If you are considering hair transplant surgery, knowing what to expect throughout the entire process can make it much less intimidating. Most individuals who are interested in hair restoration have suffered from alopecia (hair loss) for many years and are concerned with thinning and/or bald spots on the scalp. Hair transplant surgery is the perfect long-term solution for fuller, thicker hair.
Hair Transplant Surgery Consultation
The first step when considering a hair transplant is to schedule your complimentary consultation. During your consultation, your provider will go over your medical history and answer any questions you have related to your hair loss. They will also discuss the main two hair transplant techniques, which include follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). FUT is commonly referred to as ‘the strip-method’. In most cases, patients have the option to choose either technique but there are circumstances where an individual may be a better candidate for one technique over the other.
Day of Surgery
Both hair transplant procedures are done in our office under local anesthesia. The patient is awake but comfortable throughout the entire process. Prescription medications are given to help patients feel more relaxed. Depending on the technique and number of grafts being transplanted, the procedure can take anywhere from 4-8 hours.
Hair Transplant Surgery Recovery
FUT: Patients typically feel well enough to resume their normal activities the next day with minimal restrictions. The linear incision “donor area” will require about one week of wound care until sutures are removed.
FUE: This method requires no incisions, therefore, less downtime. Pinpoint bleeding where the grafts were obtained and placed is to be expected following surgery. After 3-5 days of care, the back of the scalp is typically healed.
With either technique the newly transplanted grafts on the top of the scalp will develop small scabs that will fall off within 10-14 days. This process is referred to as the shedding process and is completely normal. After shedding, new hair growth will begin in 3-4 months but fully mature hair growth can take 12-15 months from the procedure date.
Follow Up
Throughout your hair restoration process your surgeon will ask that you schedule follow up appointments so they are able to take pictures and track your new hair growth. Following surgery, we like to follow up with our patients every few months for 12-15 months or until results are fully apparent.
For more information about hair transplants in SLC, Draper, Layton and surrounding areas in Utah, call (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.