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Hair Transplant Aftercare Cheat Sheet

Hair Transplant Aftercare Cheat Sheet [Updated]

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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

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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

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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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8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

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Is your hairline starting to look like a shoreline with an incoming low tide? If the amount of hair loss is getting obvious by the day, it is wise to act on it now if you plan to manage its progression. There are several receding hairline treatments that are available for you to use at present, all with their own approach to control excessive shedding and restore hair volume.

If you are looking for a way to address your follicular dilemma, then you must read this.

Hair Loss Facts

Hair loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you are experiencing a medical crisis. It is normal for us to lose hair every day. However, we don’t lose them in clumps, rather, we only shed around 50-100 hair strands each day. That may sound like a lot, but you’ll hardly even notice this at all. It’ s only when there is significant hair loss that it becomes apparent that hair density is thinning out, or it may be your hairline starting to recede.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8diYLhl8bWU

Excessive hair loss is a multifactorial phenomenon. It could potentially stem from genetics, stress, medications, or certain conditions. In men, the usual culprit behind the problem is embedded in their DNA which results in a condition referred to as male androgenetic alopecia. This is true not only in older gentlemen, but even for younger men as well.

Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is caused by a hormone which triggers hair thinning and shedding. In some men, it may start in the middle portion of the scalp while it slowly increases in diameter. For others, it can start at the frontal hairline and it recedes backward.

Receding Hairline Treatments

Propecia

Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved first-line treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. Originally indicated for enlarged prostates, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that it can also trigger hair growth. However, it is only possible by using a fifth of the dose prescribed for prostate enlargement. The medication has shown reliable results in halting receding hairlines and restoring hair density.

Originally indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that Finasteride can also trigger hair growth.

However, the success is marred with threats of impotence, sexual dysfunction, and other untoward side effects. It may be able to save your locks, but it can also adversely affect your libido. Concern stems from the fact that medications must be taken regularly to maintain results. It has been reported that it is with long-term use that sexual side effects occur.  

Today, Propecia is still considered a safe and well-tolerated medication. Researchers are still pushing for further research to extensively evaluate if there are any unique characteristics that are present in affected individuals suffering from prolonged sexual dysfunction, and even depression, after using Propecia.

This potential side effect is an important matter for discussion between you and your doctor before treatment is started so you can be guided accordingly. Men with a history of oligospermia (low sperm count) or infertility are advised to avoid the drug, especially if you are planning to start a family soon.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is also a recognized treatment for a receding hairline or male pattern baldness. Originally used to treat hypertension, it was also observed that one of its side effects is increased hair growth. While this response is not fully understood, researchers believe that it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles that encourages hair to grow. Eventually, these results earned Minoxidil an FDA approval for male androgenetic alopecia.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment against receding hairlines or male pattern baldness.

Topical Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment for hair loss; taking around six months to see results. However, the major factor to take into consideration when using minoxidil is your commitment to the product. It is best applied twice a day and it must be taken religiously otherwise its effects will revert if discontinued.

Proper application is also essential to ensure that it is thoroughly applied to the scalp. It must be sufficiently absorbed to deliver the treatment down to the hair follicles where it is needed the most. Make sure that your hair and scalp is cleaned thoroughly and dried prior to application. A clarifying shampoo helps remove buildup from excess oils and styling products.

The problem with minoxidil is that alcohol is the ingredient which allows the medication to penetrate the scalp. Alcohol-based products can dry the skin and scalp resulting in dandruff. You may need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo to counter this problem.

Corticosteroid

This treatment is generally recommended for the treatment of alopecia areata as well as other severe forms such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. This medication comes in injectable, topical or oral form with an aim to prevent the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth in patients suffering from alopecia.

Corticosteroid prevents the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and cause hair loss.

Steroid injections are best used on small patches of hair loss. The treatment may involve having several injections to deliver the solution directly to the scalp. This is also its drawback because patients must be subjected to it every few months as it is required in the administration of this drug. 

Topical steroids on the other hand are applied directly on the scalp surface. It is sold as a lotion, gel, or foam. This is an easier means of application with the type of corticosteroids delivered including, betamethasone, mometasone, and hydrocortisone. While they are convenient, it is important that a patient be mindful of the associated side effects with prolonged use, such as acne and thinning of the skin.

