Hair transplant is like a ray of hope for millions of men suffering from hair loss and balding. It is a boon for them as it gives long lasting results and helps restore youthfulness and self-confidence. However, many are not totally sure about the different techniques of hair transplant, its procedure and success rate.
What is the cost of hair transplant is one question which is on the mind of most aspiring hair transplant patients? You will be surprised to know that the prices vary from country to country.
While it is quite costly in the developed countries like the USA and Europe you can get the same procedure at a fraction of a price in countries like Turkey and India.
Due to this price variation, people do not mind traveling to other countries for hair restoration. The best example is hair transplant Turkey, where thousands of patients come every month for this wonderful procedure.
What is hair transplant?
Well, hair transplant is a surgical procedure wherein the hair follicles are removed from the donor area (the back of the head) and grafted in the recipient area (area affected by hair loss).
Don’t be disheartened if your donor area does not have sufficient hair. The doctor can utilize the hair from any part of your body like the chest, legs and face for transplantation.
Over the years, this procedure has become very advanced and now the clinics also provide transplantation for the beard, eyebrow and eyelashes.
Here, we have briefly discussed all the different techniques regarding hair transplant so as to help you make an informed decision.
Different types of techniques available for hair transplant
Also read: Hair treatment system for men - Procerin >>
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation, also called strip harvesting has been in use for several years.
During this process, the doctor surgically removes an entire strip of skin tissue from the back of your head under local anesthesia. The strip is taken from the area where there is good hair growth and these hairs are genetically resistant to baldness.
Then the strip of skin is dissected under a powerful microscope by technicians to prepare follicular unit hair grafts which are in the group of one-four hair per graft. These grafts contain nerves, oil glands and muscles.
In the meantime, the doctor sutures the donor area. It will take around 10 days to remove the stitches.
Later, the recipient area is readied for the implantation. The doctor will make tiny slits according to the required density and the follicular grafts are inserted there taking care of the angle so as to achieve a natural look.
To cover your baldness the experienced doctor will place the grafts with three-four hair on your crown area and the smaller grafts in the front to give a realistic look and proper coverage.
The sutures will take about two weeks to heal and the doctor will prescribe antibiotics which you need to take a few days prior and after the procedure. It will help to keep the infection away. Also, avoid going out in the sun and keep the scalp clean by shampooing regularly.
Advantages of FUT
- The procedure takes lesser time as compared to FUE
- It is comparatively more cost-effective than other methods
Disadvantages of FUT
- Leaves behind a thin linear scar in the donor area
- Takes longer time to heal as there are sutures involved
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction is the newer more sophisticated technique for hair transplantation. As it is a minimally non-invasive method, more and more people prefer opting for this technique.
Prior to the procedure, your hair will be trimmed and you will be given local anesthesia. Then, the doctor will extract the hair follicles one by one using a specialized punching instrument from the donor area.
The extracted hair follicles are then prepared for grafting by the technicians.
Thereafter, the doctor will make incisions in the recipient area using a fine surgical needle so that the hair follicles can be planted there. Great care will be taken while implanting the grafts as it has to be done at a specific angle and the required density has to be taken care of. This step is of utmost importance as it will help impart a natural look.
The recovery time is quick and you will be prescribed medications. Also, you will be asked to keep your scalp covered while venturing out in the sun for a couple of weeks.
Advantages of FUE
- Minimum scarring which is hardly noticed so you can easily wear your hair short
- Quick recovery as it takes shorter time frame to heal the puncture marks.
Disadvantages of FUE
- It is time-consuming as individual hair grafts are removed one at a time.
- FUE is more expensive than FUT as the sessions are longer and it is an advanced method.
Also read: Hair treatment solution for men - Profollica >>
