In-depth technical information on hair transplantation, hair loss, baldness, and thinning hair: how much can it be treated, pros and cons you should know, is hair transplantation really scarless and minimally painful? Here are the answers.
FUE hair transplantation solves baldness problems with minimal pain, no need to shave hair, and no scars. For those who have thinning hair, hair loss, or baldness and feel worried and lose confidence because hair can greatly enhance external appearance, if you are looking for a solution to baldness, “hair transplantation” is one of the effective methods. Especially FUE hair transplantation, which is currently popular and widely discussed, can help solve baldness problems to what extent and what the treatment steps are. Follow this article to find out.
Causes of Hair Loss, Thinning Hair, Baldness
- Genetics: Statistics show about 90%
- External factors such as stress, deficiency of certain nutrients
- Side effects from other diseases, commonly found in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection within 2-3 months, may experience acute hair loss, including patients with SLE or hyperthyroidism
For treatment approaches for each cause, doctors will diagnose individually. Treatments include medication, laser therapy, and the most popular is hair transplantation surgery.
What is FUE Hair Transplantation?
FUE Hair Transplantation (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a permanent hair transplantation method that uses the patient’s own hair follicle cells transplanted to the desired area, such as thinning or balding areas. After transplantation, the hair will grow and will not fall out again. It is a surgery with minimal and very small wounds by using a small device to extract hair from the back and transplant it to the front without visible linear or long scars. This technique also includes sub-techniques such as no-shave transplantation or long hair transplantation, where long hair can be transplanted directly. Clear changes can be seen after the procedure.
FUE Hair Transplant Surgery Without Shaving
What problems does FUE hair transplantation solve and who is it suitable for?
- Solves baldness and receding hairline problems
- Solves hair loss and thinning hair problems
- Corrects hairline that may be too high
- Solves thinning hair caused by deteriorated hair follicle cells
FUE hair transplantation is also popular for cosmetic enhancement, such as creating a facial frame by designing a new hairline, especially for female patients with a very receding front hairline resembling men, which causes loss of confidence. After the procedure, the face looks slimmer and softer.
Additionally, this technique can be used to transplant eyebrows to enhance facial features in people with thin eyebrows or scars on the eyebrows, or to transplant hair from other parts of the body. For example, male patients with abundant mustache, beard, or chest hair can also have these hairs transplanted to the scalp.
Note: Normally, people lose fewer than 70 hairs per day. If hair loss exceeds 70 hairs, it is considered abnormal, indicating thinning, hair loss problems, and risk of baldness in the future.
FUE Hair Transplantation Procedure
- After the doctor designs and draws the desired hairline with the patient, local anesthesia is generally used for the hair transplant surgery. For patients afraid of needles or pain, the medical team will collaborate with an anesthesiologist to help the patient relax so that the FUE hair transplant surgery is painless.
- Start the surgery by extracting and transplanting hair follicles in an appropriate amount for each case, controlling temperature and using special techniques to keep the hair follicles in the best condition.
- During the transplantation step, the doctor will create holes in the desired positions, determining the density, location, and direction of the hairline to be as natural as possible. The FUE hair transplant surgery takes about 4-8 hours or longer depending on the number of hair follicles used.
- Patients can go home immediately after the surgery.
When Can You See Results from FUE Hair Transplant?
The time to see results from FUE hair transplantation varies by individual and depends on the technique used. In cases where long hair transplantation is chosen, changes can be seen immediately. In cases where hair follicles are transplanted, hair will gradually fall out and regrow normally within 6 months to 1 year. The new hair will not fall out again.
Preparation Before Hair Transplantation
- Consult the doctor about your concerns and needs so the doctor can plan appropriate treatment.
- Inform the doctor about health problems such as chronic diseases or regular medications.
- Before surgery, avoid taking medications or supplements that affect blood clotting such as Plavix, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Fish oil, ginseng, or other herbs for at least 7 days.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking 48 hours before and after surgery.
- Get at least 6 hours of sufficient rest.
- Avoid drinking tea and coffee before surgery.
- Have a companion on the surgery day and do not drive yourself because anesthesia and sedatives are used during surgery, which may cause drowsiness after the procedure.
Post-Operative Care After Hair Transplant Surgery
During the first 5-7 days after hair transplantation, strictly follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure good results. Do not pick, scratch, or rub the scalp area. In the early period after FUE hair transplantation, the scalp area will be sensitive and scabbed. Picking, scratching, or rubbing the transplanted area can cause the transplanted cells to fall out, resulting in poor hair growth in the transplanted area. After 6 months or more, when the new hair has grown well, patients can cut, dye, color, or style their hair as they wish because it is their own hair, and they can participate in all kinds of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FUE Hair Transplant Hurt?
- For those afraid of pain, FUE hair transplantation uses local anesthesia and sedatives during surgery, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure.
Is FUE Hair Transplant Really Scarless?
- FUE hair transplantation uses a tool similar to a sharp drill to extract hair follicles from the scalp. The wounds are very small. After healing, scars are not visible. Patients can part their hair or wear headbands without visible scars.
Where is the Best Place for FUE Hair Transplant?
- FUE hair transplantation must be performed by skilled doctors with expertise in hair transplantation. At Hair Center, Hair and Scalp Care Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, specialized doctors closely monitor patients. There are 15 treatment programs to choose from, with surgical techniques ranging from minimally painful to painless according to patient needs. Since cell transplantation is delicate, hair follicles must be well cared for outside the body before transplantation to ensure effective hair growth. Additionally, during the first week, the Hair Center offers services such as hair washing, light therapy, and close hair care to achieve the best results.
For those interested in FUE hair transplantation, it is recommended to consult a doctor and communicate your needs so the doctor can plan appropriate treatment. For those wondering if FUE hair transplantation is good, the answer is that FUE is a good option. It provides permanent hair growth, visible results, and good outcomes, making it worth the investment.
