Getting a Hair Transplant, Read This First!

Hair loss is a common problem among men (and to lesser degrees women) and many men view it very negatively, and it can cause low self esteem and unhappiness. Male pattern baldness affects many men and happens gradually over many years, usually culminating in baldness by late middle age. It can happen for a variety of reasons, with heredity being one of the major causes.

There are a variety of treatments available, but one of the most successful cosmetic procedures is Hair Transplant Surgery. Hair Transplant Surgery involves the surgeon removing hair from a healthy section of the scalp and transplanting it to the bald section, the process is then repeated where necessary.

The surgeon numbs the area that the healthy hairs are to be taken from. A cluster of hair follicles will be removed from that area and they will then transplanted to the affected area of the scalp. The procedure is carried out under a local anesthetic, and can be a relatively short process or last several hours depending on the number of hairs to be transplanted and the area requiring treatment. The hair is always implanted in the direction in which the patient’s hair naturally grows to ensure a natural look. Once this process is complete, the area from which the hair was taken from will be sewn up and covered with a bandage.

The procedure is safe and relatively painless. However patients may experience some mild soreness or a feeling of ‘tightness’ in the newly transplanted area. The cosmetic surgeon will advise or prescribe whatever is needed to help alleviate any pain.

A few aftercare steps that will be advised by the cosmetic surgeon often include using a damp compress or light water spray to reduce any swelling or bruising and trying to sleep in a semi-upright position for a few nights after the procedure.