Hair transplantation is a procedure that involves the grafting of hair from the donor site, and then transplanting these hairs into the recipient site. Now, it may seem like a very simple procedure but in reality, it is a delicate and labor-intensive process that only an adept hair transplant surgeon can successfully do. Through the years, there have been many hair transplant techniques used in this field of medicine but the procedures involved generally remain the same. If you want to learn more about it, read on.
Pre-Operation Hair Transplant Procedures
It is true that most hair transplant clinics use their own unique methods when performing a hair transplant on their patients but they all start with a consultation. During this step, the surgeon will discuss the hair transplant procedures with the patient, outline goals, and set proper expectations. The doctor will also discuss the cost of the procedure. Thereafter, the patient will be scheduled for blood tests to check for any health conditions such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Blood testing is also necessary in order for doctors to check clotting tendencies and blood count. Most clinics require blood work around 24 to 48 hours before the hair transplant procedure is scheduled.
The Main Hair Transplant Procedures
On the day of your appointment, you will be led into the procedure room where your surgeon will review your goals and expectations with you. As soon as that’s done, the surgery will start and you will be injected with local anesthesia in the donor site so that you will not feel any pain during donor strip removal. Once the strip has been removed the surgeon will then close the donor site while his or her assistants will separate follicular units with the use of dissecting microscopes. After this, your doctor will create the recipient sites and begin inserting the grafts. This is perhaps the most laborious phase of the surgery and will take several hours to finish. Of course, you can take your lunch and request for a few breaks throughout the course of the operation.
Post-Operation Hair Transplant Procedures
This is the recovery phase and your doctor will provide you with a post-op kit so that you will know exactly what to do once you step out of the clinic. One thing you need to know is that your implanted hair grafts can be susceptible to infections so you will be advised by your doctor to maintain proper hygiene and stay indoors for a few days. Most doctors will also tell you not to wash your hair using shampoo for at least 2 days and any form of strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. Approximately 10 days post-surgery you will then need to visit your doctor so that he or she can remove the stitches on the donor site. In one to two weeks you will also notice that scabs or crusts will fall out and that tiny hair would also be shed along with them.