Comprehensive Hair Transplant Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Confidence is an incredibly powerful emotion. Having confidence can mean the difference between landing that job or deal you have been working towards. And first impressions count. Your hairstyle is one of the first things that people will see and make a judgement on. Being confident in your hair and being able to present an impeccable version of yourself can pay off.

Physically, hair plays an important role in protecting our scalp from the sun and helping to maintain body temperature. Emotionally, your hair is part of who you are, how you see yourself and how others see you.

This guide has been created to help answer any questions you might have about hair loss and whether a hair transplant could be the right procedure for you.

What Is Hair & How Does It Grow?

Hair is composed of two structures. The hair shaft, which is the hair you see on your scalp, and the follicle, a narrow tube in the skin through which the hair shaft grows. A good analogy is a pot plant, where the hair shaft is the plant and the follicle is the pot of soil that the plant grows from. The hair shaft begins to grow from cells at the base of the follicle. As the cells multiply, they grow upwards inside the tube. By the time the growing hair pushes out of the skin, the cells have died and are a hard protein called keratin.

Hair growth occurs in 3 stages:

Anagen:

is the active phase during which new hair forms and grows. During this phase, rapidly growing hair pushes out the older hair from the follicle. On the scalp, hair remains in the anagen phase for 2-5 years, and at any given time, 80-90% of hair follicles are in this stage.

Catagen:

is a transitional phase where growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks away from the follicle wall and attaches to the root of the hair This phase lasts for 2-3 weeks and about 3% of all hair follicles are in this phase at any given time.

Telogen:

is the resting phase and lasts for about 100 days for the scalp. The follicle is resting during this phase and it is during this time that hair can be either pulled out or shed. Around 10-15% of hair follicles are in telogen at any one time.

Overview of Hair Loss

There is an important distinction to make between shedding, which occurs as part of the normal cycle of hair growth, and hair loss. It is quite normal to shed 50-100 hairs a day, through brushing or washing your hair, or as the old hair is pushed out by new hair growth. As we age, some of the hair follicles stop producing new hair, or the anagen phase gets progressively shorter and the hair is shed at a faster rate.

Hair loss occurs through other factors that either affect the health of the hair follicle or disrupt the normal cycle of hair growth. Some of these effects are reversible and normal hair growth returns once the trigger is removed. Other factors can’t be reversed without medical help.

› Everybody sheds 50-100 hairs daily as part of a normal hair growth cycle

› 55% of men have noticeable hair loss by the age of 40

› 95% of all hair loss types are genetic

› The same hormone (DHT) that causes hair loss is also responsible for acne and oily skin

The hair follicle is programmed to perform between 25 and 30 cycles, throughout life. When one suffers from baldness (or androgenetic alopecia), the cycles of the hair accelerate. Initially, it is due to the hormones that attack as a poison and accelerate the pace of the growth phase. The hair is forced to go into the rest phase (telogen) faster, not leaving the hair follicle enough time to make good quality keratin (what hair is made of).

It is then a vicious circle, the cycles are shorter and shorter, the hair of lesser and lesser quality. In the long run, the cycles are exhausted… and the hair does not grow again.

Causes of Hair Loss

Both men and women experience hair loss, although it is more frequent and perhaps more noticeable in men.

Androgenetic Alopecia

By far the most common reason for hair loss and baldness is genetics. For about 90% of men and women who experience hair loss, the cause is related to changing hormone levels (‘Andro’), a trait that is inherited from your parents (‘genetic’). The hormones involved in androgenetic alopecia are called androgens. Increased levels of androgen shorten the growth phase (anagen) of the hair and delay the start of new hair growth if you carry a genetic marker/trait. At the same time, a proportion of the follicles shrink in size and produce vellus hairs – barely visible hairs with no pigment.

In androgenetic alopecia, hair loss occurs in a distinctive pattern (also known as male and female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness) that can begin any time after puberty and becomes progressively more noticeable with age.

