Step By Step Hair Transplantation
Step 1:
Analysis of the Patient
Before taking any action, our specialists will determine the cause of hair loss and evaluate the chances of a successful hair transplantation by examining relevant test results and both donor and recipient areas. If all is favorable, the surgeon will determine the best method and design the look considering the natural hair lines.
Step 2:
Shaving the Donor Area
To extract the follicles, the surgeon shaves the hair on the donor area (DHI) or the whole scalp (FUE) depending on the chosen method. Hair follicles extracted should be in perfect condition to be used for a graft. The biologic structure that forms a follicle must be completely healthy so that the hair can survive and grow back after the transplantation.
Step 3:
Anesthesia
Local anesthetics are used in order to make both the extraction and grafting processes pain free for the patient. The area gets sedated with injections, and the patient remains conscious during the whole procedure.
Step 4:
Extraction of the Follicles
The surgeon extracts the hair follicles one by one by using a micro-motor tool that is less than 2mm in diameter. Each follicle can have 1 to 4 hairs, and the ones with more hair are favorable to achieve higher density. The micro-needle punctures the skin around the follicle no deeper than 1-2 millimeters. Once the follicle is ready, special forceps are used to extract it. Extracted follicles are placed in special solutions until they are transplanted.
Step 5:
Selection of Follicular Units
Once the extraction is finished, the donor area is bandaged. The patient recovers from anesthesia and can rest or eat during the recovery. The surgeon examines the extracted follicles and separates the ones which are viable. The follicles might also be grouped by number of hairs per follicle, thickness, bulb size etc. so that the relocation can be well balanced and the final result looks natural.
Step 6:
Implantation of the Hair
Once the follicles are chosen, the surgeon will start the implantation process. Canals will be opened in FUE technique, and extracted grafts will be placed in those canals manually. In DHI, grafts will be placed into a special tool called the Choi Pen, and then implemented to the scalp.
Step 7:
Post-Operation
It is very important to take good care of the area after a hair transplantation procedure to ensure successful results. Patients should protect the follicles by avoiding any physical contact or trauma for the first days. The doctor will wash the scalp 1-3 days after the operation using special products. Patients must not swim, go to spa and get exposed to excessive sunlight for the first month. Detailed aftercare instructions will be given to patients by their doctor during the first wash.
- First 2 weeks: The area appears redder and there might be some inflammation and itching. Scabs will start falling naturally around the 7th day.
- 2 months: During this period some follicles are expected to fall out from the scalp. It is completely normal and new hair will grow back from the same follicles.
- 3 Months: New hair starts to grow
- 6 Months: The transplanted hair gets stronger as it grows
- 1 Year: Transplanted hair blends in with the patients natural hair in a way it is not possible to tell which part is transplanted and which part is not.