Hair transplant surgery is a tried and tested solution to hair loss.
A study shows that 86% of patients who have undergone hair transplant surgeries were satisfied with the results.
Given this popularity and credibility, hair transplant surgery is the go-to hair loss treatment for many seeking to restore their lost hair.
However, before you embark on this journey, it is smart to know important facts about what you’re getting yourself into.
Hair transplant surgery is indeed helpful for patients suffering from hair loss.
Since this is a minor surgical procedure that requires a meaningful investment in time and money, it is important to get to know as much about it as you can.
Here are some essential things you should consider in order to manage your expectations and get your facts straight about hair transplantation.
1. Consider Your Genes
Hair loss is heavily influenced by your genes.
It is a hereditary condition that can continue to manifest itself even after you undergo hair transplant surgery.
That means, even after your first procedure, you may need a follow-up hair transplant as your hair loss progresses, or else you’ll end up with bald patches in your head.
Rogaine and Finasteride, also known as Propecia, can help preserve existing hair.
It would be helpful to observe family members in their 50s and 60s to get an idea of your possible hair loss trajectory.
That can help you decide better on how to proceed with your hair restoration surgery.
2. Find out if you are a Candidate
Not everyone is a candidate for a hair transplant.
If you suffer from auto-immune conditions such as alopecia areata or lichen planus, you may not be a candidate for a hair transplant but could explore non-surgical options such as exosomes, PRP, steroidal injections or non-surgical hair replacement.
3. Trust the Right Clinic
As with any medical procedure, trusting your hair transplant physician/clinician is paramount.
Although hair transplant surgeries are considered minor surgical procedures and not known to be life-threatening, they certainly are “life-altering.”
They can spell the difference between you gaining the self-confidence to succeed or the humiliation to sink further.
That is why knowing that you are in the hands of a capable and legitimate surgeon or clinician is a must.
The best hair transplant clinics are the ones that specialize in hair restoration and nothing else.
Many so-called hair transplant specialists perform multiple types of procedures such as liposuction and do a couple of hair transplants per months on the side which limits their skill and experience with regards to hair restoration surgery.
4. Pre and Post-surgery Preparation
A hair restoration clinic worth their salt knows to educate their patients not only about the benefits of hair transplant surgery but also the pre and post-surgical care needed to maintain the transplanted hair.
Although FUT and FUE hair transplants are relatively safe and low-risk procedures, their efficacy lies in how well the patient manages to comply with pre and post-surgical instructions including abstaining from alcohol, blood thinners, Vitamin E, Aspirin and other medications or vitamins.
These precautions include, but are not limited to, taking the prescribed medications, adequate rest during the days before and after surgery, additional precautions on protecting the transplanted grafts, and so forth.
Knowing these before starting on your journey and investing in your hair transplant is invaluable and will contribute towards a great result.
5. Can You Take Time Off During the Recovery Period
Speaking of post-hair transplant surgery, depending on the number of transplants and the kind of procedure you choose to undergo, whether it is follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), hair transplant surgery involves a short recovery period.
This period can last for several days to a week. it’s true that some patients, especially those who choose to undergo FUE, don’t lose more than a couple of days off and can return to work the day following the operation, it is still advisable to take a few days off.
If you can’t take a day off from work, you might want to explore other options.
Many people have opted to have hair transplant surgery during the pandemic because they are working from home anyway which enables them to recover at their own pace.
6. Money, Money, Money
Finally, it all boils down to cost.
Hair transplant prices vary from country to country, and from state to state.
The cost depends upon the procedure (FUT vs. FUE) you will undergo and the number of transplanted hair grafts among other factors.
In the U.S., prices range between $6,000 and $15,000 whereas it can be much lower in international markets.
It is only prudent to make sure you are getting the most affordable procedure possible without skimping on safety and efficacy.
Many hair transplant clinics also offer 0% financing to make it more affordable.
If You’re Up for It
Now you’re all set! If you’re up for it, then you can begin your journey to hair loss freedom.
Contact a reputable hair loss clinic now, and inquire about hair transplant options.