Hair loss may also be a temporary reaction to a trigger that improves once the trigger is removed and hair growth returns to its normal pattern. Some triggers can’t be reversed without medical help. The temporary increase in shedding occurs 2-4 months after the trigger event and may last for several months or can be ongoing.

Reversible hair loss triggers include:

Stress:

causes a range of health problems, but often one of the first symptoms of stress is hair. Unfortunately, losing your hair can often be a cause of stress and can make the problem worse.

A poor diet:

lacking essential nutrients supporting optimal hair growth may also result in hair loss. A diet lacking sufficient protein, the main component of hair can inhibit follicle

Smoking:

reduces the amount of oxygen and increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood supply to the scalp, causing damage to the hair

Hormonal imbalances:

can lead to temporary hair loss. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can result in hair shedding, and for women, changes in estrogen levels before and after childbirth, as well as during menopause, can also contribute to hair loss.

Diseases or infections:

causing fever, anaemia or damage to the skin (eczema, skin infections, trauma) can also contribute to hair

What Can I Do If My Hair Is Falling Out?

Improving your general health is a good start in reducing hair loss. If you can reduce stress, improve your diet and stop smoking, you may be able to reverse your hair loss without further treatment or improve the success of any treatment you may need.

A correct diagnosis is really important to determine if you would benefit from one of the many treatment options available. Over two-thirds of men and women suffering hair loss get some form of treatment without a proper medical diagnosis and then spend a fortune on lotions and shampoos that don’t work.

If you are worried about losing your hair or have been thinking about getting treatment for hair loss, Top Hair Loss Clinic can give you an accurate diagnosis and answer any questions you might have about what treatment options are right for you.

Telogen Effluvium

Leading Trichologists (hair specialists) are seeing an increase in the frequency of reactive hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium. Thinning hair is a natural part of ageing, however, younger people suffering from excessive shedding is becoming much more common. The excessive shedding occurs as a result of more follicles going into the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, usually following some type of “shock” to the follicles.

As more and more consumers move towards narrower diets, and as social and professional stress levels seem to be greater than ever before, the frequency in the number of cases of thinning hair is increasing. We explain telogen effluvium, explain its causes and how you can prevent and treat the condition.

Telogen Effluvium (TE) appears as thinning hair, typically on the top of the scalp and is one of the most common hair concerns for women. The thinning appearance is due to more follicles going into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle which then leads to excessive shedding. This reduction in the number of follicles in the hair growth phase can be caused by a range of factors.

What makes this condition even more challenging to diagnose is that the onset of noticeable shedding usually happens several months after the significant event (loss of a loved one or job loss for example) or change in diet. Nutritional deficiencies, which can arise from certain fad diets or inadequately planned vegan and vegetarian diets, may contribute to hair shedding in some young women. The hair needs nutrients, minerals and protein to grow and stay healthy. When the body is lacking in essential nutrients and protein, the hair suffers as it is not an essential tissue. The follicles are starved of what they need to grow, hence they are forced into the resting and then shedding phase. This cycle takes approximately 2-4 months, which explains why the hair loss is noticed much later than the actual cause.

Key reasons people suffer from Telogen Effluvium include:

• Stress
• Fad diet
• Diet lacking adequate protein
• Diet lacking essential nutrients and minerals, such as iron
• Illness or fever
• Emotional shock

If you are suffering from hair loss, think about what event happened approximately 3 months prior. Were you grieving or did you endure another very stressful event? Did you go on a juice fast? Or perhaps you were ill.

How Can I Treat or Prevent Telogen Effluvium?

Ensuring your diet includes enough nutrients and protein is important. If your system is lacking or not absorbing enough nutrients, excessive shedding can be triggered. Even minor nutrient deficiencies can cause your body to withhold nutrients from the hair as the body can survive without it. Many people seeking advice for excessive shedding can otherwise appear fit and healthy.

Reducing stress levels, living a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and looking after yourself will also help to reverse TE.

The critical point is to ensure you have a correct diagnosis.

