A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp, called the donor site, to another part of the scalp that is balding or thinning, called the recipient site. The procedure is typically used to treat male and female pattern baldness, which is caused by genetic factors, as well as other conditions that cause hair loss.
There are two primary methods of hair transplantation: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). In FUT, a strip of skin is removed from the donor area and the hair follicles are harvested from this strip. In FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the scalp using a small, circular punch.
After the hair follicles are harvested, they are prepared for transplantation into the recipient site. This typically involves making small incisions in the scalp and placing the follicles into these incisions. The entire procedure can take several hours or more depending on the number of hair follicles being transplanted.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort and swelling, but these typically subside within a few days. The transplanted hair may also fall out initially, but new hair growth should begin within a few months. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation carries some risks, such as infection, scarring, and bleeding. It is important to discuss these risks with a qualified healthcare professional and weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding to undergo the procedure.