Steroid tablets are no longer recommended for the treatment alopecia because it was found that they pose serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and diabetes.

Laser Treatment

One of the hair loss treatments that is slowly making a mark in the market today is low-level laser hair treatment. With the movement towards non-invasive options, it’s no surprise that laser is gaining favor in a lot of hair loss victims. But how effective is it in delivering its promised results?

Low-level laser helps stimulate hair growth and it can also be an adjunct therapy to other hair loss treatments.

The use of laser in hair restoration should be taken with a grain of salt because it is not a definitive or a miracle treatment. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration such as the extent of hair loss, the treatment that it is concurrently used with, and the type of hair loss that you are suffering from.

In a recent study, it was shown that laser treatment created a significant improvement in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). With some slight variety in data, some studies showed that low-level laser treatment is effective when combined with topical minoxidil. However, when compared to the results of a hair transplant, the latter provides a faster and more dramatic change.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant procedure is considered the last resort in hair restoration because of its invasive nature. It is for this reason and the accompanying cost that makes proper advice and planning is necessary to ensure positive results. 

Surgical hair restoration comes in two different approaches, the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT is the traditional method which involves the creation of a linear incision that runs across the back of the scalp to remove a piece of the scalp containing the donor hairs. Meanwhile, the FUE method is less invasive because it only involves the removal of the donor grafts directly on the scalp using a special tool. It is less traumatic to the scalp and it doesn’t result in obvious scars, however it may be pricier.

Proper advice and planning are necessary to help ensure a positive outcome with Hair Transplant surgery. 

Hair transplant price vary for each individual, and it depends on the following:

  • The area of hair loss that must be covered
  • The type of technique used
  • The country, region, or clinic where you will have your hair transplant done
  • The doctor who performs the procedure
  • The type of procedure (whether if it is a primary procedure or a repair)

Hair transplant surgery has been hailed a reliable solution in restoring hair loss. It may come with risks inherent to its surgical nature, but this can be significantly lessened when you have it done by reputable and certified surgeons. It gives you the volume and coverage that comes out natural-looking. Therefore, despite its cost, many are considering this treatment.

Start by getting the help that you need today from someone who is on the same page as you. Book your consultation today and ask Dr Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic your burning hair transplant questions.

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Is Hair Transplant Really a Good Idea

Is Hair Transplant Really a Good Idea?

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Hair transplant has earned its place for being among those reliable treatment for hair restoration today. However, despite its promise, this procedure has its limitations that will serve as important considerations for potential patients.

So, is a hair transplant really a good idea with the kind of follicular dilemma you have right now? Let’s tackle the matter further.

Check your expectations

As much as your eligibility for this procedure rely on the physical factors, the psychological aspect is just as important. Your surgeon will see to it that you have realistic expectations on the outcome of the procedure. Otherwise, you would not be considered a good candidate for surgery.

For instance, it is important to keep in mind that in hair transplant you have to contend with a finite amount of donor hairs. Hence, there is an apparent need to ensure that the hairs are used in an efficient manner. Therefore, you cannot just expect to keep having small surgeries to keep up with your hair loss. Aside from being impractical, you must also consider of the donor hairs if you keep on exposing your scalp to trauma.

If you fully understand what the surgery entails, what it can or cannot do, and even how long you would wait for results then you are a good candidate for a hair transplant.

Got Donor Hair?

The condition of your donor hair is a significant determining factor on whether hair transplant is the appropriate procedure for you. Those with low hair densities doesn’t make good candidates for hair transplant.

Normally, the donor hairs (also called terminal hairs) come in a uniformed diameter, but the action of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in androgenetic hair loss causes some of the terminal hairs to decrease in length and diameter too until they eventually succumb to miniaturization. These changes are first observed as thinning until it eventually leads to complete baldness. While this process may usually affect the front and top portions of the scalp, it can also wreak havoc on the donor areas. If these areas show thinning, particularly when a person is young, then a hair transplant may not be successful because the transplanted hair will continue to thin.

