Up to What Age is Hair Transplant Done?
First of all, let me explain to you what hair transplantation is. Hair transplantation is the placement of hair follicles taken from parts of the body, such as the genital area, chest, legs and arms in some cases, to the area where shedding has occurred. Although the implanted hair starts to grow, it falls out again with shock shedding in the same week, however the shock shed hair grows back after a certain period of time.
So why does hair fall out? The reasons for hair loss can depend on the genes we inherit from our maternal relatives, especially the maternal uncle. In addition to these genetic codes, stress, dandruff, suffocating the hair, mistakes made while washing hair, and products with incorrect ingredients or expired hair products can also cause hair loss.
A person does not need to be completely bald to have a hair transplant. The procedure, which is performed on the hairless area, can also be performed on areas with thinning hair.
Although the success rate is not 100%, depending on the place where the procedure is performed, 90-95% success is achieved in general procedures.
How is Hair Transplantation done?
First of all, hair follicles are collected from the donor area (neck, genital area, arms and legs, chest) by making a surgical incision or with the help of a micro-tipped apparatus. Depending on the type of procedure, the extracted hair follicles are either planted at the same time or after the rooting process is completely finished, starting from the part of the head that is close to the forehead line. The procedure is painless since local (regional) anesthesia is applied. Depending on the size of the area to be transplanted, the procedure takes about 6 or 9 hours on average. The process is completed in a single session. Approximately 10,000 hairs can be transplanted in a single session. If a second session is required, it can be done 6 months after the first session, depending on the recovery period of the area where the roots are taken. A third session after the healing is completed can be carried out according to the patient’s request. Although 25% of the transplanted hair follicles are shed, 75% of them will hold on to their roots robustly and will start to grow.
Does Hair Transplantation Harm Existing Hair?
Since an operation is performed on the scalp, some thinning will be observed in the natural hair found on the skin. However, this thinning will remedy itself in a few months after the procedure, and the hair will regain its old appearance.
Things to Consider Before Hair Transplant
The most important issue to be considered is that the hospital or clinic to be transplanted is a good, reliable, well-equipped, well-trained, clean place that has the certificates required to do this job. If anticoagulants are used before the procedure, they should be discontinued in consultation with the doctors. The candidate for hair transplantation must have breakfast on the day of the procedure. The patient should choose easy-to-remove clothing such as a wide-necked t-shirt or shirt on the day of the procedure.
Things to Consider after Hair Transplant
Bath must be avoided for three days after the procedure. At the same time, activities that will make the person sweat should be avoided, and the head area should not come into direct contact with the sun, pool and sea. Since such circumstances will make the area wet or sweat, it will pave the way for bacteria and infections that propagate in wet places, prolonging the recovery period and jeopardizing the desired result. The patient should also avoid sexual activities to ensure that he is not exposed to adverse movements hitting the head during the activity until recovery is completed. At the end of the third day, the patient can go to the place where the procedure was performed for the first hair washing on the fourth day, or the patient can was his hair at home with gentle movements, with the shampoos recommended by the doctor. The medications and lotions prescribed and recommended by the doctor should be used regularly to ensure a robust healing process. If a surgical incision is made during the procedure, the dressing should be changed regularly. A doctor should be consulted directly if any inflammation occurs. Regular wiping of the scabs that will form at the end of a certain period of time is very important to ensure that the skin is in contact with oxygen It is sufficient to clean it with a damp cloth with soft movements . before bathing.
The pillow should not touch the transplanted area for the first fifteen days during sleep, and you should lie on your back.
Scalp massage should be started at least 15 days after the procedure. Scalp massage is very important for blood circulation and stimulating the transplanted cells. Massage should be done with gentle stroking and squeezing movements with the fingertips without pressing too hard.
It is necessary to consume foods rich in zinc to ensure that the transplanted roots are healthy and take root quickly. Zinc is used in tissue repair in our body. Turkey meat, spinach, pumpkin seeds, garlic are examples of food rich in zinc.
After the hair transplant operation, you should get sick leave for at least 10 days from your doctor or have the procedure coincide with your vacation time.
What is Shock Shedding After Hair Transplantation?
The shock shedding event that occurs 1-3 months after the procedure should not cause the patient any concerns. It is a routine event observed after all hair transplantation procedures. Shedding will be experienced from time to time to be replaced by new hair. New hair will start to grow at a rate of 60-70% from the sixth month after the shock shedding, letting you know that you are approaching the look you want.
What is the Cost of Hair Transplantation?
The cost, which may vary depending on the location of the clinic or hospital, equipment, working doctors and the size of the area to be planted, varies between 3,500 and 4,500 on average.
How Long Does the Hair Transplant Last?
The transplant will be fully healed one year after the procedure is completed. However, the possibility of failure also exists in this procedure, as in every medical procedure. As a result of observations, doctors and experts have reported that transplanted hair does not shed again. This, of course depends on following the doctor’s instructions during the healing process and regular and necessary care that should be done to ensure that the results last for a long time.
UP TO WHAT AGE IS HAIR TRANSPLANTATION DONE?
Hair transplantation is a recommended procedure for those between the ages of 18 and 65. However, there is no age limit for these procedures. The age of 18 or adulthood is considered the lower limit for the procedure. Anyone who does not have advanced health problems can have a hair transplant. The determining factor in hair transplantation is not age, but the rate of hair loss and the degree of baldness.
In broad terms, hair transplantation is not recommended for people under the age of 30. It is also not recommended for people who are experiencing active hair loss.
There is no situation that prevents hair transplantation, however hair transplantation is not performed on people who are congenitally bald. This is because there is no root to be used for transplantation.
Is Hair Transplantation Covered by Insurance?
Hair transplant operations are not covered by any insurance since it is an aesthetical procedure.