Hair loss and thinning hair affect many people. It is estimated that up to 70% of men and 40% of women experience it. Alopecia can negatively affect self-esteem, reduce self-confidence and overall well-being. Unfortunately, most treatments and therapies on the market are of questionable efficacy. However, the Fue hair transplant procedure comes to the rescue.
FUE hair transplant – an effective treatment for hair loss
Hair transplantation has been one of the most effective treatments of hair loss for many years. During the procedure, hair is implanted in the area of baldness or severe thinning. The number of hair transplantation procedures performed worldwide is increasing rapidly every year.
FUE (Follicular Units Extraction) hair transplantation involves the extraction of individual hair follicles by means of a special device. This distinguishes FUE hair transplantation from conventional transplantation methods, which require cutting into the skin (the nuchal region is the main place where follicles are taken). Follicles can be taken not only from the back of the head, but also from the chest, chin or lower extremities. A microscopic scar is left in the area where the follicles were removed, which, once healed, is invisible to the naked eye. An unquestionable advantage of hair transplantation with this method is a very short recovery time. The area from which hair follicles are taken heals within a week.
Hair transplantation – indications
Hair transplantation with the FUE method is the best solution for patients who want to avoid disfiguring, visible scars in the area where follicles were removed. Hair transplantation is indicated in cases of:
- androgenetic alopecia,
- scar alopecia
- post-traumatic alopecia,
- Alopecia due to burns,
- scars, hair loss in the areas of eyebrows, moustache, beard,
- pubic hair loss.
About 2,500 follicular units can be transplanted in a single procedure, resulting in about 6,000 hairs. The transplanted hair becomes insensitive to androgens after a recovery period, and can be treated the same way as other hair in the area.
Hair transplantation – contraindications
Although FUE hair transplantation is a minimally invasive method, it is not possible to perform it in some cases. Contraindications to the hair transplant procedure include:
- advanced diabetes,
- uncontrolled arterial hypertension,
- inflammatory skin conditions,
- alopecia areata,
- blood clotting disorders,
- allergies to anaesthetics,
- cancer diseases.
Hair transplantation – how to prepare for the procedure?
FUE hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, so it is important to prepare properly for it. It is very important to take all safety precautions. This will ensure a successful hair transplant.
Before the hair transplant procedure
Before hair transplantation, basic laboratory tests should be performed. These include:
- blood tests,
- APTT and INR coagulation indices,
- fasting glucose levels,
- tests for infectious diseases (HBS, HCV, HIV).
In addition, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol at least three days before the planned date of surgery and not to use anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin for 10 days before the hair transplant. Stopping any anticoagulants must be agreed with your doctor.
On the day of the hair transplant procedure
On the day of the procedure, you should only wash your hair with shampoo. No conditioners or other hair styling products should be used. It is recommended that you eat a light breakfast and take any medication you are taking regularly. Due to the length of the hair transplant procedure, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes (preferably zipped or buttoned to reduce scalp irritation).