Men who are affected with diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) also have an unhealthy donor supply, making them poor candidates for a hair transplant. Therefore, make sure that you ask help from a hair transplant doctor who makes the extra step to carefully assess your entire scalp. A densitometer or an equivalent instrument can help do the job since miniaturization is not easily visible to the naked eye.

Flexible Scalp

The flexibility of the scalp or looseness of the skin is called scalp laxity. This is a relatively simple requirement in determining if a hair transplant will be appropriate for you. The looser your scalp is the easier it is for the surgeon to insert the new hair follicles. Conversely, the tighter the scalp and the lower the density, the more difficult it is to harvest your donor hair or close the donor area after surgery particularly in an FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique. If your scalp is exceptionally tight, them a hair transplant may not be a good option for you.

Looking for Instant Results?

No one can blame you if you want results now. However, the fact of the matter is that long-lasting results take time. If you want it to happen now, there are temporary solutions, but that’s also the catch – it won’t last you very long.

Depending on other factors, hair transplant surgery results will start to become apparent during the 4th to 8th month post-op. It is only around the 12th month, or sometimes 18th month, where you can already appreciate the final outcome. It may be a longer journey than most course of action, but it can give you natural-looking results that can last longer. This may not be the right treatment for those who are looking for quick fixes.

Got Funds?

Hair transplant is considered the last resort in hair restoration owing to the fact that it is an invasive procedure. The complexity of this surgery demands skills and meticulous effort from a trained, experienced and certified surgeon. This explains why it comes at a certain price too. So, if you are interested in undergoing surgery, be sure you have the funds to see it through.

Since hair transplant has gotten so popular, it is also hounded by substandard practitioners that will offer you remarkably low prices, but with not much to show for it. Some may even tempt you with package deals where you can get a certain number of hair grafts at a low price. With all these eye-catching offers that appeal to your pockets, it is always important for potential patients to know better.

It is never wise to spend your money on cheaper treatments or packages because hair transplant is not a cookie cutter procedure. If you want to commit to surgical hair restoration be sure that you have enough funds on stash to afford a reputable surgeon and good quality results. Otherwise, it would be for your own good if you go for other measures instead.

Hair transplant cost is no joke, but when done right, it is a smart investment. Remember that if you don’t have the luxury to spend on a good surgeon, you also don’t have the luxury of donor grafts. Therefore, you must to utilize resources wisely. It would be wiser that you wait it out until you can afford a good hair transplant rather than jumping right into cheap procedures that seems too good to be true.

On the question whether hair transplant is a good idea for you, it begs every hair loss sufferer to stop and reassess their situation. The question you can answer up front is whether you can afford a reputable surgeon. Your answer can already set you towards the next step. For the other considerations mentioned above, it helps that you get professional help so you can be guided accordingly.

While it is true that hair transplant is a treatment that has left many satisfied with their results, it is not always for everybody. What you must understand is that if you want to get your money’s worth, you need to know if you are a good candidate.

Book your consultation  with Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant today to know if this is the hair loss solution that is right for you.

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10 Post Hair Transplant Questions, Answered

10 Post Hair Transplant Questions, Answered

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Hair transplant surgery is a very precise and delicate process that also requires patience for you to achieve your desired results. The post-surgical phase is the final stretch that calls on every patient to be extra careful and mindful of the surgeon’s instructions. Here are 10 of the common questions that some of you have asked us, and we will tackle each of them here.

What happens after a hair transplant?

After the surgery, it is the protocol that you will be advised a personalized program which involves a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. As an option, you may also be instructed to take medications that can prevent post-operative swelling.

How does a hair growth timeline after a hair transplant look like?

It is true that your patience can be tested after the procedure is done. You may constantly look in the mirror carefully checking out the changes as they come. Hair transplant growth has several phases, and you just have to give it some time and patience. The phases include the following:

  • Dormant phase

This is within 0-4 months after surgery. This is a point where one experiences shedding or shock loss. Typically, there is still no hair growth seen yet at this stage.

  • Emergent phase

This falls within 4-8 months after surgery, and it is when new hairs eventually appear. Around 80% of the hairs emerge for most patients at the 8-month mark, and hair growth will be characteristically fine. It is also expected that the grafts on the crown area have the slowest growth.

