We’re more than 25% through the 21st century, experimenting with AI, hair cloning and stem cell hair therapy. Yet, the best we’ve got to fight severe hair loss are hair transplants. Really?
Actually, that should tell you how much of an effective procedure it is. How does a hair transplant work? What are its steps? Are results permanent? Doesn’t transplanted hair fall off in time?
These are all deep questions, so let’s start with the basics. While some forms of hair loss are temporary, many, like Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness), are permanent. For those experiencing persistent balding, a hair transplant offers the only known permanent solution.
Let’s take a look at why.
Understanding the Science of Hair Transplantation
A hair transplant isn’t just moving hair strands one by one. That’s a common misconception. Because hair doesn’t grow individually, but in groups called follicular units.
So, what is a follicular unit?
A follicular unit contains one to five hairs, sebaceous glands, a small muscle, and surrounding connective tissue. Transplanting this entire “mini-organ” is what ensures that a hair transplant works.
Modern Hair Transplant Techniques
We’ve mentioned how the success of a hair transplant hinges on the preservation of the follicular unit. Surgeons focus on ensuring these tiny “hair organs,” remain healthy throughout the process.
Various techniques have been developed to make ends meet, but their strengths and weaknesses are beyond this article’s scope. For detailed information, don’t hesitate to request a free consultation, or click on the links below:
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): the oldest method
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): it allows for most grafts in one sitting
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): the most advanced FUE method
The Secret to Permanence: Donor Dominance Theory
When answering how does a hair transplant work, and why transplanted follicles don’t fall off, Donor Dominance Theory is the answer. It’s the biological basis for the long-term success of hair restoration.
Yes, hair transplant results are permanent, and the reason is hair implanted into balding areas are resistant to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia.
These follicles, taken from the back and sides of the head, when transplanted to a bald area, still retain their original characteristic of being immune to DHT (which is why they didn’t fall off in the first place!).
The Journey of the Follicle in 4 Stages
So, we’ve answered why hair transplant results are permanent. Now, we must answer how does a hair transplant work in mechanical terms. In other words: the journey of the follicle unit from donor to recipient area.
Here is the undertaking designed to relocate the DHT-resistant follicles to areas of need:
1. Preparing for Your Hair Restoration Procedure
The hair restoration procedure begins with a crucial consultation. During this phase, the surgeon evaluates your hair loss pattern, assesses the donor area density, and discusses your goals and expectations. Medical history and suitability are thoroughly reviewed.
2. Extracting and Safeguarding the Follicle Units
Once extracted, the graft units are preserved in a special solution. This environment keeps the follicles healthy while the surgical team prepares for the implantation phase.
3. Artful Placement for Natural-Looking Density
Implantation requires skill and artistic vision. Tiny incisions are created in the balding areas, following the natural angle, direction, and pattern of existing hair. This is crucial for achieving a natural-looking result.
The goal is to ensure each hair follicle is correctly oriented and securely placed to promote successful integration and future hair growth.
4. Essential Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
After the hair transplant, the healing process begins. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your scalp, including how to gently wash the transplanted area and how to manage any minor swelling or discomfort.
It’s important to avoid touching or scratching the grafts. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks as the scalp heals.
Witnessing Results: The Hair Growth Timeline
The hair growth timeline is a gradual process, unfolding over several months. Below is a general timeline illustrating what patients can typically expect:
Dr. Serkan Aygin’s Hair Growth Timeline & Results
Your Path to Restored Hair: Get a Free Consultation
Understanding how a hair transplant works reveals it as a reliable and permanent solution. If you are experiencing hair loss and are considering all options, in Turkey hair transplant surgery can be obtained at convenient prices by highly skilled professionals.
We invite you to schedule a free hair consultation with the experienced team of Dr. Aygin to discuss your hair goals in detail. Contact us today!