Never assume that you have telogen effluvium. Seek specialist advice as a medical diagnosis is imperative to rule out any other causal factors.

What Causes Hair Loss In Women?

As a woman, when you become aware that you are losing hair, it’s concerning to ponder if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent. Events such as pregnancy or illness are associated with hair thinning. In today’s ever-busy environment, when high standards are expected, stress-related loss of hair is becoming more and more common. The additional stress caused by thinning hair can in turn feed the initial cause of the loss and the cycle continues until stress levels are addressed and managed.

The most likely cause of scalp hair loss in women, just as in men, is androgenetic alopecia – an inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens (male hormones) on scalp hair follicles. However, women with loss due to this cause usually do not develop true baldness in the patterns that occur in men. Patterns of female androgenetic alopecia can vary considerably in appearance.

Women tend to have less obvious “patterns” of loss than men and non-pattern types are more frequent in women than in men. If you are concerned about thinning hair, you should seek professional advice from a hair loss specialist. In most cases, female hair loss can be effectively treated, however, self-diagnosis is not recommended. It is important to note that female pattern loss can begin as early as the late teens to early twenties in women who have experienced early puberty. If left untreated, the loss of hair associated with early puberty can progress to more advanced loss in the future.

Patterns of Female Hair Loss

The “patterns” or areas of thinning that women are most likely to notice are as follows:

1. Diffuse thinning of hair over the entire scalp, often with more noticeable thinning toward the back of the scalp.

2. Diffuse thinning over the entire scalp, with more noticeable thinning toward the front of the scalp but not involving the hairline.

3. Diffuse thinning over the entire scalp, with more noticeable thinning toward the front of the scalp, involving and sometimes breaching the hairline.

Unlike the case for men, thinning scalp hair in women due to androgenetic alopecia does not uniformly grow smaller in diameter (miniaturize). Women with loss due to androgenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameter throughout the affected areas of the scalp. While miniaturizing hairs is a feature of androgenetic alopecia, miniaturization may also be associated with other causes and is not in itself a diagnostic feature of androgenetic alopecia. In post-menopausal women, for example, hair may begin to miniaturize and become difficult to style. The precise diagnosis should be made by a hair restoration specialist.

The Psychological Effects of Hair Loss

Until you start losing your hair, you probably don’t appreciate how much it contributes to your sense of self. In today’s ‘selfie society,’ we are constantly reminded of our appearance and are bombarded by pictures of young, fit, and good-looking people. If what you see in the mirror every morning reminds you that you aren’t as young as you used to be, it can be pretty devastating.

We know that the majority of men who experience hair loss suffer from negative psychological effects, such as loss of confidence and self-esteem. Many report becoming socially withdrawn because they are embarrassed about their appearance. A lot of men associate having a full head of hair with masculinity and virility, and so to feel that you are becoming less masculine because your hair is thinning has some fairly profound consequences.

Men suffering from hair loss report higher-than-normal levels of depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness. Unfortunately, stress is a common trigger for hair loss and may make the condition worse. The psychological impacts of hair loss on self-image can also have wider implications on social relationships. In one study, 40% of women reported problems in their marriage and 63% of men reported career-related difficulties.

The good news is that those who sought treatment reported feeling more positive and had increased self-esteem after treatment. That’s a pretty good reason to come and talk to us about treatment options for your hair loss.

FUT, FUE, DHI – Hair Transplant Differences Explained

A hair transplant without careful consideration can have grave consequences for several reasons. The result can be unnatural looking, you may have a low follicle survival rate, and worse still, so much damage can be done to the donor area that corrective surgery may not be a possibility.

