Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hair Transplant

Almost a third of men experience male pattern baldness before age 30, and that number only increases with age. So despite how embarrassing it can feel, it’s a widespread occurrence. So common that in the past few years, the number of hair transplants taking place has skyrocketed. 

However, having hair loss doesn’t mean you are ready for a transplant. Most men have questions when it comes to these types of procedures. Here are men’s most common questions and everything you should know about hair transplants.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Hair Transplants?

The ideal transplant candidate is experiencing hair loss but still has healthy hair on the back or sides of their head. These are the areas that the donor hairs are taken from to implant on the balding areas. When you go to a consultation with the doctor who performs hair transplants, they will let you know what options are available for you and your level of hair loss.

For the most part, men of any age can undergo a transplant. A transplant could be for you if you suffer from hair loss due to injuries, male pattern baldness, or simply want to thicken your beard or eyebrows. If you are interested, we recommend taking a look into hair transplant costs, to make sure this is the right fit for you.

What Happens During a Hair Transplant?

There are two types of hair transplants: FUE and FUT.

One of the most common is FUE. FUE stands for Follicular Unit Extraction, which means that the individual follicles are cut from your skin and are transplanted in another part of the head or body. 

After the patient receives anesthesia, the surgeon uses micro punches to remove the follicles and strategically transplants them where they look most natural. It is generally done in sessions lasting two to four hours and may take several days. This makes an FUE transplant convenient, virtually painless, and natural looking.

Afterward, you can go about your daily routine for the most part, except for vigorous exercise and getting the transplant area wet. 

Are Hair Transplants Permanent?

Hair transplants are permanent. This means you will be able to comb and style your hair like normal once it grows back in, and you won’t have to worry about it falling out again. Because the follicles are grafted into your scalp, they are there to stay. However, a few months after surgery, the hairs may fall out to make way for new, permanent hair growth.

Do Hair Transplants Look Natural?

A qualified doctor will be trained in the proper techniques to make your hair transplant as natural as possible. Since the follicles used are from your own head, the transplants will perfectly match your hair style and texture. When a proper technique is used, the surgeon can create a natural hairline in front and match the same volume and density of your other natural hair. 

FUE transplants look natural because they are implanted individually instead of in small groups.

Are There Any Possible Complications?

For the most part, there aren’t complications associated with hair transplants. There is a small risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia, but this procedure is one of the safest out there. The doctor will tell you what to avoid before and after surgery to ensure your procedure goes as planned. 

There is also a very minimal risk of scarring, but these scars would be covered by hair.

Can You Return to Normal Activity With Your New Hair?

After the initial recovery period, you will be able to participate in whatever activities you usually enjoy or take part in, and your hair can be combed, cut, colored, and washed.