What is Hair Transplantation Treatment?
Hair transplantation treatment is a method frequently sought by individuals experiencing hair loss and baldness problems today. The problem of hair loss can cause psychological, sociological, and aesthetic issues, leading individuals to seek hair transplantation treatment. In the past, people experiencing hair loss problems would camouflage the affected area with hats, wigs, and even olive branches (see Julius Caesar). As a result of the development of modern medicine and the provision of new treatment methods in the field of aesthetics, hair transplantation treatment today can be applied as a solution to many problems.
How is Hair Transplant Treatment Performed?
The most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness. In this type of hair loss, the hair follicles between the nape and the two ears remain dense and resistant to shedding, while the hair follicles in the top, middle, and front areas of the head may thin or fall out for various reasons. In the hair transplantation process, follicles taken from the dense nape area are placed in the thinned or bald area. Essentially, hair transplantation treatment is a tissue transplant procedure, and the tissue transferred during treatment is taken from the same person. Hair transplantation procedures performed under local anesthesia are medical aesthetic procedures that last approximately 5-8 hours. It must be performed by an experienced hair transplant doctor.
The latest technology used in hair transplantation treatment is the FUE method. Although many different hair transplant technique terms have emerged today, even the latest techniques stem from performing FUE hair transplantation with different equipment. FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, refers to the extraction of hair follicles from the nape one by one along with their tissues.
The size of the grafts, the density, and the direction of the transplanted hair directly affect the success and naturalness of the result. With the FUE technique applied under local anesthesia, it is possible to have naturally looking hair as if it were your own.
Before Hair Transplantation Treatment
Individuals who want to undergo hair transplantation should first choose an experienced doctor in the field. Otherwise, there is a high risk of the treatment failing. Before hair transplant treatment, a detailed hair examination and treatment planning should be done. Based on the patient’s type of hair loss, age, current health condition, and the quality of the hair in the nape area, the doctor should plan how the grafts will be distributed during the hair transplant procedure, what technique will be used, and how the existing hair will be protected in the future, and this should be decided together with the patient.
Below are some requirements to be prepared for the hair transplant day before the treatment. However, these points may vary from patient to patient and should always be consulted with the doctor.
- Alcohol should not be consumed one day before the procedure.
- Foods that may upset the stomach should be avoided the day before the procedure and during breakfast on the day of the procedure.
- If there is any medication or cream that is continuously applied to the scalp, the hair transplant doctor should be consulted to find out how long it should be discontinued before the procedure.
After Hair Transplantation Treatment
There are several points to consider after the hair transplant procedure. These points can be summarized as follows:
- The application area should be left uncovered; no dressing is needed.
- The application area should be protected as much as possible from traumatic events such as impacts, bumps, and friction for the first 5 days. Hats, caps, and similar items should not be worn for the first week.
- For the first 2 weeks, you should sleep in the position shown to you to avoid contact between the transplanted area and the pillow and sheets.
- Avoid bending forward for the first few days after the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for a few days after the procedure.
- After hair transplant treatment, strictly adhere to the doctor’s recommendations and use the prescribed medications without interruption. Regular check-ups are also among the important factors affecting the success of the treatment.
Hair Transplant Treatment Methods
Hair transplantation procedures can be performed in various ways today. Among these methods, the most commonly applied in Turkey are FUT and FUE methods. DHI and Sapphire techniques are also FUE methods; they are just the names of the devices used.
Hair Transplantation with the FUT Method
The FUT method, which stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, involves transferring hair in clusters. Hair follicles taken from the scalp are evaluated and separated in a laboratory environment. They are then placed in the application area under suitable conditions. Nowadays, the FUT method is not preferred as much due to the introduction of more comfortable alternative methods.
Hair Transplantation with the FUE Method
The FUE method in hair transplantation stands for Follicular Unit Extraction. In this method, the hair needs to be cut very short. It involves the separation of micro-grafts taken from the hairy area in a laboratory environment and their placement in the application area. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
How Many Sessions Does Hair Transplant Treatment Take?
Hair transplant treatment is performed in accordance with the application plan. The duration of the procedure varies depending on many factors, such as the technique to be used and the size of the application area. It should not be rushed. In cases where a single session is not sufficient, additional sessions are performed to complete the hair transplantation process.
Hair Transplant Treatment Prices
The surgeon’s experience, the use of new technology devices, and their quality are determining factors for the price. However, it is not possible to provide a price for the hair transplant procedure over the internet. The cost of the procedure depends on the extent of hair loss and thinning and can only be determined after an examination.