Making the right decision on your hair transplant provider from the beginning is so important – to get a natural-looking result and to protect the donor area from trauma. We explain the difference between FUT, FUE, and the DHI/Direct FUE method

Different Methods Explained

A hair transplant involves taking healthy hair (donor) follicles from an area resistant to balding, such as low on the back of the head, and implanting them into the treatment area. Both the extraction phase and implantation phase are equally important.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is one traditional technique where a long thin strip of scalp is removed, typically from lower down on the back of the head. The hair follicles are then divided into single units under a microscope. The scalp from where the strip was removed is then sewn back together. It is a cheaper form of hair transplant as the extraction phase is quicker than alternative techniques, however, it leaves a significant scar that can be seen under short hair and if you are prone to keloid scarring, it can cause a very noticeable scar where the strip was removed.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is another traditional technique where a punch is used to make a small circular cut in the skin around a hair follicle or group of follicles, removing them from the scalp, and leaving a small open hole. The process is repeated until there are enough follicles to cover the treatment area. Extraction can be done either manually (by a doctor or technician), or motorized (by a robot or machine). The manual method causes less trauma to the skin than motorized.

The holes heal to tiny white scars throughout the donor area and can be undetectable depending on the skill of the doctor/technician. These scars heal quicker and are less visible than FUT, generally taking around 2 weeks to heal.

With both the FUT and FUE options, follicles are implanted the same way, by creating reception holes in the treatment area and placing the hair follicles into the holes with forceps, allowing little control over the angle, direction, and depth. Implantation is normally done by technicians, not by a doctor. With these traditional techniques, the focus is on how many follicles are extracted and little or no emphasis on follicle survival rate after implantation, which is crucial.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) – DHI extraction could be referred to as a micro-FUE as it doesn’t involve cutting into patients’ skin and only punches with a diameter of 1mm or less are used to extract hairs one by one from the donor area.

The follicles are extracted with a specialized tool designed to minimize damage to the hair follicle and surrounding scalp tissue. Individual follicles are usually kept in a growth solution called HypoThermosolTM at a constant temperature to ensure optimum development and growth after placement. HypoThermosolTM is generally used in major organ transplant procedures and results in a maximized hair survival rate. Hair follicles are implanted using another specialized tool, the implanter, that allows the doctor to precisely control depth, direction, and angle of placement, giving you a natural result. There is also no need to create recipient holes in the treatment area with the DHI method. This allows the Doctor to obtain higher hair density when necessary.

What Makes A Suitable Candidate For A Hair Transplant?

A correct diagnosis is the first step in determining if hair transplant surgery is right for you. We know that over two-thirds of men and women suffering hair loss get some form of treatment without a proper medical diagnosis and then spend a fortune on lotions and shampoos that don’t work. Our treatment options are personalized to individual requirements, based on sound medical knowledge and experience.

Hair transplants are suitable if you are in good general health and your hair loss is affecting your self-confidence and self-esteem. You may not be a suitable candidate for hair transplants if:

• You don’t have enough hair in the donor area to get sufficient donor follicles
• The recipient/ transplant area isn’t able to support the donor graft
• You have unrealistic expectations about what a hair transplant can achieve
• You are unable or unwilling to undergo the procedure and follow post-operative care instructions

On average, about three in ten members (31.5%) performed 1,000 to 1,999 grafts per session to achieve the desired hair restoration result for the first procedures, and half (48.8%) performed 1,000 to 1,999 for a subsequent procedure. The average number of grafts performed per session was 2,083 for the first procedure and 1,621 for a subsequent procedure.

Alternative treatments include:

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment can thicken hair and stimulate new hair growth. A small amount of blood is taken and the blood cells are removed to leave behind the plasma, containing growth factors and nutrients that stimulate follicle activity. The plasma is injected into the scalp where hair loss is occurring to improve hair growth.

Top Questions Regarding Hair Loss:

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of your body, typically the sides or back of your scalp, to the balding or thinning areas.

How Does a Hair Transplant Work?

Hair transplants work by exploiting the fact that not all hair follicles are susceptible to hair loss. By transplanting these resistant follicles to areas of the scalp with hair loss, the goal is to promote new growth in those areas.

How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last?

A hair transplant procedure’s longevity depends on various factors. However, most people find that transplanted hairs typically last a lifetime. This is because the hair follicles moved to the thinning or balding areas are genetically resistant to baldness.