  • Maturation phase

This is within 8-12 months after surgery. The new hairs eventually thicken, and those who naturally have frizzy hair will notice it to be frizzier for a few months. Due to the erratic pattern of hair growth, surgeons would tell people to expect that results would take a full year to realize.

How long after hair transplant surgery can a person comfortably go out in public?

This will depend on the approach that was used. If you had an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant done, then you most likely had the back and sides of your head shaved. The tiny holes or incisions in the donor areas heal remarkably fast within 24-48 hours. However, your hair does not grow that fast, so,  you have to sport the shaved look. You may feel comfortable being seen in public after 2 days or so.

If you had the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or strip method, the donor site will be completely hidden with your existing hair above it. This means that the site is completely hidden immediately after the surgery because it is still possible to keep your hair long. However, you will have tiny crusts in the recipient areas which you may or may not be able to hide depending on the amount of existing hair that you can style over it. If it is not possible to conceal this area, then y expect it to be visible for a week or two after the procedure.

Will people know I had a hair transplant?

In most practices, the surgeon would prefer to shave off the area for them to perform the procedure better. You may need a minimum of three weeks of downtime due to the healing process. The surgical area will be red and scabbed. After the procedure, the hair growth occurs slowly. As more growth occurs people may notice ‘something’ different about you, but won’t be able to pinpoint the exact physical change in you, especially if you had minimal work done.

How long does hair transplant last?

Hair transplantation is a permanent solution for hair loss. The transplanted hairs generally retain the characteristics of the donor hair in terms of color and texture. If your hair loss is progressive, a combination of laser treatments and medications are recommended to help solidify the transplanted hair follicles and aid in slowing hair loss from untreated areas that are prone to it.

What are the side effects associated with a hair transplant?

Generally, hair transplants are safe procedures with few side effects. The most common ones include swelling, minor discomfort, numbness, itching, and local inflammation. However, they are not severe and they are temporary. The patient may also experience shock loss, but this is temporary since the hair will grow back around 3-6 months.

Unnatural results or a bad hairline design is also a risk factor but this can easily be avoided by choosing an experienced surgeon and by establishing good communication. Scarring is also a risk, especially with strip procedures or FUT. Meanwhile, FUE procedures can create hypopigmentation once the scabs have healed. Cysts may also form due to a graft placement that is too deep or the partial removal of hair transplant grafts. In some cases, numbness may also be experienced, especially in strip procedures.

When can I start working out again after hair transplant surgery?

This may vary depending on the surgeon. However, in most cases, one may already be allowed to exercise if it has been 1 month after the hair transplant. For those who have undergone FUT, it is best to avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting because it might cause stretching on the incision line and result in scar widening.

Patience is the key to any surgery while waiting for results. It is best to wait for longer periods, but one can already start with light exercises after 2 weeks and strenuous one after 4 weeks at the least.

How will I groom my hair after a hair transplant?

The instructions will vary for each surgeon. Some doctors allow patients to resume normal hair care after two weeks. However, remember that new grafts will not start growing hair for three to four months, so in such cases, proper wound care would be the main focus.

The basic rule of thumb for grooming in this situation is that there should be no chemicals for 5-6 weeks. From the 2nd to 10th day, a gentle baby shampoo that has the least amount of additives is advised so that the delicate hair transplant sites aren’t irritated. Combing, brushing, or blow drying should also be avoided until the small scabs and flakes have healed.

Will wearing a hat after hair transplant affect growth?

Wearing a hat after surgery does not affect transplanted hairs. Some surgeons allow their patients to wear hats after surgery, while others suggest waiting at least a week before doing so.  It is also specified that should you wear one, at least make sure that it is not so tight that it rubs on your scalp causing traction and irritation.

Is it possible to have more than one hair transplant session?

Yes, there are cases when the needed coverage will need more than one session. There are instances where the surgeon wants to assess the growth of the first session first before he decides to proceed with another session or not.

The post-surgical stage can be very delicate, and it is one where the patient is now the biggest role player. If you think you have other questions in relation to this phase in the hair transplant process, feel free to send them to us and we will be more than happy to address them.

For more information, book your consultation at sydneyhairtransplant.com.au today.

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