Hair transplant
Specialty of Plastic surgery
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplantation is mainly a cosmetic treatment that involves restoring a head of hair using donated hairs which are implanted onto the rest of the scalp. Patients with hair loss and baldness are increasingly turning to hair transplant treatments. There are two main types of hair transplant surgery: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and strip follicular unit transplantation (strip FUT). Hair transplants are often done with local anaesthesia.
Why is hair transplantation done?
Hair transplants are often chosen by people suffering from hair loss. Hair transplantation can be an option for men with male-pattern baldness, women who have thinning hair or people who have lost hair due to a burn or injury.
Hair transplants are generally not advised for:
- Women with widespread hair loss
- People with keloid scars on their scalp
- People who have lost their hair due to medication (e.g. from chemotherapy)
- People without enough donor hair sites
What does hair transplantation consist of?
During a FUE hair transplant, a special punch device is used to remove individual hair grafts, one by one. These are then placed into small incisions, hair by hair. During a strip FUT, a strip of hairs and skin are removed, from the back and side of the head. This graft is then stitched onto the recipient site. Both methods can take up to a day, but staying in hospital is not required. Sometimes, a hair transplant will be carried out in several sessions, especially if there is a large area of hair being transplanted. Local anaesthesia will ensure there is no pain during the procedure.
Preparation for a hair transplant:
Before a hair transplant it may be necessary to shave a section of your head, however, your surgeon will do this usually.
Aftercare:
Depending on the technique used, aftercare will vary. Following the procedure, you should arrange for someone to take you home as you cannot drive for the first 24 hours. You should be able to return to work two to three days after the procedure. You will have to wear bandages for the first few days, after which, they can be removed. There may be some pain and swelling which can be controlled with anti-inflammatories and painkillers. You may also be given a course of antibiotics to avoid the risk of infection. Usually after two to three weeks some hairs will fall out, which is normal, and new hairs will begin to grow in their place. Complete results will be noticeable 8-12 months following your hair transplantation.
Articles related to
Treating hair loss in Afro-textured hair
By Dr Greg Williams
2019-09-10
Dr Greg Williams, a leading hair transplant surgeon, gives us an overview of what causes hair loss in Afro-textured hair and what treatments are available. Whilst many of the scalp and hair conditions that affect Caucasian and Asian men and women also affect African-Caribbean patients, there are some conditions that are more prevalent in black patients. See more
When is a hair transplant the right option?
By Dr Greg Williams
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Hair transplant surgery is becoming more and more popular, thanks to social media and the likes of celebs such as Wayne Rooney and Jeremy McConnell openly having the procedure and posting photos of their results. Dr Greg Williams is a leading expert in hair restoration and discusses how to treat a receding hairline in men under the age of 30. See more
Hair loss: an expert’s guide
By Dr Greg Williams
2019-08-31
The prospect of losing hair is worrying to many people, especially since it is a common problem. Hair loss can affect both sexes and can begin at any time of life. There are a number of types of hair loss and a range of causes, but all can result in a significant impact on self-esteem. Luckily, there are treatment options – leading plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist Dr Greg Williams explains. See more
Experts in
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Dr Greg Williams
Aesthetic medicineExpert in:
- Hair transplant
- FUE hair transplant
- Male pattern baldness
- Hair loss
- Forehead reduction (hair line lowering)
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Dr Bessam Farjo
Aesthetic medicineExpert in:
- Hair transplant
- FUE hair transplant
- Male pattern baldness
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Hair loss
Related clinics
Farjo Hair Institute
Farjo Hair Institute
152 Harley St
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Top Doctors
-
Farjo Hair Institute
152 Harley St, Central LondonExpert in:
- Male pattern baldness
- Hair transplant surgery
- Hair loss
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Hair restoration
- FUE hair transplant
- See all