A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which healthy hair is moved from one part of the head to another part affected by hair loss. It’s often performed to restore hair loss due to male pattern baldness. And if you’re wondering whether this procedure is permanent, the good news is that hair transplants may last a lifetime. Today, the hair transplant doctors at Advanced Clinics in Oklahoma City, OK are here to talk about what you can expect from the procedure.
Do Hair Transplants Last Forever?
Most procedures performed by our hair transplant doctors result in permanent hair growth. And in some cases, they may even last a lifetime. This is because hair follicles that are transplanted to the top of the scalp are not affected by hormones that are responsible for hair loss.
However, several factors can affect how long your hair transplant lasts. The type of surgical technique used, your age, and how well you take care of your new hair all play a role in determining how long your transplanted hair follicles will stay in place. We will provide you with aftercare instructions and advice on how you can get long-lasting results from the procedure.
How Are Hair Transplants Performed?
Here at Advanced Hair Restoration of Oklahoma, our hair transplant doctors use follicular unit extraction (FUE). This technique involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the scalp using the SmartGraft device.
Because this procedure doesn’t involve incisions, this technique tends to be less invasive and results in less scarring. The system can harvest grafts from the donor area with minimal damage and transecting of follicular units.
What Happens During a Hair Transplant Procedure?
During a hair restoration procedure, individual follicular units from the donor area are removed and transplanted into areas affected by pattern baldness or significant hair loss. Our hair transplant doctors begin the procedure by administering local anesthesia and oral sedation to numb the scalp and ensure that you are comfortable and conscious throughout the procedure.
Next, the SmartGraft device is used to extract follicular units one at a time from the donor area. These follicular units are then transplanted into the recipient area using tiny needles.
When Will You See the Results?
It will take some time before you can see the full potential of your hair transplant. Transplanted follicles will naturally shed the hair that is present on your scalp at the time of the procedure, and the development of new hairs can take up to three to four months.
Keep in mind that hair growth occurs in stages, and your grafts can take up to six to eight months before producing new, healthy hair.
Is There Downtime?
It’s best to take some time off work after your hair restoration procedure. We recommend that you avoid strenuous activities for about a week after getting hair transplants, but you should be able to return to your daily routine a few days after the procedure.
Is a Follow-Up Appointment Necessary?
About two weeks after your hair transplant procedure, you’ll need to visit our office to have your sutures removed. However, if you are from a different location, your primary care provider may remove your sutures.
How Should You Prepare for a Hair Transplant Procedure?
If you’re considering a hair transplant procedure, we have a few tips to help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are some ways you can get ready for your surgery:
Schedule a Consultation
During your initial meeting with our hair transplant doctors, we will discuss the details of the procedure and what you can expect from it. This is a good time to ask us any questions you may have.
Maintain Good Health
Before performing your hair transplant surgery, we may perform a physical examination and review your general medical history to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure.
We may advise you to stop taking any medications or supplements that could interfere with healing or increase bleeding risk at least two weeks before surgery. Smoking and consuming alcohol are also discouraged.
Keep Your Hair Clean and Natural
For the best results, you are advised to come into your appointment with clean, natural hair. This means you should avoid dying or using harsh products on your hair.
If you are using any special shampoos or medicated hair products as recommended by a doctor, you may continue to use them up until your transplant procedure.
Arrange for Assistance
After your hair transplant procedure, it will be best for you to take it easy and avoid exerting yourself. Although you might feel that you can go home by yourself, we recommend that you focus on healing and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may also book a ride to take you home.
How To Get Long-Lasting Results From Your Hair Transplant
After you have undergone a hair restoration procedure, it is important to take care of your new hair to ensure that the results are long-lasting and natural-looking. Here are some tips on how to care for your hair after a hair restoration procedure. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your new hair transplant is successful and that your newly transplanted hairs remain healthy and strong.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
One of the most important things to remember after getting hair transplants is to be gentle with your hair. This means avoiding any activities that might cause trauma or stress to the scalp or newly transplanted hair follicles.
Additionally, be careful when styling your hair. Be gentle when brushing it out and avoid pulling too hard on tangles.
Avoid Excessive Shampooing
Shampooing too often can strip away natural oils from the scalp and hair, which can lead to dryness and damage. Try shampooing every other day at most, and use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
Avoid Using Hot Tools
Curling irons, straighteners, and other hot tools can cause heat damage to the hair shafts. If you must use them, try using lower temperatures and always apply a heat protectant first.
Let your hair air dry whenever possible, and if you must use a blow dryer, use it on the lowest setting. Be careful not to brush your hair too harshly – gentle brushing is all that’s needed.
Keep Your Scalp Clean and Hydrated
It’s important to keep the scalp clean after a hair transplant, as dirt and oils can clog the pores and lead to infection. Gently wash your scalp with a mild shampoo every day, making sure not to scrub too hard. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or products on your hair for at least two weeks after the transplant.
In addition to keeping the scalp clean, it’s important to keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water or using a humidifier in dry conditions. A healthy scalp will promote healthy hair growth.
Protect Your Hair From the Sun
The sun can damage your hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. To protect your transplanted hair, always wear a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors for extended periods.
If you must be in the sun for a prolonged period, try to wear clothing that covers your head and neck. You can also apply sunscreen to your scalp to help protect your hair.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can damage the hair follicles and impede new hair growth. If you’re a smoker, quitting before your hair transplant procedure is essential to maximizing your chances of success. It’s also important to avoid smoking afterward to protect your investment and ensure that your new hair grows healthy and strong.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is important for overall health, but it’s especially important for those who have undergone a recent hair restoration procedure. Eating plenty of protein-rich foods will help promote new hair growth, while fruits and vegetables will provide the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy scalp.
Hair Transplant Doctors You Can Trust
Some people may find that their transplanted hair lasts forever, while others may need touch-ups or additional transplants over time. The main thing to keep in mind is that a hair transplant is an investment, that’s why it’s a must to choose qualified and experienced hair transplant doctors who can help you achieve the best possible results. To get started with your hair restoration journey, contact Advanced Clinics in Oklahoma City, OK, and schedule a consultation with our team.