal a scar would be to grow your hair just a few centimeters longer. Even with the more inconspicuous FUE scars, the tiny dot-like remnants will still be visible if you buzz all your hair off. Your efforts to make surgical scars less obvious may call on some minor hairstyle adjustments, only if you are open to it. It will be the fastest, easiest, and less expensive way that will do the trick.

4. Scalp Micropigmentation

If you have the extra buck to spare, scalp mircropigmentation (SMP) is a reliable method to camouflage hair transplant scars. It can disguise both linear strip scars as well as FUE scars. This procedure is appropriate only in scars that are flat. If the scars are raised (particularly in FUT scar repair) and are looking like they are forming to be keloid scars, additional treatment is needed to flatten it before SMP can be done.

SMP has been lauded by many to do a terrific job in concealing scars. But, there are very few practitioners that can provide you with quality service. Some may leave it looking like a black blotchy mark that only makes the appearance of the scar worse.

If you are thinking of getting it at a much cheaper price at a tattoo parlor, then you better think twice because this is a permanent process that you must get right the first time.

5. Steroid Injections

As mentioned earlier, raised scars can be flattened with additional treatment, and this is through steroid injections. Doctors use steroid injections to induce shrinking, flattening, and fading of hypertrophic (raised or keloid-type) scars. There are clinical studies that has proven the efficacy of steroid injections for this type of scar. It works mainly by decreasing collagen synthesis and reducing the inflammatory phase of wound healing. As a structural protein, collagen is formed at the site of the wound to mend or seal it. The problem is when the body produce too much collagen which results in a raised and discolored scar. Steroid injections inhibit collagen synthesis thereby preventing raised scar formation.

This treatment scalp scar revision, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. It is not faultless because it also comes with side effects and complications. The efficacy of steroid injections can also be unpredictable, and it is not known to work on older scars. This treatment should also be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon during the consultation.

Surgeons have their own approach to hair transplant or even scar treatment, and the best way to know if fits perfectly with your goals is to go for a personal consultation.

Get advised today and learn how you can best prepare against scarring beforehand. For more information about the procedure, the hair transplant price in Sydney, or how to improve your chances for surgical success book your consultation at the Sydney Hair Transplant clinic today.

Book Your Private Consultation Today

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Superfoods for Hair Loss: Eat your way to hair regrowth

superfoods-for-hair-growth-sht-blog

You don’t have to blame entirely your parents for your thinning mane. It turns out, it is not only genetics—our diet and certain lifestyle choices can also tell whether we’re down the balding road or not.

According to the International Hair Restoration Society, people who are tied to typical eating patterns or married to restrictive diets may have a higher risk of hair loss. This is because these kinds of diet do not guarantee the presence or right amount of essential nutrients such as Zinc, protein, Biotin, and iron which are crucial to maintaining healthy hair follicles so hair growth occurs.

Thankfully, nutritionists and hair loss researchers have teamed up to list down ‘superfoods’ that alleviate and prevent hair loss. What’s more surprising is, you don’t need to make your way to a specialty store to stock-up these nutrient-packed munchies! You may even have them in an arm’s reach.

Let’s have a closer look at how ‘super’ these food items are when it comes to treating and regrowing your thinning mane:

 

Spinach

On your next trip to the grocery store, stroll to the vegetable section for a bag of spinach. Spinach, not only Popeye’s go-to food to bulk up but also can be your go-to superfood to load up nutrients for your hair follicles.

According to the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, spinach is listed as one of the remedies to treat alopecia. It is rich in iron, protein, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C which enables the body to balance out hormones and to produce essential oils in the scalp. These natural oils condition the scalp which eventually lead to increase hair growth.

 

Sunflower (Oil & Seeds)

Those pretty sunflowers are not just there to light up your Tuscan-themed brunches but they also work wonders for inducing hair growth. You may want to start to stock up a bag of sunflower seeds and a bottle of sunflower oil. Did you know that sunflowers seeds are rich in Zinc, vitamin E, oleic acid and vitamin B6? These nutrients strengthen your hair strands and improve oxygen and blood flow while sunflower oil’s emollient properties condition the scalp, making it a viable environment for your tresses to grow.

There’s something to remember, though. If you’re using its oils for cooking or garnish, be careful with the amount that you put in because as much as it is celebrated for its heart-friendly fats—the monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, it contains a hefty amount of calories. A tablespoon alone has 184 calories. Just like other healthy fat sources, like avocado or virgin coconut oil, it should be used in moderation to reap up the benefits without setting yourself up for unwanted weight gain.

