How Does a Hair Transplant Work?

When you start to lose your hair, it can have negative affects on your self esteem. You may start to show signs of depression and begin to refrain from your favorite activities. Hair transplant surgery may help you feel revitalized again by replacing your bald or thinning hair with newly transplanted hair that will grow strong and healthy.

1. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. You may only require a certain number of sessions to recover your lost hair. The doctor will give you a full examination and provide you with an assessment. From there, you can agree upon the type of surgery you qualify for. 


2. Schedule your procedure. More than likely, your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions to follow before your surgery. Usually things such as no eating after midnight or no liquids are included. Be sure to take all of this information into consideration.


3. Begin the transplant. Your doctor will start the process by carefully removing hair from one part of your head (usually the sides or top) and replacing it in an area that has been selected to receive the donor hairs. The doctor continues to graft hair onto bald or thinning areas until satisfied. It usually takes at least two sessions before results are seen.


4. Take it easy once the process is complete. After your initial surgery, you will experience some tenderness and redness. You may even see swelling. You may also see some shedding of the the newly transplanted hair. Do not be alarmed, the root is strong and will soon be replaced by new growing hair.


5. Repeat your transplant process again in approximately six months. Your previous scabs must be completely healed before your doctor will schedule another session. The best way to avoid missing your next window of opportunity is to take advantage of one of your follow-up appointments and schedule your procedure at that time. This will give your doctor plenty of advanced notice and if they start to see signs slow healing or infection, they can monitor you closely and reschedule the appointment if necessary.