It’s natural for people to want to improve their physical appearance, especially when the part that needs improvement is quite conspicuous. Regarding hair loss, which is a condition that can be caused by health conditions or heredity, people still very much make attempts to improve this condition. If you happen to be one of them and are interested in a lasting solution, then we have got you covered. In this article we will talk about What happens after 3 months of hair transplant?
Beyond providing you with information about a lasting solution, we would also carefully walk you through the process of getting things fixed. Suffering from hair loss is a fairly common condition which the advent of technology has helped to make better.
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What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a condition where the hair that comes off your scalp doesn’t get replaced. Hair loss occurs gradually, with the hair falling out and failing to grow back. It could be at your hairline, which would lead to receding hairlines, or somewhere else at your scalp. Alopecia majorly causes the latter condition. There are many permanent and effective solutions to this condition, so do not panic.
What is Hair Transplant?
One of the many solutions to hair loss is a hair transplant. Hair transplant also happens to be one of the effective and long-lasting ones too. It entails a surgeon harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back of the head to the part where it is needed. The harvested hair is then carefully integrated into the hairline or the bald spot on the scalp.
Hair transplants can be carried out in two major ways. One is more widespread than the other because of the difference in techniques. They are, however, both very effective and are guaranteed to be long-lasting solutions.
Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular unit extraction is the more common type of hair transplant because it requires fewer technicalities than the other. However, this isn’t to say that this method is inferior. The significant difference is in the process of transplantation, not the quality of the work done.
Follicular unit extraction entails extracting hair from a healthy part of the scalp and planting it in the area where you are experiencing baldness or hair shortage.
Follicular Unit Transplantation
Follicular Unit Transplantation is considered slightly more intricate than FUE. In this method, the surgeon excises a small section of your scalp to extract hair, subsequently suturing the area. The harvested hair is then transplanted to the desired location.
While FUT is highly effective, it is more prone to leaving scars when compared to the FUE method. However, both techniques provide lasting solutions for hair loss, giving you the opportunity to regain your natural hairline and confidence.
Pre hair transplant preparation
Preparing for a hair transplant procedure is crucial to ensure a successful and smooth experience. Here are the key steps to consider in the pre-hair transplant preparation:
Consultation with a Specialist
Start by consulting with a qualified and experienced hair transplant specialist or surgeon. They will evaluate your hair loss pattern, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable approach (FUE or FUT).
Medical Evaluation
Your surgeon may perform a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess your general health and identify any pre-existing medical conditions that might affect the procedure or your recovery.
Set Realistic Expectations
Have a clear understanding of what to expect from the procedure. Realistic expectations about the results and recovery are essential to avoid disappointment.
Discuss Medications
Inform your surgeon about any medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued.
Smoking and Alcohol
If you smoke, consider quitting before the procedure. Smoking can impair blood circulation and slow down the healing process. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol in the days leading up to the surgery, as it can thin the blood.
Blood Tests
Your surgeon may order blood tests to ensure that you are in good health and do not have any underlying conditions that could affect the procedure.
Anesthesia Consultation
If your procedure involves local anesthesia or sedation, consult with the anesthesiologist if necessary to discuss any concerns or questions about the anesthesia process.
Arrange Transportation
You may need someone to drive you home after the procedure, especially if you receive sedation or general anesthesia. Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you on the day of the surgery.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Follow any specific pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include guidelines for hygiene, hair washing, and dietary restrictions before the procedure.
Plan for Recovery
Prepare your home for post-operative recovery. You may need to take a few days off work or other activities. Ensure you have a clean and comfortable space where you can rest and recover.
Hair Length
Depending on the transplant method (FUE or FUT), your surgeon may recommend that you grow your hair out or shave it short before the procedure. Follow these instructions carefully.
Avoid Sun Exposure
In the weeks leading up to the procedure, protect your scalp from excessive sun exposure, as sunburn can make the procedure more uncomfortable and may affect healing.
Support System
Enlist the support of friends or family members to assist you during the recovery period. This includes help with daily activities, as well as emotional support.
Follow Pre-Op Diet
Follow any dietary guidelines provided by your surgeon, especially if you are undergoing general anesthesia. Fasting may be necessary for a certain period before the surgery.
By following these pre-hair transplant preparations, you can increase the likelihood of a successful procedure and a smoother recovery process. Always consult with your surgeon to address any specific questions or concerns you may have about your hair transplant.
Hair Transplant 3 Months Later
When you have surgery for a hair transplant, you will begin to notice changes right after the surgery. However, you may not get your desired hairline or fullness until about a year later. It’s a gradual process, but it is very much effective. Here’s how the growth process works from the moment the surgery is carried out until the third month.
A Week After the Procedure
When you leave the surgeon’s table, you will begin to notice your hairline or scalp improvement. The transplanted hairs would be evident at this point. However, you would need to be patient and wait for it to grow at the rate your hair normally would.
Of course, there would be a swelling at the point where hair was extracted from, but this is only temporary. It usually takes some days for the swelling to go down, which is also perfectly normal.
You would also feel and see some scabs around the transplanted area, but you need not worry about it. You would be given a spray at the clinic that would help make the scabs disappear within days. You may also feel some pain that you can numb through prescriptions you receive from your clinic.
There are a couple of things you have to abstain from following the first few days of your surgery, and your clinic would provide these instructions. Some include avoiding steam rooms and saunas and any other activity that might make you sweat. You may also need to avoid intense exercises as this can make you sweat excessively.
You must also avoid alcohol consumption for about a week to ten days after your surgery. Consuming alcohol could impede your healing process because it is known to reduce or even completely stop blood flow to the scalp. You would be doing yourself a favor by adhering to this particular instruction.
Two Weeks to Three Months After the Procedure
The first two weeks after the procedure, you may experience shock loss. Shock loss is quite normal, and it involves hair falling out of the transplanted area. The hair would, of course, grow back within months, so you have nothing to worry about.
After experiencing shock loss, your hair would begin to grow back gradually. The hair, at this point, would be pretty sensitive and fragile. Touching the hair or playing with it can make it fall out, so you must be mindful.
You may also experience itching. Itching is pretty normal, and it means that the hair is growing back. You should avoid scratching, patting, or rubbing the scalp. It would be best to avoid everything that could irritate the skin and make the itching worse.
Every month after your surgery, your hair would grow by ¼ an inch. It may seem like a slow process, but you have to be patient and trust that you would get your desired growth and thickness within a year.
In Conclusion
Being eager for your hair to grow to the length and density you want almost immediately after your surgery is quite expected. However, you need to be patient and understand that you would get the desired growth, but it might take a while.
You would also need to carefully follow the instructions you would be given at your hair transplant clinic. You are given those instructions to ensure that the transplant is successful and effective in the long run and also ensure that your health isn’t at risk at any point.