If there is one thing that worries women, it is hair loss . Caused by multiple factors such as malnutrition, stress, systemic diseases, hormonal and genetic dysfunctions, the problem is known as alopecia . Thread thinning has negative impacts on everyone's self-esteem, but it is even greater in relation to women. This is because hair is directly related to female vanity and is culturally associated with femininity and sensuality.As with men, female pattern baldness is associated with genetic inheritance , and is known medically by the name androgenetic alopecia . This type of baldness is triggered by male hormones present in women's bodies that weaken the hair bulbs, causing the hair to undergo a miniaturization process.Instead of falling out, the strands become thinner and smaller, until they are almost imperceptible, which gives the locks a thin appearance. One of the solutions is the female hair transplant , which manages to circumvent the problem and fill the bald areas with new hairs .
Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that consists of removing hair follicles (the “factories” of hair), which are genetically resistant to baldness, from a donor area of the scalp, and implanting them in bald areas. These follicles are removed and implanted in the person , otherwise there may be a rejection process.The technique is the same for both men and women. The difference between female and male hair transplantation is in relation to the areas of the scalp where the hairs need to be implanted and also in relation to the follicle donor area. In men, the follicles can be removed from the back and side of the head, and in women, the region close to the neck can be used.In general, male pattern baldness begins at the front of the head, forming the so-called “entries”, and its evolution usually affects entire areas of the scalp, which facilitates the implantation of follicles. In women, the problem has a more diffuse aspect, affecting several areas of the head, and therefore surgery is not always a good choice for them – it will depend on each case and on the evaluation of the specialist doctor.
Main hair transplant techniques in women
Hair transplant surgery has two main techniques, FUT and FUE
FUT ( Follicular Unit Transplantation ) is the technique that was developed first, and consists of extracting strips of the person's scalp to be inserted in the region affected by the lack of hair. The scars that form on the scalp are larger than the most modern technique, which makes it impossible to use very short hair. Surgery time is about 5 to 6 hours and does not require scraping the donor area. However, this technique is not advantageous for women, as implantation of scalp bands only works well on large bald areas, which are more common in men.The main female complaints refer to thinning hair, which leaves only part of the scalp visible. What they want is to increase the density of the wires, and this the FUT technique cannot solve.
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction ) technique is more modern and less invasive, being currently the most used for both men and women. This is because the FUE removes only the follicular units from the donor area , which are then transplanted to the recipient area. The scars are small, almost imperceptible points, which allows for shorter haircuts after the transplant and allows for a postoperative period with less pain, when compared to FUT. The disadvantage is that it is necessary to shave the locks of the donor area and the surgery time is longer, taking from 6 to 10 hours, since the procedure is done thread by thread. However, this technique makes it possible for the transplant to be performed in women as well , as it allows increasing the density of the threads in smaller areas of implantation.
Cases in which there is a need to recover completely bald areas in women can refer to the reduction of a large forehead or reduction of entries , for example, or the correction of scars on the scalp caused by plastic or other surgeries.
Transplantation is also recommended in stable cases of traumatic alopecia , in which the hairs do not grow due to the loss of follicles, which can be caused by too tight hairstyles, accidents and burns, or due to trichotillomania , a behavioral disorder in which the person pulls himself out. the wires by hand
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Anyway, before having a hair transplant, you need to investigate the cause of the hair loss. The professional indicated to carry out this evaluation is usually a dermatologist or plastic surgeon specializing in trichology .
you can contact our consultants at (Ariana Medicare Tour Services) via Whatsapp or Email to guide you at convenient time.
How long does a female hair transplant last?
The result of a female hair transplant is usually permanent , but it takes up to a year to appear, as the hairs that are implanted with the follicles fall out soon after the surgery, and they grow back after four months. This gradual growth of the threads helps to give a natural look to the post-op.
1. Do take care of the implanted area:
Your hair transplant recovery heavily depends on how well you care for the implanted area within the first seven days after hair transplant. Post-surgery, your doctor will give you a saline solution with copper peptides that you must spray on the transplanted area. On your own, or with the help of someone, spray the solution every 2-3 hours or as directed by your surgeon to avoid swelling.