 

Eggs

Your locks may want to thank those early morning sunny-side-ups and tasty quiches.  Did you know that our hair is made up protein fibers called Keratin? The nutrients found in egg, mainly protein, Sulphur, Zinc, and vitamin E bring back the health from the roots of your strands, making it possible for a healthier regrowth.

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Fortunately, according to the Dietitians Association of Australia, a typical Aussie diet is basically protein-packed.  However, Aussies still needs to be careful on choosing their protein sources as others have are burdened with saturated fats. And these are our least favorite type of fats, right?

 

Black Raisins

If you are suffering from hair loss, you might be iron-deficient. Iron is vital for hair health and growth because it helps in the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the red protein which assists the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Moreover, having a good circulation is crucial to stimulate our hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

Aside from other nutrients such as calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, and anti-oxidant properties, iron can also be found in black raisins. A small box of raisins contains 0.8 milligrams of Iron. According to healthline.com, women are recommended to consume 18 milligrams of iron daily while men should have at least 8 milligrams. Healthline also noted that because of this higher iron requirement, women may have higher risks of being iron-deficient than men.

Adding these black iron gems in your diet can positively affect not only your tresses but your health in general as well. Why not have it as a snack or as toppings for your baked goodies? Weight-watchers do not need to worry, black raisins don’t raise a red flag as a mere box contains low-fat content—as the perfect post-workout snack!

 

There you go. These are some of what you want to be adding to your list the next time you stroll to the supermarket. Moreover, these foods are versatile ingredients, thus, they would perfectly complement the recipes you’re already used to.

Although these hair superfoods may be one of the answers, there’s no really definite time when to see our desired results because each hair loss case is different and other lifestyle factors may be playing out as well. It may take some time to restore hair’s natural cycle before you can finally bring back your ‘crowning glory’. For some, it would take years. But don’t lose hope! What some people do is, they complement their nutrient-rich diet efforts with exploring other hair loss solutions such as medications and hair transplants.

Each of the available hair loss solutions has its own pros and cons. However, based on the recent statistics, hair transplants seem to be the choice of the many to address what seems like a perennial problem.

The 2015 data from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery reported 1,055,480 patients who have undergone hair restoration procedures, lording over the figures of the year 2006 with 645,281 patients.

Behind every successful transplant procedure is a careful assessment of the root cause of the problem and the right treatment for it. The nature of our scalp, our hair follicles, diet, lifestyle and our biological reaction to certain substances are different. This is why it really pays to never cut corners and treat our problem as special from others. Reputable and competent surgeons and dermatologists are very aware of this matter and they will have you prepare enough for the operation to ensure no complications will occur.

You should not be perennially obsessed with hair loss problem. Let’s explore the available solutions suitable for you so you can finally toss out those horrific wigs and toupees and enjoy a fuller, thicker hair! Book a consultation and talk to us!

Image Source: Jay Wennington via unsplash.com and pexels.com

 

 

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Do’s and Don’ts after a Hair Transplant Surgery

Do’s and Don’ts after a Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair Transplant AfterCare

American actress and icon Mae West was once quoted as saying that a man can be short and getting bald, but if he has fire then women will like him. While this rings true, and the real measure of genuine interest should always be one’s personality over external features, in today’s world, baldness is at times a hindrance to a man’s success.

Most people believe bald men are confident, but while that is also true, there are also bald men who do not prefer to be bald and would rather have a full head of hair. Unfortunately, hair loss comes with age and is therefore a major possibility for a majority of men once they reach a certain age. The good news is there are now many ways to address a receding hairline and accelerated baldness, one of which is the hair transplant surgery.

Hair transplant or surgical hair restoration is a procedure in which hair follicles from a part of the body, referred to as the ‘donor site’, is transferred to a bald or balding part of the body called the ‘recipient site’. The procedure has become popular for a lot of men, with 71% of all those who underwent the procedure in 2013 being male.

Given this rise, it is essential that those interested in getting a hair transplant know what to do after the procedure, especially since compliance with instructions are critical to a successful hair transplant and faster return to daily routines. Here are a few important tips to follow from the moment the operation is done until a couple of weeks later in your quest to redeem your crowning glory.

