Getting a hair transplant is a big decision. Therefore it’s very wise to educate yourself as much as possible so you can make an informed decision. Below are 10 things you need to know before you get a hair transplant –
1. There are effective hair loss treatments available
Considering how many people are affected by hair loss around the world, it’s amazing how poor the level of knowledge that the average person has about current treatments. Many people still believe that there’s nothing to be done about hair loss and it must simply be accepted.
The truth is there are treatments available on the market that have been clinically proven to slow down, halt and in some cases reverse hair loss.
2. The results will depend on your current level of hair loss
It’s always important to have realistic expectations if you’re considering a hair transplant. Because modern hair transplant techniques make use of your own hair, the level of coverage you can expect will depend on the amount of donor hair you have available and how severe your balding is.
3. The pros and cons of FUT and FUE
FUT and FUE are the two main types of procedures that are carried out today. Each technique has its pros and cons. FUT (follicular unit transplantation) is beneficial in that the best quality of donor hair can be extracted, which particularly useful for people with more severe hair loss. In comparison FUE (follicular unit extraction) does not require any incisions and therefore leaves no visible scar.
4. The cost
Cost is always an important consideration and you should find definitely shop around so you know what price you should be paying. It’s important to bear in mind however that cost should also be weighed against the experience of the surgeon and the types of procedures they perform.
5. Side effects
Although hair transplants are generally very safe procedures, it is important to be aware of possible risks and common side effects. The most common side effects associated with hair transplants are bleeding, swelling and numbness. However all of these are temporary and subside in a matter of weeks or months. There is a very small risk of infection but this is very rare.
6. The experience of the surgeon
When considering where to have a procedure done, you should also think about the experience of the surgeon. Because hair transplants require a good deal of skill and precision, experience is a very important factor to take into account. Whilst there are many talented surgeons out there, you can be assured that the more experience a surgeon has, the more prepared they’ll be to deal with problems.
7. Aftercare & recovery time
It’s also important to be aware that there is a recovery period after your transplant and certain aftercare precautions must be taken. The clinic where you have your procedure performed will be able to advise you on the steps you need to take in order to ensure that the new hair takes root.
8. Where to get your procedure done
Because of the aftercare & recovery times, many people prefer to get their procedure performed locally, however it can be beneficial to look further afield sometimes. For example, there are many excellent hair transplant clinics in Toronto where you can have both FUT and FUE procedures performed.
9. Opinions of friends & family
Not everyone feels comfortable openly discussing their hair loss but it can be a great idea to get the views of your friends and family before making the decision to get a hair transplant. If you’re already 100% decided then it might not be the best idea but if you’re on the fence and aren’t sure if it’s a good idea or not then it’s certainly beneficial.
10. Advice of an expert
If you’re not sure whether your hair loss can be combated with treatments, or you simply want to talk to someone in the know, then seeing an expert is a great idea. A hair loss expert will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your particular type of hair loss. This is invaluable for anyone suffering from hair, particularly with so many scams out there.
