A hair transplant is a surgical procedure during which a surgeon extracts hair grafts from one area of the body and moves them to the bald regions on the head. The part of the skin from where those grafts are extracted is called the donor area, and the region where those grafts are implanted is called the recipient area.
Since a hair transplant involves incisions to extract and implant hair, it is generally performed under local anesthesia. However, depending on the candidate’s medical history, anxiety level, and pain tolerance, general anesthesia or sedation options may be considered.
Are you a good candidate for a hair transplant?
You may be a good candidate for a hair transplant if you:
- Have sufficient hair loss to be considered for surgery – You must have a significant bald area on the head.
- Have a good amount of healthy hair in the donor area.
- Have a healthy scalp – Your scalp must receive optimal blood supply to nourish the newly transplanted hair follicles.
- Are in overall good health.
- Have a realistic approach and expectations from the treatment.
Therefore, you must set realistic expectations by discussing this treatment, its recovery, and its results with a qualified practitioner.
What is the aim of a hair transplant?
The primary aim of a hair transplant is to restore living follicles to balding areas of the head, which can grow hair in the future. There are several reasons you might consider a hair transplant:
Natural-looking results: Our experts at EuroMed Clinic carefully design hair transplantation patterns to ensure natural-looking results. The created hairline blends seamlessly, even if you lose existing hair around the transplanted region.
Improved appearance and self-esteem: Hair loss often leads to concerns about appearance and can result in low self-esteem. A hair transplant can enhance the overall appearance and restore self-esteem.
No need for special care: Transplanted hair is as natural and healthy as the rest of the hair on your head. You don’t need specialized hair care solutions for the transplanted region to maintain optimum hair thickness. You can treat the transplanted hair like non-transplanted hair, including shampooing and massaging.”
Hair Transplantation Techniques
EuroMed Clinic Dubai offers hair transplantation treatment through the following methods.
- FUT hair transplant
- FUE hair transplant
- Robotic hair transplant
- Hybrid hair transplant
Let’s briefly explain each technique.
FUT Hair Transplant
FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation, mainly involves cutting a strip of the skin from the hair-rich area and dividing it into individual grafts. These grafts are then implanted into the balding or recipient areas.
FUE Hair Transplant
FUE or Follicular Unit Extraction involves extracting individual hair grafts from the back of the head and transplanting them into the recipient region. This technique eliminates the need to cut a strip graft, a mandatory step of the FUT. This technique has become more popular than FUT due to less visible scars on the donor area and better-looking results.
Robotic Hair Transplant
Robotic hair transplantation is a technologically advanced FUE technique that involves using an AI-assisted robot to harvest hair grafts. Once extracted, these hair grafts are either manually implanted in the treatment area or robotically implanted in the treatment area.
Hybrid Hair Transplant
A hybrid hair transplant combines FUE and FUT to derive the intended results. This hair transplantation plan works best when you have significantly less hair on the back of the head. The most significant benefit of this method is that it allows for the extraction of the highest number of hair grafts during a single session. Robotic hair transplantation can improve the precision and speed of the graft harvesting process. However, it still requires significant expertise from the surgeon to ensure the best results.
Options Other Than Hair Transplants
There are several alternatives to hair transplant surgery for those who want to address hair loss or thinning hair. Some of these options include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves extracting a small amount of your blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it back into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. There is ample evidence that PRP can promote hair growth by releasing growth factors and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. However, high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for this use.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
This cosmetic procedure involves tattooing tiny dots on the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles or hair stubble. SMP can be used to create the illusion of a fuller head of hair, cover scars, or camouflage areas of hair loss.
Medications
Some topical medications, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be purchased over-the-counter and some medications, such as Finasteride (Propecia), can also be prescribed by doctors to slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth in some individuals. However, it is strongly recommended to use these medicines only after the prescription of your healthcare provider.
Hairpieces, Wigs, or Hair Systems
High-quality hair pieces or wigs made from human or synthetic hair can offer a non-surgical and non-invasive option for those experiencing hair loss. Custom hair systems can be designed to match your hair color, texture, and style, providing a natural-looking solution.
Note:
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist to discuss your specific hair loss concerns and determine the most suitable treatment options for your needs. Keep in mind that individual results may vary, and some treatments may be more effective for certain types of hair loss.
