According to the American Hair Loss Association, 66% of American men begin to suffer some form of hair loss by the age of 32 years. For others, hair thinning occurs as early as 21 years. Generally, there are numerous hair growth products, each one promising a full head of hair in a short time. However, hair transplantation remains one of the surest ways of restoring lost hair.
You might be wondering, what exactly happens during hair transplantation? Or, how long will it take to regrow your hair? Well, read on to find the answer to these and more.
How does it Work?
Thankfully, hair transplant procedures have come a long way since the first case in the 1950s. There are two methods of doing this. Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT) involves the removal of a very thin strip of your scalp to harvest hair. The strip is divided into tiny grafts up to 2000, each with a hair on it.
The second method is the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Here, individual hair follicles are removed and transplanted to the balding area. The subsequent stages are the same for both methods. Incisions are made in the bald area, and the grafts/follicles are carefully inserted.
After a successful surgery, the next step of hair growth. The growth process can be summarized in five stages.
Stage 1: Surprisingly, the first stage of hair growth involves the shedding of hair. This stage is known as the first Telogen Effluvium. During surgery, the doctor removes a healthy follicle from one part of your scalp to another. The transplanted follicle sheds due to the shock.
The purpose of the shedding is to give way for new healthier hair. This stage begins weeks after the surgery and can last for 4 months, depending on your hair growth rate. You should also know that this is the most uncomfortable stage. You may experience minimal discomfort and swelling in the affected areas. All of it is very normal, so don’t panic.
Stage 2: This is the stage where the new hair begins to grow, also known as Anagen. There is a brief resting stage after the Telogen phase. The transplanted follicles will begin to produce new hair in the thinning areas.
The growing hair is thin and resembles baby hair. The donor areas will have also started healing at this point. This stage typically occurs within 2-5 months after the surgery.
Stage 3: This is the consistent hair growth stage. The thin baby hairs in stage 2 are gradually replaced by thicker, more noticeable hair. The donor area will have healed entirely at this point.
At this stage, the hair specialist makes a full assessment, and may recommend further intervention. The consistent hair growth stage takes between 6-7 months, depending on the individual.
Stage 4: Patients experience remarkable hair growth at this stage. The structure of the hair changes considerably, and the growing hair thickens. The donor areas experience some laxity in the earlier stages. Most patients experience full hair growth at this stage.
Stage 5: This stage is known as the Maturation stage, and it occurs between 10-12 months. But, it might take longer in other people. It is at this stage that you’ll achieve full follicle growth. You can judge the success or failure of the procedure by the end of a year.
Say Goodbye to Hair Loss!
Hair transplant, like all other procedures, should only be performed by a licensed professional. A hair transplant requires a lot of patience. Follow all the post-procedure instructions from your doctor, and you will be fine. Schedule a consultion with Dr. Joseph Williams to to get started or for more information.
