BLOG

With summer here, all of us are spending more time outside, where the weather and water sports tend to put hair loss top of mind since it’s easier to see. If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about your hair loss, it’s time to take control. One of the many hair replacement options available today is a hair transplant, but there is a lot of uncertainty around what exactly hair transplantation is and how it works. Today, we’ll answer some of the most popular questions about hair transplants to help you make your decision. 
 

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure performed by a doctor that replaces follicles in thinning areas with donor follicles from other parts of the scalp. Follicles are structures in your scalp where hair grows. Sometimes follicles slow down or stop growing hair, which is why people start to notice areas of thinning. Hair transplants replace follicles that have stopped growing with healthier follicles that will continue to grow hair, filling in thinning areas. 
 

Can everyone get a hair transplant? 

Hair transplants can be done on both men and women. Hair transplantation is a medical procedure that is only effective if it will work on your type and extent of hair loss. In addition to hair transplants, there are many effective options for hair restoration, including some that stimulate growth and others that cover areas of thinning, so it’s important to have an expert medical professional at the Hair Restoration Institute evaluate your personal needs and medical history. 
 

Generally, hair transplants are most effective for those who are only losing hair in specific areas, as with male pattern baldness, because we use your own hair follicles from thicker hair growth in other places of your scalp as the donors. Remember, everyone’s hair loss needs are different, so a hair transplant may not be the right treatment for everyone with male pattern baldness. The first step is an evaluation to determine which treatments will work right for you. 
 

Are there different types of hair transplants? If so, what’s the difference? 

There are two different types of transplants: FUE and FUT. FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation, uses strips of follicles from donor areas. FUE, which means Follicular Unit Extraction, is a sophisticated procedure that uses units of just a couple of donor follicles to fill in those areas. The main difference is that if you like to wear your hair very short in buzz cuts, an FUE procedure may be better for you since it won’t leave a linear scar like FUT. 
 

How often do I need hair transplants? Are they safe?

Hair transplantation is a permanent procedure that adds healthy, actively growing hair follicles into areas of thinning. When performed by our expert medical professionals at the Hair Restoration Institute, hair transplantation is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. 
 

Will my hair transplant work right away? Do I have to go on vacation when I get a hair transplant? 

It will take a few months for your hair to grow from the transplanted follicles, but today’s modern hair transplantation procedures are usually done in a single day, so you can go on with your life after just a short recovery period. Your Hair Restoration Institute technician will provide aftercare instructions that include things to avoid and how to care for your scalp as it heals and the transplanted follicles grow hair back. 
 

Do hair transplants look natural? 

Because we use your own hair follicles, your transplanted hair will eventually blend in with your other hair and will look completely natural. Once the healing process is complete, you can swim, play sports, and get on with your life as usual – but without the self-conscious worry about thinning hair. 
 

If you are experiencing hair loss, come in for a private, free consultation at the Hair Restoration Institute to see which options for hair replacement are right for your needs. We’ll assess your hair loss and develop a personalized plan to get you back out having fun in the sun without worrying about your hair. You can find us at 1201 West Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas, or call or 817-854-HAIR (4247) for a complimentary consultation.