Due to advancing age, mounting socio-economic pressure, and mental health issues, the problem of hair loss has become more prominent than ever before. From elders to adults to young children, everybody has been victimised. Apparently, there are various tips and tricks to escape hair loss. However, the most successful and enduring method is a hair transplant. An effort has been made to satisfy the prevalent questions- ‘is hair transplant permanent or temporary and is non-surgical hair transplant safe?’
Hair transplant is a procedure where the hair is taken from the area/part where they are dense to the area where they are relatively scarce. It is usually picked from the back or side of the scalp and implanted in the front part of the head.
Table of Contents
1. Hair transplant restoration types
Hair transplant or hair restoration is a process that uses micrografting techniques for restoring natural hair to the bald scalp. Hair transplant is carried out by extracting hair follicles from a certain area of the scalp and grafting them into the part that requires a transplant. There are, primarily, two techniques of executing a hair transplant. These are:
The Follicular Unit Extraction involves directly rooting out of the hair follicles from the donor area. Tiny holes are made in the area requiring transplantation. The individual follicles are then carefully inserted into these holes. This helps to avoid permanent scars on the scalp. It is the most popular technique because of being minimally invasive.
Whereas in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), an entire strip containing multiple hair follicles is taken out, usually from the back of the head. The strip is dissected into individual grafts and subsequently, placed into the bald spots of the scalp. This method is comparatively more invasive than FUE. Moreover, a scar may be visible after the transplant which may take long days to heal.
Another technique that is rarely adopted is called ‘scalp reduction’. In this process, the surgeon surgically removes the bald area. It is then replaced with a baldness resistant scalp. This is a very expensive technique and requires a lot of expertise.
2. Is hair transplant permanent or temporary?
Multiple over-the-counter products are available to treat hair loss. It includes widely advertised shampoos, hair oils, conditioners. But none of them provides for a permanent cure. Now the question is, is hair transplant permanent?
Once the hair follicles are implanted in the recipient area, it takes some time to heal the skin. In fact, there is hair loss in the first three months of the treatment. It is, however, temporary and natural. After about 4-6 months of the surgery, new hair began to grow. Once the transplanted region is healed and the freshly implanted follicles start growing new hair, the bald spots would be filled rapidly. At times medications like Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) are given to stimulate hair growth. After the newly planted hair follicles start budding new hair, there is no going back.
We can understand in another way that the main cause of hair loss on frontal and crown part is male sexual hormones (95% Cause) and planted hairs are hormones independent, So we can say that these hair are 95% more protected in compare with original hairs, Yaa other causes of hair loss like any disease, deficiencies, or hair and skin diseases, natural hair death can be the cause of hair loss of planted hair.
It is possible that grafts die out or become dysfunctional. In such exceptional cases, the procedure may need to be repeated.
However, it is equally important to remember that like our natural hair, the transplanted follicles also have a limited time span. They may gradually stop producing the same density of hair as they used to.
3. When do I need Revision
Is hair transplant a permanent solution? The results of hair transplant significantly vary from person to person. While some may experience the finest results in the first session itself, others may require subsequent sittings.
Ordinarily, revision of hair transplant is required for two purposes-
- Patients are satisfied and want more such grafts, or
- The first session has failed to produce satisfactory results.
It is pertinent to remember that no surgery can guarantee 100% success. If it is being claimed, it should not be believed.
There are many factors that influence the success of a transplant. The most prominent of them are- skills and efficiency of the surgeon, techniques used by him, post-operative care by the patient, and follow-ups. Inefficiency or absence of any one of them can fundamentally affect the success of hair transplant.
Revision of hair transplant serves the following objectives-
- Redressing mistakes of the past procedures- If the hair transplant surgery resulted in an unnatural-looking hairline or damaged grafts, revision can be made to address it.
- Minimise the scarring- Past procedures, particularly FUT hair transplant, may result in visible scarring on the scalp. Revision hair transplant may efficiently cover the noticeable scars from the past hair transplant procedure.
However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before undergoing a revision hair transplant because it is important to ascertain if you are a good candidate for the revision procedure or not.
4. Is hair transplant safe?
It is often asked, ‘is hair transplant safe and permanent?’. There are risks and complications associated with possibly every surgery. The hair transplant surgery may also lead to pain, swelling, headache, and itching. These are, however, short-term complications. Substantially, this surgery doesn’t leave any physical reactions in the long term.
In fact, the recovery period of hair transplant surgery is minimal. It takes barely 10 days to ease the pain, swelling, and crusting. Moreover, within 4 months of the treatment, the new hairline becomes noticeably visible.
So, the answer to the question ‘is hair transplant safe?’ is that the individual reactions and results may vary. However, the hair transplant surgery is normally safe and successful if performed by a certified surgeon having sound expertise and experience.
At Skinqure, you will get the best hair transplant treatment with absolute safety and care.
Take Away
Hair transplant techniques have come out to be a permanent and safe rescue for people who lost their confidence in baldness. However, in order to invite the least complications and best results, choosing the right practitioner is very significant. It is recommended to look into the skills, reviews and previous records of the surgeon.
Skinqure provides you with highly experienced doctors, state of the art equipment and most importantly, compassion for its patients. You will experience maximum results with minimum possible discomfort.