As hair transplants become a bigger business, here’s what you need to know about the risks

Hair loss will affect everyone at some point in their life. But despite its prevalence, treating hair loss is massive business.

For example, in Europe there was 240% increase between 2010 and 2021, the interest in hair transplant surgery has increased and Türkiye has become such popular travel destination in the case of a hair transplant operation, which some of the staff renamed Turkey Airlines “Turkey hair.”

Hair loss is a normal process. People typically lose 50-100 hairs a day – which are replaced – but like other bodily processes, hair growth slows as we age.

Sebaceous glands oil production which make our hair shiny, reduce their activity, which makes the hair look numb. Some hair follicles will reduce your productivitycausing the hair to become thinner and some may stop altogetherresulting in less hair.

However, thinning hair and baldness are still stigmatized AND an increasing number people decide to undergo hair restoration treatments.

Hair transplant is classified as a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. NHS care in the UK. The cost may be prohibitive for some people who decide to travel to other countries where the procedure is available. be much cheaper.

Although there are many positive reports of people who have undergone hair transplantation abroad, there are cases where the procedure was performed by unqualified person and where people who were not candidates for hair transplantation were still treated.

Hair transplant should always be performed by qualified surgeon – and not everyone qualifies or is suitable for a hair transplant.

The most suitable candidates are those with: androgenetic alopecia – originally called “androgenetic alopecia,” but affects both sexes. About 10% of women under 40 have some signs of hair loss, increasing to more than 50% up to 70 years. In contrast to this, 30-50% of men over 50 have hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia.

In men, the hairline usually recedes in an M-shape, which is known as Norwood’s formulawhereas women tend to develop wider parting and thinning of hair on the top of the head and front of the scalp. This is known as Ludwig’s pattern.

Treatment Options

Initial treatment for hair loss usually involves medication. FinasterideThe drug, which treats benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss in men, takes three to six months to show any results. However, any benefits disappear within six to 12 months of stopping treatment. Minoxidil, another medicine in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, has been shown to have a beneficial effect on hair loss. However, laser delicate therapy, administered through a special cap, has demonstrated mixed results.

If initial treatment is ineffective, patients may opt for a hair transplant. The two most commonly used techniques are: follicular unit transplant (FUT) – also known as Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) – and excision of the follicular unit (WAS).

Both treatments require live hair, usually from other areas of the scalp – usually the hair growing from the temples on both sides and the back of the head.

Using the FUT technique, the surgeon removes a 1-1.5 cm wide strip of skin from the back of the head. The hair and its supporting structures are taken from this strip and implanted into the balding area. The wound from which the skin was removed is sutured. Usually, the surgeon is careful to avoid visible scars.

However, FUE is the more common procedure due to the shorter healing time, reduced risk of scarring, and increased number of hair grafts that can be harvested. Sometimes the procedure is advertised as “bladeless” and “scarless” – this is not true. The hair follicles are harvested and implanted using piercing blades, and scarring has been reported, including hyper- Or hypopigmented as well as raised or keloid scars.

Does it make your hair stand on end?

Long-term hair transplant success varies. Studies report that 90% of recipients have good coverage a year after the procedure – but it drops to 9% after four years. Many factors can affect the results of a hair transplant, including age, smoking, sun damage to the scalp and diabetes.After recovery tips is necessary and although some clinics advertise “painless” hair transplants, recovery is often arduous and uncomfortable.

Anesthesia may be used during the procedure, but the scalp may be swollen and tender, and there is a significant recovery period. Patients are advised to take two weeks off work and avoid strenuous physical activity, as the grafts are feeble and unstable. The full effects of the transplant may take ten to eighteen months to be seen.

Hair transplantation may be a popular option for those concerned about hair loss, but it’s a massive decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re thinking about undergoing the procedure, do your research to ensure you’re being treated by a fully qualified surgeon – and be prepared to follow strict recovery guidelines to ensure the best results.