DO’s

  • DO have someone drive you home after the procedure. The anesthetic sedative administered to relieve pain and help you relax during the procedure takes time to wear off, and it probably has not worn off yet by the time the surgery is done. So driving yourself home while the sedative is still kicking is not advisable at it might pose a danger to both you and to others.
  • DO remember all the instructions given by your surgeon for postoperative hair transplant care. While there are general guides for most hair transplants, it is best to adhere to the instructions given by the person who administered your hair transplant, as that person knows what post-surgery care is best for your case.
  • DO have the clinic’s contact number saved in your phone and taped to your fridge so that you or a family member may reach your surgeon in case of adverse side effects or emergencies.
  • DO keep your scalp dry especially on the first day to allow for the skin to heal.
  • DO keep the area around your scalp clean throughout recovery. While there may be soreness and numbness in the grafted area, refrain from putting anything on your scalp, which has not been approved by your surgeon as it may only bring negative side effects.
  • DO take care of your scar. As with any surgery, there will be a certain amount of scarring and itchiness when you get a hair transplant. You can apply the antibiotic topical cream your surgeon have given you to prevent infection and reduce scalp irritation and swelling. Otherwise, call the surgeon for any medication you can use.
  • DO take painkillers if you experience pain and discomfort 3 to 4 hours post-surgery. This is roughly the time it takes for the anesthesia to wear off and you may experience minor soreness or swelling.
  • DO sleep in a semi-upright position and use two or more pillows to elevate your head on the first night home after the procedure. Do the same for next two nights post-surgery. This position is important to avoid any excess swelling on your scalp. Try sleeping on a reclining chair if you can to keep your head elevated. If the grafts were implanted in the lower crown, or if there is a strip scar, you should sleep on the side on the first two nights so as not to disrupt hair growth or cause the grafts to fall off when it gets rubbed against the pillow.
  • DO try to take time off work to rest adequately and allow the bruising around the hairline to subside.
  • DO return to your surgeon’s clinic two days after the procedure to have the clinic remove any bandages and for them to wash your hair.
  • DO wash and shampoo your hair a day after the initial wash at the clinic to remove any more dead skin and to clean the scabs around the grafted hairs. Cleaning the scabs will prevent them from damaging the hair follicles and thwarting hair growth.
  • DO ask your surgeon for advice on the shampoo that is best for you. Apply this on the donor hair, as well as on the grafted parts of the scalp on the next day.
  • DO hand wash your hair during the first couple of days after surgery instead of putting your head directly below the showerhead. You can take a low-pressure shower around 4 days after the procedure. This will help the scabs to peel off, accelerate the healing process and lessen any signs of the operation.                                                                                                
  • DO use an ice pack to reduce any bleeding or swelling on the first week. However, refrain from placing the ice pack directly onto the grafted area. Place it only on your forehead or on the back part of the head.

DON’Ts

  • DON’T expose yourself to direct sunlight immediately after and even a few days after the procedure, especially if the scalp is still swollen. If going outdoors in daytime is unavoidable, wear a hat.
  • DON’T touch or fidget with the newly-grafted scalp. A little itching and some soreness are normal side effects, so picking at or rubbing the sore scalp might result to the new grafts falling out before they can have a chance to grow.
  • DON’T drink alcohol for the first five days after the procedure as it interferes with the blood supply to the head.
  • DON’T smoke for an entire month after the surgery as doing so can interrupt blood flow to your hair follicles. Blood flow is crucial for the growth of new hair, as such, refraining from, or even better, completely giving up smoking can hasten the growth of your hair. To prevent yourself from going cold turkey, start reducing your cigarette daily count a few months before your scheduled hair transplant.
  • DON’T play sports or perform exercise until a week after the surgery. Exercises with minimal exertion may be resumed around 10 days after the procedure. Sports with body contact, such as basketball or soccer, is prohibited until about a month.
  • DON’T engage in activities that would cause excessive sweating. Perspiration increases the risk of getting an infection to a great extent. It would also be wise to reschedule that steam bath or sauna appointment until the next month or so for the same reason.
  • DON’T regularly bend over, lean forward or blow your nose violently on the first week.

At the end of the day, each surgeon has his own set of postoperative instructions and it is best to strictly follow that of your surgeon. Moreover, optimum patient recovery time depends ultimately upon you, so take all the time you need to fully heal. Remember also that new hair takes about 3 to 4 months to grow, though in some cases, it might take up to 6 months. So rather than anxiously waiting for that first strand of hair, keep yourself busy with work or take up a new hobby. And when your hair is ready for the big reveal, you can live your life more confidently, and more comfortably.

To learn more about the essentials about getting a hair transplant surgery in Australia, you can trust that Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic will give you in-depth information before, during and after your surgical hair restoration procedure.

Call us now for a consultation or simply fill-out our inquiry form today!

Book your Private Consultation

If you are considering FUE or FUT Hair Transplant surgery please contact us for further information on pricing and procedural information.  To book a private consultation today with Dr. Daood call 1300 656 236.

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