Benefits of Hair Transplant
Hair transplant aims at enhancing the capability of a human to get tension free regarding hair loss for a long period. The benefits include:
Boost Self-Confidence
Hair loss can have a significant impact on a person’s self-confidence. A successful hair transplant can help restore self-esteem and improve overall emotional well-being. The reason behind the boosted one’s self-esteem is the youthful appearance. It can help restore a more youthful and attractive appearance by filling in bald spots or thinning areas with natural, healthy hair.
Long-lasting Solution
Unlike temporary hair loss treatments, hair transplants offer a long-lasting solution to hair loss by transplanting hair follicles from one part of the body to another, allowing them to grow naturally.
Natural-Looking Results
Modern hair transplant techniques, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), yield natural-looking results that seamlessly blend with your existing hair pattern.
Safe Procedure
Hair transplant surgery is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. The risk of complications is low, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
Cost-Effective in a Long Run
While the upfront cost of a hair transplant can be significant, the longer results make it a cost-effective solution compared to ongoing expenses for temporary hair loss treatments.
Customizable
Hair transplant procedures can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and desired outcome, allowing for a personalized approach to hair restoration.
Increased Success Rate
Advancements in hair transplant techniques have led to improved success rates, with many patients achieving significant hair growth and density within a year of the procedure.
Low Maintenance
After the recovery period, transplanted hair requires minimal maintenance and can be treated just like the rest of your natural hair – including washing, styling, and cutting.
Risks Associated with Hair Transplants
Hair transplant surgery is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for treating hair loss. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications and side effects. Some common complications associated with hair transplant surgery include:
- Although rare, infections can occur after a hair transplant procedure.
- Some bleeding is normal during and immediately after the procedure, but excessive bleeding can be a complication. Inform your surgeon if the bleeding is persistent or seems excessive.
- Swelling is common after a hair transplant and typically subsides within a few days by following your surgeon’s guidelines.
- Scarring can occur at the donor and recipient sites, especially with older hair transplant methods like strip harvesting.
- Temporary numbness or tingling may occur around the donor or recipient site, which usually resolves within a few weeks.
- Some discomfort is normal following a hair transplant. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage this.
- Inflammation of the hair follicles can occur, causing redness, itching, or small pimples around the transplanted hair. This condition is usually treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
- In some cases, the transplanted hair may not grow as expected, leading to unsatisfactory results. This can be due to various factors, such as poor graft handling, insufficient blood supply, or an inexperienced surgeon.
- In rare cases, the body may reject the transplanted hair follicles, leading to graft failure.
Note:
To minimize the risk of complications, it’s crucial to choose a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon and follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms after your procedure, contact your surgeon immediately.
How long does recovery take after hair transplant surgery?
Post-hair transplant, you can expect scalp tenderness and bandaging for about 24 hours. You can return to work within a week, depending on individual factors and the procedure. The second recovery phase begins 2-3 weeks post-surgery, marked by the shedding of transplanted hair strands but not follicles. New hair growth in the transplanted area typically starts within 3-4 months, with peak growth between 6 to 9 months.
Hair Transplant Results
Hair growth may not be noticeable during the first few months after surgery. You will likely see initial evident results 6-9 months after surgery. More pronounced treatment results usually occur after 12 months.
How much does it cost for a hair transplant in Dubai?
The average starting price for a hair transplant in Dubai is 13,500 AED. The final cost of a hair transplant usually depends on the number of hair grafts implanted, the number of treatment sessions, and the transplantation technique used.
What are the reasons for hair loss?
Hair loss happens for many reasons, including hormonal imbalance, genetics, and most commonly, androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness. Fortunately, hair transplant treatment is one of several options that hair transplant specialists can consider to restore a patient’s looks.
Are hair transplants safe?
Yes, hair transplants are generally safe when performed by skilled, board-certified surgeons. There’s always a small risk of complications like any other surgical procedure, including infection, which is correctly stated.
Is having a hair transplant painful?
Hair transplants are usually not painful as local anesthesia is applied, and sometimes sedation is used. Post-surgery, some discomfort or pain may occur which generally subsides over time. This is also correctly stated.
Does a hair transplant look natural?
Modern hair transplant techniques can produce very natural-looking results when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, the degree of naturalness can depend on factors such as the skill of the surgeon and the individual’s hair characteristics.
Schedule a Consultation
Need a hair transplant to improve your appearance and enhance self-esteem? Meet highly experienced and reputed trichologists at EuroMed Clinic. To book a consultation, call us at +971 4 394 5422 or fill out the form below. You can also Vist our Location
Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
Read more