Hair transplants are a revolutionary advancement for those suffering from receding or thinning hair, offering natural-looking increased hair density and fullness. Having come a long way in the last decade, it is still difficult to erase from our memories some terrible media coverage hair transplantation has received in the past. We think this is one of the reasons one question we get asked all the time is ‘will my hair transplant be permanent?’. So, in this article, we’re breaking down how permanent a hair transplant is and explaining the latest methods that make hair transplantation patients obtain extraordinary results.
What is Hair Transplant Surgery?
Simply put, hair transplant surgery is an innovative procedure usually performed under a local anaesthetic in which a specialist surgeon takes hair, or more accurately hair grafts, from one part of the head or body, typically the back of the head, the ‘donor area’, then using intricate methods, implants the grafts into the area where the patient seeks increased hair density, the ‘recipient area’.
Types of Hair Transplant
There are two main methods of hair transplants UK used in clinics across the UK:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a method in which the surgeon uses a motorised or manual tool called a ‘punch’ to extract grafts individually from the patient’s donor area. These grafts are then implanted into the area affected by hair loss, the recipient area.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT or Strip Transplant)
An FUT hair transplant is different in that rather than taking individual hair grafts using a punch method, the surgeon removes a strip of the scalp from the back of the patient's head, and using this individually harvests the grafts before implanting into the patient’s recipient area.
Both methods have their pros and cons, and the method chosen will be dependent on the amount of grafts required and the patient’s personal preferences with regard to recovery, scarring and cost.
How permanent is our hair?
So it is important to understand that, with age, all of us will experience some hair thinning, even those who have undergone a hair transplant.
The area at the back of the head, which is typically used as the donor area, is unaffected by the DHT hormone. DHT is one of the most common reasons we suffer hair loss, being the cause of androgenic alopecia in men and women, which is more commonly known as ‘male pattern baldness’. Taking hair from this part of the scalp means that it is less likely to fall out. So moving the hair follicles from here, to the area hair loss has occurred, should give it a fighting chance of being some of the more permanent hair on the scalp.
Is a hair transplant really permanent?
Yes, the main advantage of undergoing hair transplantation surgery is that it is a permanent procedure. Within the months after hair transplant surgery, you shouldn’t be alarmed by some newly transplanted hair falling out. This is normal, and the follicles will begin working to create new hair.
Full results of hair transplantation will be visible between 6-9 months after surgery, and will continue to improve throughout the year. There are a number of non-surgical treatments available to enhance overall results.
Hair transplants at HHC Hair Clinics
Here at HHC Clinics, we take an individually tailored approach to your hair restoration journey. During a free, initial consultation with one of our experts, you can expect us to take a deeper look into your hair loss cause, using specialist microscopic equipment, taking a detailed hair loss, medical and family history and assessing the extent of your hair loss, so that we can create a bespoke hair restoration package to ensure hair density results that meet your expectations.
Should you wish to go ahead with a hair transplant, you are in safe hands with our professional, experienced and well-informed team. Our CQC rated excellent clinic boasts all the latest technology, so your procedure will be intricately and comfortably performed, and our team will ensure you are at ease throughout.
Before you leave, we will equip you with detailed aftercare and arrange to keep in touch, so we are on hand to answer any questions and offer advice. Our team will arrange a post-operative check-up with your surgeon, and we will see you back in clinic to observe how you are healing.
If you wish to arrange an appointment with our hair loss experts, get in touch today.
