Having a thinning or balding head of hair is a primary reason for self-confidence issues, up there with a crooked or damaged smile or bad skin. Hair loss is incredibly common, with many men suffering from male pattern baldness, but women are also subject to the loss of hair on their heads as well, so it’s not a male-centric problem.

The ability to reverse this problem is not fully complete, but we are getting closer every day and hair transplants are one of the methods in which doctors can help fix your confidence and restore your head of hair. If you are thinking about getting a hair transplant done, here is some important information.

How Does it Work?

Types of Transplant Methods

The first question you might ask is how does it work, and to make that general question more succinct, there are two different types of transplant methods. The first is the FUE method (follicular unit extraction) and if you read here at SureHair.com, you can see how this one is very popular. It involves shaving a strip in the back of the head to extract follicular units one by one, with the hair growing back to cover this spot.

The second is known as the FUSS method (follicular unit strip surgery). This one is more invasive as the surgeon(s) will remove a strip of skin (about 6 to 10 inches roughly) of hair follicles with the skin which they will then pick through to find useful follicles. The hair will be used to cover this strip, and it isn’t a deep incision to remove it as well.

The procedures become one and the same after the initial follicular unit method is used and the grafting begins for the doctors. They will then sterilize and numb the replacement area, then small holes will be cut with a scalpel to insert. A lot of this depends on the area of hair you are transplanting, the thickness of your hair, color, and other basic qualities of that nature.

Who Performs the Transplant

As mentioned, it is a doctor, often a surgeon that specializes in this type of work. You likely won’t be going to the hospital either as they can do this in their office if they are in fact a specialist and are set up to perform the procedure. As mentioned, it isn’t very invasive, nor does it require an extensive amount of equipment so you can expect to be in a fairly comfortable setting while having it done, which is beneficial for many. They will also likely have a team with them to help perform some of the tasks.

How Long Does it Take

The actual transplanting of the hair could range in time. Sometimes it can be 4 hours, or it can be 8 hours long, depending on the amount of hair, as well as other qualities like thickness or difficulty to find follicular units. Sometimes patients may be required to return for extra procedures to fix hair from continuing to fall out, or if you want to improve upon the transplant more (get thicker hair). All in all, it is a relatively quick job.

How to Prepare Beforehand

There isn’t much in the way of preparation that you would need for a more serious procedure like surgery, but it helps to make sure that your scalp is clean before going in. Removing dandruff can make it easier for the doctors to find useful follicular units, as well as being more sanitary for them. Otherwise, the biggest issue is preparing to pay for it.

A hair transplant procedure can cost anywhere from $5000 to $15 000, with obvious exceptions being less or more in cost. If you are dedicated to it, then it may be worth the money for a better outlook on life for your personal appearance.

How to Adjust After the Transplant

The post-procedure process is not a difficult one, but it can be uncomfortable for a bit. There will be tenderness of the scalp, you will need to take some mild painkillers, and your head will be bandage wrapped for a few days to protect it. You could also get antibiotics/antibacterial drugs to prevent infection, but it’s not always needed.

The recovery time will allow you to get back to work in up to 5 days, often less, but your transplanted hair will begin to fall out, with the new hair growth finally coming in after a few months. All in all, it is a fairly routine recovery phase.

Getting a hair transplant isn’t just about having a luscious, full head to run your hands through. It could mean the difference between self-esteem and self-doubt, so if you’re considering a hair transplant, this info will help you out before you do.