Hair Transplant Surgery: What Men Need to Know
Hair loss can be a major concern for men when it comes to confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, hair transplant surgery is a solution men can choose to restore or maintain hair. Here are some facts men should know before considering hair restoration.
What Is Hair Transplant Surgery?
Hair transplant surgery involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to areas where hair is thinning or has been lost. Hair follicles are harvested at the back or sides of the scalp. This surgical procedure primarily treats male pattern baldness, a common condition among men.
Hair Transplant Types
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Understanding the differences between these methods can help you decide which one is right for you.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is a minimally invasive procedure in which individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and implanted into the balding or thinning areas. This method leaves tiny, almost unnoticeable scars and has a shorter recovery time than FUT. FUE is favored for its precision and the natural-looking results it can achieve.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area where individual hair follicles are harvested and transplanted. While this method can leave a linear scar, it allows for transplanting many grafts in a single session, making it suitable for extensive hair loss cases. FUT requires a longer recovery period than FUE.
What to Expect From Hair Restoration Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon cleans the scalp and numbs the areas where hair will be removed and implanted.
Depending on the chosen method (FUE or FUT), the process can take several hours. An FUT can take four to eight hours, while an FUE can take two to four hours.
For FUE, the surgeon will use a small punch tool to extract hair follicles and implant them individually. For FUT, a strip of scalp is removed, and individual follicular units are prepared and transplanted. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Male Hair Transplant Recovery
Recovery from hair transplant surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. FUT patients may need 10 to 15 days to allow the donor site to heal, while FUE patients, on the other hand, only need five to seven days for initial recovery.
Hair transplant patients can resume light activities like desk work or stretching after one week. During this stage, swelling and discomfort should subside. Be gentle when washing your hair.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection. Expect hair shedding from the transplanted follicles within the first few weeks. New hair growth begins within four to five months.
Hair Transplant Surgery Results
Hair transplant surgery can provide natural-looking, permanent results. The newly transplanted hair grows similarly to the rest of your hair and can be styled, cut, and cared for as usual. Full results can take up to a year to become visible, with hair density and growth improving gradually.
Why Choose Laser Esthetica?
Laser Esthetica understands that hair restoration for men should be personalized and unique to achieve results. Our Sacramento Hair Doctor, Dr. Prasad, is an expert in hair transplant surgery for treating male hair loss. Schedule your consultation to learn more.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re considering hair transplant surgery in Roseville, contact us and schedule a consultation. Dr. Prasad will address the root cause of your hair loss and help you regain the healthy hair you desire.