You may be allowed to wash your hair 7 days after the surgery, but water pressure must be kept to a minimum, and its temperature must be lukewarm. To manage it easier, you can use a small jar to wash the location of the transplanted roots. Refrain from putting anything on your scalp or using any products that your doctor hasn’t cleared as it may irritate the area.
Once you’ve finished, lightly dab the area with a soft cloth to dry.
You should expect itchiness, especially as the scabs begin to form. But it’s imperative to avoid directly touching the area with your fingers as this may cause bleeding or inflammation. You can also consult your doctor on properly removing scabs after a hair transplant without affecting the newly-placed grafts.
2. Do use pain medication as recommended
It’s normal to experience swelling, headaches, or discoloration of the transplanted area within the first week. It is essential to take your antibiotics as prescribed to help prevent infection. Painkillers and even sleeping pills when you can’t sleep will help relax your body and give you relief.
3. Do keep an eye out for infection
Surgical incisions are at risk for infection, which is why unless there’s an absolute need to, avoid touching the donor area with your hands. You’ll also be responsible for keeping your wound dry and changing its dressing.
Always be on the lookout for discharge, pus, excessive bleeding, fever, persistent pain, or increased redness of your scalp. These are signs of a developing infection that needs immediate attention from your doctor.
Even if you feel strong enough after a few days, there are still several things to avoid so that you do not derail your healing. Take note of these three crucial don’ts!
1. Don’t smoke, drink or take aspirin
Alcohol in the body interferes with its metabolism, which is crucial for the growth of new hair. Taking aspirin in lieu of what you’ve been prescribed may thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding. It’s better to stick with the pain medication you’ve been given.Nicotine from cigarettes restricts blood flow. We advise our patients to avoid cigarettes at least four weeks before surgery.
2. Don’t engage in strenuous exercise or activities
Workouts that require too much exertion, lifting, or straining may disrupt the healing of your wound. You need to manage your blood pressure and heart rate to lessen the risk of swelling, so avoid excessive movements, especially during the first two weeks post-op. Too much movement may also cause excessive sweating, and perspiration increases the risks of infection.
3. Don’t expose your scalp to sunlight
Direct exposure to sunlight can be dangerous to the areas where grafts have been implanted. It is advisable to avoid exposure for at least four months following the FUE hair transplant procedure. But if sun exposure is entirely unavoidable, you must carefully apply sunscreen to the area before heading out. Some patients prefer to use hats to protect themselves from the sun, but there is still a risk of rubbing against the implanted hairs, which is why we don’t recommend it.
More Aftercare Tips:
Two important aftercare activities that you will be doing every day are washing your hair and sleeping in a manner that doesn’t affect your surgery. Here is how you can wash your hair and sleep in the optimal position post-FUE hair transplant.
An incorrect approach to hair washing can damage your hair follicles and adversely affect the outcome of your surgery. Any solid contact for the scalp, such as rubbing or contact with fingernails, should be avoided when washing your hair. Here are four steps you can follow:
During the first week after treatment, sleeping in an elevated position is crucial. Applying pressure to the transplanted area may cause infection, so we recommend sleeping at least at a 45-degree angle. You should lie on your back, as sleeping on your stomach could damage the transplanted hair.We also recommend placing a pillow between your head and the headboard to avoid any untoward bumping incidents. Some patients choose to stay on a recliner to prevent this, as it keeps them from tossing and turning or rubbing their hairline against pillows.
What to Look for in a Hair Transplant Surgeon?
To know if you are a good surgical candidate, your lifestyle and physical condition are fit. Your doctor will be the one to make all the treatment recommendations. You will also go through a thorough examination such as a density check and a scalp laxity assessment.
You want to work with a doctor who can provide you with a long-term plan. They’ll be able to consider how the procedure performed will affect your future.
To know if you are a good candidate for FUE Hair Transplant surgery,
you can contact our consultants at (Ariana Medicare Tour Services) via Whatsapp or Email to guide you at convenient time.