Is Hair Transplant Painful?

A hair transplant procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the operation. Some discomfort might be experienced during the recovery process, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Are Hair Transplants Safe?

Hair transplants are considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks. Consulting with experts at TopHairLossClinic will ensure you are connected with reputable clinics that prioritize patient safety.

When Will I See the Results of My Hair Transplant?

It can take between 6 to 12 months for the transplanted hair to fully grow in. Patience is key in observing the final results of your hair transplant.

Why is hair transplant popular in Turkey?

Hair transplantation is popular in Turkey primarily due to the lower cost compared to other countries, combined with the high quality of medical services. Turkish clinics are well-known for their all-inclusive package deals including accommodation, airport transfers, and post-op care also attract patients worldwide.

Which hair transplant method is considered the best?

The effectiveness of a hair transplant can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. However, Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) or Direct FUE, renowned for its less invasive approach and quicker healing time, is often considered superior by many professionals. Still, it’s critical to consult with a qualified hair restoration expert to choose the method best suited for your specific condition.

Does Hair Transplant Work for Everyone?

No, a hair transplant isn’t a suitable solution for everyone. Its success largely depends on factors like the cause and extent of hair loss, the individual’s general health, and the quality of their donor’s hair. For best results, candidates should have sufficient healthy hair at the back of their scalp to transplant to balding areas. Always consult with a qualified professional to evaluate your circumstances.

What is the optimal time to have a hair transplant?

The best time for a hair transplant is a personal decision, typically driven by the extent of hair loss and the person’s readiness for the procedure. However, experts often suggest considering a transplant once noticeable hair thinning or loss occurs and other non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective. Always consult a hair restoration specialist to determine the right timing for your individual needs.

Is a hair transplant permanent?

Yes, a hair transplant is generally considered permanent. The procedure involves transferring hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back or side of the head) to a bald or thinning area. These transplanted hair follicles, once settled, continue to grow hair naturally. However, it’s important to note that a hair transplant does not prevent new hair loss from occurring in non-transplanted areas, so additional treatments or procedures may be needed over time.

Can I make my forehead smaller with a hair transplant?

Yes, you can effectively reduce the perceived size of your forehead with a hair transplant. This procedure, known as hairline lowering or forehead reduction, involves transplanting hair to the forehead to create a lower hairline. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified surgeon to understand the risks and whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Can Women Have Hair Transplants?

Women can undergo hair transplant procedures. This method is a viable solution for women experiencing significant hair loss or thinning. However, it’s important to consult with a professional to assess individual cases and ensure the best possible outcomes.

What is an eyebrow hair transplant?

An eyebrow hair transplant is a medical procedure where individual hair follicles are surgically moved from one area of the body (usually the scalp) to the eyebrows. This procedure is commonly performed on people who have thin or missing eyebrow hair due to genetic factors, overplucking, illness, or trauma. It’s a highly precise operation done under local anaesthesia, aiming to improve the thickness and shape of the eyebrows while maintaining a natural look.

What is a beard hair transplant?

A beard hair transplant is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the density and fullness of a beard. It involves harvesting hair follicles from a donor area, often the back of the scalp, and grafting them onto the desired facial areas. The transplanted hair grows like normal facial hair, improving the overall look of the beard.

How long after a hair transplant can you expose your scalp to the sun?

It’s generally advised to wait at least two weeks post-hair transplant before exposing your scalp to direct sunlight. After that period, it’s still crucial to protect the transplant area with a hat or sunscreen, as excessive sun exposure can damage the new grafts and impede healing. Always consult with your surgeon for personalized advice.

Can I combine Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) and a hair transplant?

Yes, you can combine Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) and a hair transplant. These two treatments can complement each other, with the hair transplant providing actual hair growth and SMP enhancing the appearance of density and fullness. However, the timing, sequence, and suitability of combining the two treatments can depend on individual cases. Consulting with a professional is crucial to assess personal circumstances and determine the best approach.

