Hair Transplantation: The Ultimate Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Is Hair Transplantation the Right Choice for You?
If you are considering a hair transplantation, it is important to note that it is not a decision to be made hastily. Many individuals who book appointments for this procedure have previously contacted others who have undergone transplantation, participated in relevant forums, or consulted with hair clinics regarding prices and methods. It is common to have numerous questions on the subject. Here, we highlight some of the frequently asked questions related to hair transplantation:
Can You Achieve Significantly More Hair?
During a hair transplantation, hair follicles are relocated to the area requiring more hair. On average, for each follicle that is transplanted, you can expect approximately 2.5 hair strands. Therefore, the amount of hair you can obtain depends on the number of follicles that are moved.
Why is a Large Donor Area Required?
During a hair transplantation, hair follicles are harvested from a relatively large donor area. This area is larger than the recipient area where the hair will be transplanted. The goal is to avoid taking too many follicles from the same location, as this could result in creating a new area with less hair density.
Is There an Age Limit?
There are no specific laws regulating the minimum age for undergoing a hair transplantation. However, different hair clinics have their own rules. Generally, you must be of legal age or have the consent of a parent or guardian.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
A hair transplantation on the scalp typically takes between 6 to 10 hours. During a pre-operative examination, the clinic’s staff can provide an estimate of the expected duration.
Pre-Operation Guidelines: Can You Eat and Drink Normally?
Prior to the operation, you can eat and drink as you normally would, with the exception of alcohol. It is advised to abstain from consuming alcohol for a couple of days before the procedure.
What if You Have No Donor Hair?
No, it is not possible to take hair from someone else. This is because the body recognizes the DNA composition of the hair follicles and determines whether they are the body’s own or not. If hair follicles from another person were introduced, they would likely be rejected by the body.
Post-Operation: Will There be Any Visible Effects?
As with any surgical procedure, scabs may form as a result of the micro-wounds created during a hair transplantation. Initially, these scabs may appear, followed by red patches (redness). The duration of these effects may vary among individuals. Therefore, people around you will notice that a procedure has taken place, unless you choose to stay at home for a period or wear head coverings.