Hair Transplant
What is a hair transplant?
It is now possible in a single painless operating session (under local anesthesia) to perform a hair micro-transplantation to correct alopecia, even significant, in a very precise, discreet and lasting way, we speak of follicular unit transplantation (Follicular Unit transplantation or FUT method). It is the most advanced hair transplantation technique and leaves the micro-grafting technique far behind. The follicular unit transplantation method considers groups of hair roots (or hair bulbs) as structures in their own right. Each group of hair roots is called a follicular unit (FU) and consists of one, two or three hair roots (hair). The hair bulbs located at the back of the head or on the sides are not sensitive to Dihydroxytestosterone and are programmed to “not fall out”, so they will continue their hair growth cycle for a lifetime. When they are transplanted to the bald areas of the skull, they will retain these genetic properties and continue to grow.Wound after suture (close up) Scar post close up, one year later.The medical team then works under a binocular microscope at high magnification to cut the strip of skin and prepare the follicular units to be transplanted according to the natural distribution of the hair in the scalp and according to the characteristics of the hair (shape, color, thickness). The recipient sites are then prepared by micro-incisions of 0.5 to 0.9 mm which respect the direction of natural hair regrowth. The follicular units are finally put in place:
Follicular units of 1-2 hairs are placed in the anterior area of the head to redraw the frontal area in a natural and undetectable way.
Follicular units of 3 to 6 hairs are placed back to give density. intervention, a local antiseptic is applied.
What precautions should be taken before having surgery?
As a rule, a blood test is required to see if you are healthy. You should not take aspirin 15 days before the operation because aspirin promotes bleeding. The crown hair should not be too short (at least 2 cm long). You must wash your hair the day before with your usual shampoo and not be fasting, you must eat normally.
Is long hair a problem for the transplant?
No, on the contrary, the crown hair must be at least 2 cm in order to hide the harvest scar. It is not necessary to cut your hair before a transplant. Long hair doesn't bother us.
Is there any special preparation of the scalp before the operation?
No, it is not necessary as the scalp is normally maintained by a usual shampoo.
Why can't you transplant someone else's hair on yourself?
There would be systematic rejection of the transplanted hair, as it would be considered by the body as a foreign body.
Is there a particular period for having surgery?
No, you can have a transplant at any time of the year. However, if you plan to go on vacation by the sea, it is better to get a transplant 15 days before swimming. The sun is not a contraindication, however, it is better to protect your head for a fortnight.
Is the transplanted hair fragile?
No, it is resistant hair that will grow all the time and will have the same structure as the crown hair. They can be styled normally, cut, brushed, colored etc...
How long are the interventions?
The duration of the procedures depends on the technique used and the number of grafts implanted. For the micro-graft it takes about 2 hours for a session of 350 grafts and about 3 to 4 hours for a session of 700 grafts. For the ultra-micro-graft, it takes about 2 hours for a session of 500 grafts, 3 1/2 hours for a session of 1000 grafts, 5 to 6 hours for 2000 grafts and approximately 7 to 8 hours for a session of 4000 grafts.
When can you do your first shampoo?
One or two days after the procedure, with your usual shampoo.
Is there any special care for the hair after the procedure?
No, hair transplantation is a natural method that does not require any special maintenance (neither products nor lotions). If you are already using a hair lotion based on Minoxidil, you can take it again two weeks after the procedure.
Should I come back to see you to carry out a check after the operation?
No, there is no obligation. The suture placed at the level of the crown is an absorbable suture that will fall out on its own. However if you wish to come for a check you will always be welcome at any time. We can be reached by telephone 24 hours a day. As a general rule, a check-up can be carried out after 8 months to assess the quality of hair regrowth.
Is the result guaranteed?
As a general rule, it takes about 3 months before you see the first hairs coming out. They will grow at the rate of 1 to 2 cm per month. Yes, insofar as the grafts have been taken, cut and implanted with great care, regrowth is guaranteed. It is obvious that not all hair will grow back the same day at the same time. Regrowth takes place over time. But after several months the grafts will have grown back more than 98%! The loss is therefore negligible.