Is it better to shave one’s head or get a hair transplant?

The decision to either shave your head or get a hair transplant is personal, depending on factors like the severity of hair loss, self-confidence, financial capability, and tolerance for surgical procedures. If you’re comfortable with the bald look and it suits your personality, shaving could be a great option. If not, and you have the resources for a transplant, it can offer a more permanent solution. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a trichologist to get personalized advice.

Can a hair transplant go wrong?

A hair transplant procedure can indeed go wrong if not performed carefully and by experienced professionals. One of the signs of a hair transplant gone wrong is the overharvesting of the donor areas, which are the hair at the back and sides of the scalp. This can result in thinning, bald patches, and unsightly scars. To avoid such complications, selecting the right clinic, choosing an experienced and skilled doctor, and ensuring the use of appropriate techniques are crucial factors. A well-informed decision and proper expertise can significantly minimize the risk of undesirable outcomes and lead to successful hair restoration.

Under what circumstances is a hair transplant not possible?

Hair transplant procedures may not be suitable for individuals with conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) or Alopecia Areata. DUPA is a type of hair loss that involves a lack of a stable donor site for hair transplantation, while Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder often characterized by coin-sized bald patches on the scalp, can cause unpredictable hair loss in various parts of the body. Therefore, these conditions make hair transplant techniques largely unfeasible or ineffective.

How Many Grafts Can Be Placed in a Hair Transplant?

The number of grafts placed during a hair transplant can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of hair loss, the patient’s donor hair availability, and the chosen hair restoration technique. On average, a 1 day hair transplant session can involve anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 grafts and a 2 day session can involve anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 grafts.

What Are the Hair Transplant Techniques?

– Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):

FUT, also known as the strip method, involves surgically removing a strip of skin from the donor area (typically the back of the scalp). The strip is then dissected into individual hair follicles, which are transplanted into the recipient areas.

– Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):

FUE is a minimally invasive technique where individual hair follicles are directly harvested from the donor area using a small punch-like instrument. The follicles are then transplanted into the recipient areas.

– Direct Hair Implantation (DHI):

DHI is a specialized FUE technique where hair follicles are extracted and implanted simultaneously using a special pen-like device. This reduces the time the harvested follicles spend outside the body, potentially improving their survival rate.

– Robotic Hair Transplant:

Robotic hair transplant procedures use robotic technology to aid in harvesting and transplanting hair follicles. The ARTAS system is one such example, offering precise and automated follicular extraction.

Pre-operative Instructions for Hair Transplant:

– Consultation:

Schedule a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon to discuss your hair loss concerns, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will evaluate your suitability for the procedure and answer any questions.

– Medical Evaluation:

Undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health and a suitable candidate for the surgery.

– Avoid Blood Thinners:

Discontinue medications or supplements that can thin the blood, as they may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. These may include aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.

– Smoking and Alcohol:

Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the days leading up to the surgery, as they can interfere with healing.

– Avoid Hair Treatments:

Avoid any hair treatments, such as coloring, perming, or chemical straightening, in the weeks before the transplant.

– Arrange Transportation:

As the procedure may involve local anesthesia and sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

Post-operative Instructions for Hair Transplant:

– Medications:

Follow the prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

– Avoid Touching or Scratching:

Avoid touching or scratching the transplanted area to prevent dislodging grafts and ensure successful healing.

– Sleep Position:

Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling.

– Shampooing:

Your surgeon will provide instructions on when and how to start washing your hair after the procedure.

– Physical Activity:

Avoid strenuous activities and exercise that may cause sweating for at least a week after the transplant.

– Avoid Sun Exposure:

Protect your scalp from direct sunlight for at least two weeks after the procedure.

– Follow-up Appointments:

Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Patients considering traveling abroad for hair restoration can benefit greatly from understanding the fundamentals of hair transplants. Explore this comprehensive Hair Transplant Education guide to learn about procedures, post-op care, and more