Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is a cosmetic surgery that involves taking healthy hair from one area of the body and transplanting it into bald spots. The body area where the hair is taken or harvested is called the donor site, and the region where that hair is transplanted is called the recipient site. This treatment can deliver dramatic results by filling the balding spots with naturally growing hair strands.

Who Is a Good Candidate For A Hair Transplant?

Knowing whether you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery is essential for a desirable outcome. This treatment is usually advisable for:

• Men experiencing male pattern baldness
• Women with thinning hair
• Individuals with a high hair density in the donor site, i.e., around 80 grafts in a centimeter-square
• Healthy individuals with no chronic health conditions that would compromise healing after surgery
• Individuals over 25 years
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations of the procedure

What Are The Different Types Of Hair Transplants?

The leading hair transplant methods include:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
• Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Let’s discuss these methods one by one.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT is a traditional hair transplant method that typically involves removing a long, thin strip of scalp with active hair follicles, usually from the back of the head. This strip is divided into several grafts, which are then implanted into the balding areas of the head.

The strip removal causes a linear scar in the donor area, which can be visible when you get a head shave. However, this method can yield more grafts than other techniques.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE is the most popular hair transplant method performed worldwide. Unlike FUT, which involves cutting out a follicle-rich strip of the scalp for graft retrieval, FUE involves taking grafts or units directly from the donor site. These grafts are then implanted into the recipient area.

The surgeon will use a micro-punching tool to extract individual grafts during FUE. These extractions leave behind minor wounds that don’t usually turn into visible scars.

Direct Hair Implant (DHI)

DHI is a modified version of FUE. Using this method, a cosmetic surgeon removes hair grafts from the donor site using a tool with a fine tip. These grafts are immediately loaded into a pen-shaped device and implanted into the balding spots.

This technique differs from the basic FUE as it reduces the delay between follicular extraction and implantation. As a result, it offers a better graft survival rate.

Which Is The Best Hair Transplant Method?

Thanks to across-the-board medical advancements, hair transplantation methods have become safer and more effective than ever. However, FUE has been a preferred option among 75% of male candidates for a hair transplant. This is because FUE:

• Is a minimally invasive procedure that leads to quicker recovery
• Causes virtually invisible scars
• Offers more natural results compared to other techniques

Preparing For Hair Transplant Surgery

• Massage your scalp 20-25 minutes daily for two weeks before surgery. This will improve circulation within the scalp, increasing its elasticity.
• Stay away from direct sunlight for at least six weeks.
• Stop alcohol and tobacco use at least one week before surgery to avoid cell and tissue oxidation.
• Consult your doctor about your current medication, especially if it includes antibiotics. The same goes for supplements.
• Stop taking blood-thinning medications for at least a week before surgery.

Additionally, you may receive special instructions from your doctor based on your preferences and overall health. Following those instructions is vital for the treatment success.

What Happens During A Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is generally performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes, the doctor may add sedation to make the procedure more comfortable.

The procedural steps of a hair transplant can vary from person to person, primarily depending on the treatment method.

For FUT:

• The surgeon will mark the recipient area, outlining the hairline. They will also establish the donor site, usually on the backside of the head.
• Hair at the donor site will be trimmed to two millimeters.
• The surgeon will cut out a follicle-rich strip from the scalp in the donor region.
• A lab professional will divide the strip into several follicular units or grafts using stereo-microscopic dissection.
• In the meantime, the surgeon will close the scalp at the donor area using sutures.
• Once the grafts are ready, the surgeon will insert them into the balding spots, creating a hairline as marked.
• After the procedure, an antibiotic solution will be applied, and the treatment area will be covered with bandages.

For FUE:

• The hair on the donor site (backside of the head) will be trimmed to about two millimeters.
• The surgeon will mark the recipient area by drawing the proposed hairline.
• They will use a specialized micro-punching tool to get individual grafts from the donor site. During this step, the surgeon will carefully place that tool over the follicular unit. They will ensure that the micro-punch’s direction is the same as that of the hair shaft.
• Once the micro-punch reaches a particular depth in the dermis, the surgeon applies gentle traction using fine-toothed forceps to loosen and pull out the graft.

For DHI:

• The surgeon will shave the head and mark the hairline.
• The surgeon will use a fine-tipped tool to extract hair follicles from the donor site.
• Each hair follicle will be loaded into a pen-shaped device as it is harvested and implanted into the balding area of the scalp.
• Once the required number of grafts are transplanted, the surgeon will apply antibiotic solution and bandages.

Aftercare and Recovery Guidelines

The days following your hair transplant hold specific importance in healing and recovery. Therefore, it is recommended to adhere to your post-op care guidelines.

1-4 days:

• There will be swelling, bruising, and some bleeding in the treated area. There will also be irritation, which might increase the urge to scratch. But it is important not to touch the treated area.
• Use a saline spray to keep the scalp hydrated.
• Avoid washing your head.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid strenuous activities or any movements that cause sweating.

5-9 days:

• Your scalp will appear pink, and scabbing will form.
• At this point, you may wash your head, but ensure to do it with extreme care. Also, you should avoid shampoo containing harsh chemicals. Pat your scalp dry after washing.
• While the treated area will be significantly healed by this time, you must still avoid strenuous exercises.

10-14 days:

• Despite having healed significantly, your scalp may still be scabby with some residual swelling.
• You may start washing your head as usual, but you will still be advised to use less abrasive shampoo and avoid rubbing the scalp with a towel afterward.
• The treated area will continue to itch, which is a sign of tissue recovery. It is important not to scratch the scalp as it can damage or dislodge the implanted follicles.

3-4 weeks:

• Your grafts will likely heal significantly by this time and start producing hair. However, those hairs will fall soon after, which can be a significant cause of concern. Fortunately, it’s only a temporary phenomenon called shock loss. It lasts a few weeks before the grafts start producing hair again. Therefore, it is essential to stay calm and let nature run its course.

3-10 months:

• The first hair regrowth may start about three months after your hair transplant. However, the hair will grow in patches as some implanted follicles wouldn’t have begun producing hair.
• More hair follicles will begin growing hair by 5-8 months. Full results are usually visible after about ten months.

Note: It is pertinent to note that recovery timelines vary from person to person, depending on the individual’s health, recovery speed, and extent of surgery. The treatment provider will adjust post-op instructions accordingly.

Is A Hair Transplant Worth It?

A hair transplant can be helpful if hair loss is affecting your self-esteem and body image. According to a research article published in ISHRS, hair restoration can reverse adverse psychological problems associated with hair loss. Thanks to improved and more natural results, more than 90% of recipients have reported a positive impact of their hair transplant.

Cost of Hair Transplant

The starting cost of a hair transplant in Dubai is AED 13500. The final price varies from person to person, mainly depending on the following factors:

• The number of grafts
• The hair transplant method
• The practitioner’s expertise
• The location and reputation of the clinic

For in-depth details about the hair transplant cost in Dubai and factors that influence the treatment price, please visit the cost page.

Book a Consultation

Restore your appearance and confidence with a hair transplant at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. Call us at +971 4 348 5575 to speak to our representative. If you want to book an appointment online, please fill in the form below.