Healing After Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair-transplant surgery has been around in some form since the 19th century, but it is only recently that it has been used as a fully cosmetic procedure to correct male pattern baldness. While early techniques tended to give the patient somewhat of a "doll hair" appearance around the hairline, modern methods can produce results that are virtually undetectable.

Benefits

• Male pattern baldness is a condition experienced by men (mostly), and can be caused by a wide range of factors. These factors include natural aging, a change in hormones and a genetic predisposition to baldness. Scientists have determined that DHT levels in the scalp are primarily responsible for early hair loss. While creams and pills can do their part in retaining what hair is left, they have been shown to be mostly ineffective when it comes to growing new hair, especially at the hairline. When an individual is interested in growing new hair, he often turns to hair transplant surgery, which involves taking donor hair from the sides and back of the head (where hair is unaffected by DHT levels) and plugging it into the areas that need it.

Warning

• Hair-transplant surgery does come with its share of risks, though these risks can be managed by choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon and by abiding by the rules this surgeon sets forth for both preparation and the healing process. Even in the best-case scenario, however, there is the chance of complications--as there is with any surgery. Infection could occur, which could lead to excessive scarring that will remain visible long after the healing process is finished. There is also the risk that the hair-transplant grafts won't find their new home suitable. If this happens, the surgery must be repeated. In the months following surgery, there will be an adjustment period in which the hair may look patchy and unnatural. This may even out, or further surgery could be recommended.

Considerations

• To make sure your hair-transplant surgery is a success, choose your physician carefully. There is enough information on the Internet that no one should have to make an uninformed decision about where to go. Do not automatically go with a surgeon or surgical facility simply because you see more of their commercials and they have better rates. Find a surgeon who has independent recommendations and a long history of successfully performing various types of hair transplants.

Prevention/Solution

• To make the surgery and healing process as painless and smooth as possible, follow each of your surgeon's instructions to the letter. One of the major inhibitors to a smooth recovery is smoking cigarettes. Smoking acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to flow to the scalp. The transplant grafts will depend on healthy blood flow to heal and grow properly. If you are a smoker, it is advised that you quit at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Time Frame

• An element of soreness will accompany the healing process. This soreness and aching can usually be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Bandages may or may not be used, depending on the techniques your doctor uses in the surgery. If bandages are used, they will generally be removed approximately 1 day after the successful surgery. Stitches will remain in place for about a week. You will probably be allowed to gently wash your hair 2 days after surgery. Many physicians recommend that you wait at least 3 weeks to perform any kind of strenuous activity or exercise.