Hair loss is a common problem among men and women. Fortunately, it’s now possible to overcome this problem by undergoing a hair transplant procedure. According to the International Society of Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), about 182,000 hair transplant procedures were performed in North America in 2019.
While technology has made it possible to restore hair with remarkable results, you might be among the few unsuccessful cases. This article takes a closer look at some of the reasons why hair transplant sometimes fails.
- Inexperienced Surgeon
Like most surgeries, hair transplant is an invasive procedure that should only be performed by experienced and certified experts.
Modern hair transplant techniques fall into categories based on the method of follicle extraction. These are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). During FUE, individual hair follicles are meticulously removed from the scalp. On the other hand, in FUT procedures, a strip of the scalp is removed from the scalp.
Only suitable grafts are selected and kept in optimal condition. An inexperienced surgeon can easily get this step wrong, increasing the likelihood of failure. Apart from follicle extraction, selection of donor area and graft placement is equally important.
Only experienced doctors are familiar with the donor-recipient ratio for optimal results. As you can see, this is a delicate process that requires delicate hands and a lot of patience. Therefore, the level of experience should be at the top of the list when selecting a hair specialist.
- Poor Post-Operative Care
The success of a hair transplant depends on both the surgeon and the patient. Once the surgery is complete, it’s time for the patient to do their part.
There are strict instructions that you must adhere to at all times. Proper care during the first few weeks is crucial to the outcome. Here are some post-care instructions.
- You must maintain proper hygiene to avoid infections on the wounds. Spraying sterile saline solution on the scars is an effective way to prevent infections.
- The application of ointment on the donor site keeps it from drying out.
- To reduce swelling, you might need to sleep with your head at 45 degrees for the first few nights. Take pain medication to avoid the discomfort; don’t try to toughen it out.
- In case there is bleeding, gently put pressure in the area for 15 minutes. If this doesn’t work, call the doctor.
- Stay away from alcohol or caffeine while healing. You are also to avoid any strenuous activities for at least one week.
When showering, use a cup to gently rinse off your head to prevent direct water on the wounds. Also, comb carefully to avoid dislodging the grafts.
These instructions are for your benefit. Please do your best to follow them to the letter.
- Unsuitable Hair Transplant Candidate
As amazing as it sounds, hair transplant is not for everyone. Before the surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine your medical history, hair loss classification, and the cause of hair loss. If the cause of your hair loss is stress, then you don’t need the procedure.
The other factor that determines if you are an ideal candidate is the availability of donor hair. Hair has to be taken from somewhere and transplanted to the thinning area. The hair follicles removed from the donor areas may never regrow, making the whole procedure pointless. The situation is similar if you suffer from Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder characterized by sudden hair loss in patches. Explore other options if you are not a suitable candidate.
Final Words
Hopefully, this information helps you. Hair transplant procedures are continually being perfected. The use of robotic systems to harvest hair follicles and trichophytic closure to reduce harvest scars, are just some of the latest solutions.
It will only get better from there. Make sure that an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Joseph Williams, performs the hair transplant procedure. The clinic should be licensed. For more information about these procedures, or to set up a free consultation schedule an appointment now.
