A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair is taken from an area of the head that’s not affected by hair loss and transplanted in an area where there is hair thinning or baldness. Hair transplants are a treatment option for people with androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male and female pattern baldness, or hair loss caused by injury or burns.
Why is it a great option for those with androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia only affects the top and front of the scalp, because only the hair follicles here are sensitive to the hormone responsible for hair loss. If hair is taken from the back or sides of the scalp and transplanted to those areas, the hair will usually grow back indefinitely.
Do you need a hair transplant?
A surgical hair transplant is a drastic measure, and you should always explore other possible treatments before you resort to surgery.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on the severity of your hair loss, the type of procedure you have, the surgeon’s experience, and the clinic you choose to go to. You can expect to pay between £1,000 and £30,000.
Where can I get a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is considered to be cosmetic surgery, so it’s not usually available on the NHS. This means you’ll have to go to a private clinic or hospital to have your treatment.
How is a hair transplant done?
There are two main hair transplant methods:
The follicular unit transplantation (FUT) method
This is where a strip of skin that contains hairs is removed from the back and sides of the head and is divided into grafts containing about two hairs. The grafts are placed into small incisions in the scalp.
The follicular unit extraction (FUE) method
The entire head is shaved, then a special device is used to remove grafts of hair. The grafts are then placed into small incisions in the scalp.
Both methods can be done in one day and there is often no need for an overnight stay at the clinic or hospital.
Things to consider
- You can usually go back to work quicker if you have an FUT procedure.
- You can return to your normal hair care routine after 14 days, once the grafts are secure.
- The full results of your hair transplant are visible 12-18 months after the procedure.
Are there any side effects?
Your scalp might be tight and swollen for a few days, and you’ll have a scar, but this should fade and not be noticeable.
Treatments after surgery
The hair around your transplanted hair might continue to thin and shed, so you’ll have to use some hair loss treatments to prevent hair loss and encourage the growth of new hair after your surgery.
Hair loss-how we can help
If you’re suffering from hair loss and considering a hair transplant, it’s recommended that you try other hair loss treatments for at least 6 months to strengthen the hair and prevent further hair loss, before you resort to surgery.
At Salon La Reine, we have the Nioxin treatment system and product range in the salon, so if you’re worried about hair thinning or loss, come in for a consultation and rediscover thicker, fuller hair that shines with health.