How effective is hair transplantation? Are the results good?

The purpose of hair transplants is to stimulate hair growth in areas of the scalp where it has been stunted or absent for a while. Although they help treat various hair loss conditions, they do not prevent further balding. Follow-up transplants may be required for long-term success. There are several reasons why a person’s hair may fall out or grow thinned, including a medical condition or injury to the scalp.

Having a hair replacement in Chicago can serve as a cosmetic or reconstructive option for certain people who are losing their hair due to illness or injury.  In a FUT hair transplant surgery, a thick region of hair, such as the back of the head, is removed by a surgeon during a hair transplant procedure. This site is usually known as the donor area. The follicles are then inserted into the scalp through microscopic holes in the affected region. With new techniques, there is no need to remove a strip of hair because new technologies allow hairs to be removed individually. In this article, a variety of hair transplant procedures’ success rates are examined to see how well they work, how long they can last, and if there are any side effects.

Types of Hair Transplantation

When it comes to hair transplant in Chicago, there are two options:

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Here, the surgeon will pluck follicles from the donor region using a little punch instrument. There will still be some scarring after this operation, but it will be less noticeable, and the patient won’t typically need sutures.
• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In this procedure, a strip of donor skin will be removed, and the wound will be stitched up. To transplant the hair follicles, a microscope will be used to split the donor skin into microscopic units that contain one or more hair follicles.

The two procedures are effective, however, in some circumstances, they can produce different results. As stated by the authors of a 2019 paper, FUE is more difficult and takes longer to do than FUT, but it can yield excellent results if the surgeon has extensive expertise with the procedure. Donor organs are often taken from the back or side of the head by surgeons. It may be beneficial for persons who lack thick hair on the back or sides of their heads to use body hair as an alternative.

According to some sources, taking body or beard hair is more time-intensive and takes more skill than scalp hair. A different source claims that body and beard hair might be a “great source” for hair transplant donors. Depending on the number of follicles implanted, each process might take several hours and requires the use of a local anesthetic. On the day after treatment, most patients are free to go.

Hair Transplant Success Rates

Hair transplants can be used to regrow hair in areas where hair is thinning or balding. Several factors affect the success rate of hair transplant surgery, including the expertise and experience of the surgeon and the density of the donor hair. Hair transplantation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), can result in a noticeable improvement in hair fullness.

It’s difficult to pinpoint a certain percentage of hair transplants that are successful based on large-scale studies. Smaller research and publications, on the other hand, give some insight into the effectiveness of these techniques.

According to one study, after an average follow-up of 2.9 years, most persons who had FUE using body or beard hair and scalp hair were happy with the outcomes. The average overall satisfaction rating among the 79 participants was 8.3 out of 10.

According to research from a different source, using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in conjunction with FUE may improve the results of FUE hair transplants. Hair regrowth was more than 75 percent for all individuals in the PRP group after six months of treatment. In comparison to the non-PRP group, their hair density and skin repair improved more quickly.

Do Hair Transplants Work?

After a successful hair restoration in Chicago, most people will notice a noticeable increase in the thickness of their hair. This might lead to an unnatural or uneven appearance of hair if they continue to lose and thin their hair following the operation. Follow-up transplants may be required for patients who want more long-lasting results.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises patients to expect a “touch-up” treatment. Filling up any thin spots or merging the follicles for a more natural appearance is one of the benefits of this process. Following the post-procedure directions of one’s surgeon is critical for achieving the greatest outcomes. They will have a better chance of a successful hair transplant if they follow these instructions. For some time, a person may need to refrain from vigorous activities and exercise. A few days might also pass before they can wash their hair.

Are There Side Effects?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, hair transplants are typically safe if performed by a trained and experienced surgeon. Even successful hair transplants, however, might have some side effects such as;

Scars

Additionally, scarring can occur in both the donor and recipient areas. Before deciding to have the operation, a patient should discuss these risks with their doctor. Surgically removing a strip of the scalp with the FUT technique typically results in a lengthy, linear scar on the scalp. With the growth of new hair around it, this scar may be hidden.

However, if it widens while healing, the hair around it is thin, or the individual wears their hair short in a style, it may be apparent. The punch instrument used by the physician to extract the follicles during FUE surgery may cause some scarring in the region treated. These scars, on the other hand, may not be as noticeable as the ones left by FUT. Raised lumps around the transplanted hair are possible in some circumstances. These pimples may be covered up when the hair grows out.

Swelling and Discomfort

Following the surgery, some patients may suffer discomfort while their skin recovers. This may involve the use of painkillers from their doctor. As the skin heals, they may also notice some swelling in the head and face.

Bleeding or An Infection

To undergo a hair transplant, a patient must have skin incisions made. The donor follicles are removed through an incision made by the surgeon, and the recipient follicles are inserted through microscopic incisions made on the scalp by the surgeon. Infection and heavy bleeding are possible side effects of the surgery.

Endnote

People with hair thinning or balding may want to consider hair transplant surgery as an option. Even while it isn’t a long-term cure for thinning hair, many individuals find it to be an effective way to boost their self-esteem and hair density. Contact us today at our practice to schedule an appointment for your hair restoration in Chicago. We deliver excellent and outstanding services.

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When you’re ready to take the next step toward addressing your hair loss, the specialists at Northwestern Hair are here to help. We’ll work with you to evaluate your level of hair loss and to find the most effective treatment for your needs.