Products claiming to thicken or regenerate hair have become increasingly common in recent years. The truth is that most of these beauty aids don’t live up to their claims. We anticipate that the U.S. FUE hair transplant market will reach over 200,000 by 2027 and continue to expand well into the future due to its effectiveness over these hair care products for baldness or hair loss. So, if you’re considering a FUE hair transplant, here’s a comprehensive handbook to have by your side.
The Steps to Take Before Your FUE Hair Transplant
Making sure that everything is in order is crucial in getting ready for the FUE hair transplant. Plan ahead for the transplant using the following schedule:
One Month in Advance
It’s time to take care of the scalp. After surgery, stimulating blood flow and promoting healing can be aided by daily scalp massage for 10-30 minutes. A last checkup to ensure there would be no difficulties during the transplant is recommended.
Two Weeks in Advance
A successful recovery after surgery requires a few preparations in the days leading up to the procedure. You should go to the surgeon about two weeks before the surgery to get advice on what medications you should and should not use, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Vitamin C supplements may be prescribed to patients to hasten recovery.
It’s crucial that smokers give up their habit right now. Because nicotine can reduce the amount of oxygen carried by blood, smoking slows the body’s recovery from a FUE hair transplant.
On the day of procedure
Washing hair with shampoo and conditioner is essential before getting a FUE hair transplant, as is avoiding the use of any other hair treatments (such as gel or wax) in the weeks leading up to the procedure.
The doctors will tell you when you should have your last meal or drink before the operation. Patients are typically advised to fast before having anesthesia. Following medical procedures, many people experience dizziness.
How FUE Hair Transplant Procedure works
Until the follicles stop reproducing, hair goes through a three-stage growth and regrowth cycle. The process varies from person to person, with some experiencing hair loss or balding at a younger age than others.
FUE hair transplants restore hair growth by exchanging nonfunctional follicles for healthy new ones. The transplanted follicles will receive nourishment from new blood vessels, and hair will begin to grow in the bald or thinning areas.
FUE Hair Transplant Methodology
Here is how a FUE hair transplant is performed:
- In preparation for the transplant, the surgeon will shave the donor and recipient areas clean.
- Micropunch instruments are used to extract hair follicles from the skin.
- After extracting follicles, the surgeon will make very small incisions with a needle or other sharp instrument to place the grafts.
- After the wounds have healed, the surgeon will insert the follicles and cover them with a bandage.
Effects of Follicular Unit Extraction on Hair
Small white spots may appear at the extraction sites after a follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant. If you have any severe negative effects, please see a doctor right away. Some of the possible adverse effects:
- Infection following surgery
- Formation of a crust or drainage around the surgical incision
- Pain or swelling
- Bleeding
- Hair thinning or balding after surgery
After a FUE Hair Transplant, What Should You Expect?
Healing after a FUE hair transplant can take anywhere from six months to a year, but you can shorten the process by adhering to a few simple guidelines afterward:
- You should go three days without taking a shower or washing your hair.
- Once you begin shampooing your hair, do it with caution for a couple of weeks.
- Rest entirely to facilitate recovery.
- Don’t brush or comb your hair for at least three weeks after it’s been cut.
- Please refrain from donning hats, beanies, and other head coverings.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise for at least a week.
After around three to four months, you should start to see a change. About 80–90% of your hair will come back.
Is FUE or FUT the More Effective Procedure?
Studies and research have proven that FUE hair transplants are more successful than FUT because they use cutting-edge technology and need less surgical intervention.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consult a medical professional if you’re worried about your hair thinning. It is crucial to complete research on reputable medical facilities and experts for this surgery. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the hair transplant procedure and get any questions answered.