Hair Transplantation

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is an aesthetic surgical procedure. The procedure involves the collection of healthy hair from areas such as temples and nape and then placing them to areas that are thinning or bald. The procedure performed is surgical and it is autologous, meaning the tissue transplanted is collected from the patient himself. Hair loss is one of the common problems experienced by both men and women, and the causes may vary considerably. It can be seen as a result of hereditary factors in men, and in women, it can be seen due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, or thyroid problems.

Hair transplantation procedures can be performed to restore hair deficiencies for other areas such as eyebrow, beard or moustache, as well as the scalp. Hair transplantation procedures are very common in our country. But since these are aesthetic surgical procedures, it is important that licensed and certified physicians perform this procedure under surgical standards.

Hair Transplantation Procedures

Hair transplantations can be done using two different methods:

1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
2. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUE hair transplantation technique is a newer method compared to the FUT method. In the FUT method, a strip of hair is removed from the back of the head close to the neck region. The strip is separated into smaller pieces to divide the hair roots and transported to the area to be planted. In the FUT method, there is a possibility of scarring in the area where the strip of hair is taken. Temporary numbness and sensory loss are also among the disadvantages of this method. Such obstacles and the development of the FUE hair transplantation method, hair transplantation with the FUT method has gotten less and less preferred, even become inadvisable by experts.

In the FUE hair transplantation method, which is the most preferred method today, hair roots from the collection site (donor hair roots) are taken one by one and implanted into the desired area. For this micro-surgical technique, unique and millimetric instruments are used. Contrary to the FUT method, it is a more comfortable procedure, since the tissue is not removed and hair follicle roots are collected individually. With this method, a lot of hair roots can be collected in one session. FUE technique sessions usually take 4-6 hours on average. It is a painless procedure since it is performed under local anaesthesia.

In hair transplantation, there is no damage to the existing hair. Although shedding of the transplanted hair occurs at first, it is actually splitting of hair strands. Then from the transplanted hair roots, healthy hair grows. The results can be observed approximately within 6 to 10 months, and the hair gets a youthful and genuine look.

Who can have Hair Transplantation?

In addition to being a permanent solution, hair transplantation is the safest and most effective method against baldness and hair loss due to various reasons. Hair loss can affect all age groups, without differing children, men, or women. The person’s degree of baldness and the quality of the hair affect the success of hair transplantation. Anyone, who is healthy, over 22 years old, and experiencing hair loss is a candidate for hair transplantation. However, it is necessary for the donor area to have a sufficient amount of hair to be collected and the type of hair loss needs to be suitable for hair transplantation. Meaning that hair transplantation is not an appropriate approach for everyone who is experiencing hair loss.

What are the required conditions for Hair Transplantation?

• Age

Doctors state that the earliest age for hair transplantation is 22. Individuals may experience hair loss under the age of 22 as well. Still, the progression of hair loss is more unpredictable under the age of 22. If an individual undergoes hair transplantation procedure under that age, there may arise a need for hair transplantation again in the following years. In the event of an accident or after burn injury treatment, the procedure can be performed with the permission of the doctor under the age of 22 as well. There is no upper age limit for hair transplantation.

• General Health Condition

To be a candidate for hair transplantation, a person needs to be in good general health. Some tests are required before the procedure. People who have clotting problems such as haemophilia can undergo hair transplantation procedure after administering necessary medication. The procedure is not appropriate for people who have unregulated blood pressure and diabetes. If the individual has hepatitis C or HIV virus, the procedure is not performed. However, in the case of hepatitis B, hair transplantation can be done. The doctor’s special permission is required to undergo the procedure for people who have heart disease, anaemia, cancer or some skin diseases.

• Hair Loss Type

Hair transplantation is not performed in every type of hair loss. The procedure is performed only in permanent hair loss. Hair loss types can be examined in three categories:

• • Male pattern hair loss: This type of hair loss is suitable for hair transplantation. This pattern is seen in both men and women.
  • Patchy/regional hair loss: Whether to perform hair transplantation is suitable or not depends on the reason and status of hair loss.
  • Female pattern hair loss: This pattern is seen in both women and men. But whether to perform the procedure or not depends on the judgment of the attending specialist physician.
• Status of the Donor Area

Hair transplantation is done only from the individual’s own hair follicles. For this reason, hair transplantation cannot be performed if the donor area is not adequate. The adequacy of the donor area is evaluated by hair analysis.

•  Degree of Hair Loss

Hair loss is expected to reach a certain degree in people who just started to experience hair loss. Because even the individual undergoes hair transplantation, the shedding will continue, and there will be a bad aesthetic appearance that will require the renewal of the procedure. For people who have severe baldness, hair transplantation may not give promising results.

Hair Transplantation Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of hair transplantation?

It is against the law in Turkey for the healthcare organisations including private practices to indicate prices online for procedures, treatments or consultations. Please contact us by calling or texting ?+90 541 334 3484 (WhatsApp available) or ☏ +90 212 257 1515 for the average cost of the procedure or any other enquiries related to the procedure. You need to send some photos to the Patient Care Coordinator to be examined by Professor Yazar to get the exact all-inclusive price.

What to expect during the recovery after hair transplantation and what are the things that need attention?

For successful hair transplantation results, there are some points that need attention. They are as follows:

• It is normal to feel tension or a mild pain in the procedure area for a certain period after hair transplantation. The bandage in the donor area can be removed one day later. You may wash your hair two days after the procedure, according to your doctor’s instructions. However, a towel or hair dryer should not be used.
• The first week of hair transplantation is very critical. Because this period is the process of attachment of the new roots to the skin and blood circulation of the new roots are vital. Care must be taken during this period, from sleeping position to clothes to be worn.
• Activities and exercises that pose a risk for a hit on the head such as, basketball, wrestling, boxing or football, should be avoided for at least 45 days. Also, sauna, Turkish bath, swimming or solarium should be avoided for two weeks. These activities can damage the hair follicles and pose an increasing risk of infection.