If you are considering a hair transplant, you may be wondering how the grafting process works. A hair transplant graft is a surgical procedure in which hairs are transplanted from one area of the scalp to another. The most common type of hair transplant is called follicular unit transplantation, or FUT. This involves taking hair follicles from the back of the head and transplanting them to the balding or thinning areas.
FUT is considered to be the gold standard for hair transplants because it produces the best results. The downside of FUT is that it leaves a linear scar on the back of the head, which can be visible if your hair is cut very short. Another type of hair transplant, called follicular unit extraction (FUE), avoids this by extracting individual hairs from the back of the head and transplanting them one by one. The advantage of FUE is that it doesn’t leave a scar; however, it is a more time-consuming and therefore more expensive procedure.
The Grafting Process
Once you have decided on the type of hair transplant you want, the next step is to consult with ahair surgeon to discuss your specific case. During the consultation, your surgeon will examine your scalp and determine how many grafts you will need. A graft contains anywhere from one to four hairs, and each graft will be transplanted into a tiny hole made in your scalp with a needle or sharp instrument. Once all of the grafts have been placed, they will be covered with gauze or a bandage.
After the Procedure
You will likely experience some swelling and redness after your surgery, but this should subside within a few days. You may also have some itching and tenderness around the transplanted area; however, these symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your scalp after surgery, which may include using special shampoos and keeping your head elevated at night. It usually takes several months for newly transplanted hairs to start growing, and it can take up to a year for them to reach their full length. Once they do, you can style them any way you like!
Conclusion:
A hair transplant graft is a surgical procedure in which hairs are transplanted from one area of the scalp to another. The most common type of hair transplant is called follicular unit transplantation (FUT), which involves taking hair follicles from the back of the head and transplanting them to the balding or thinning areas. Another type of hair transplant, called follicular unit extraction (FUE), avoids leaving a linear scar by extracting individual hairs from the back of the head and transplanting them one by one. Recovery time after surgery varies depending on which procedure was performed, but typically includes some swelling and redness that subsides within days along with itching and tenderness around the transplanted area that can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication. It usually takes several months for newly transplanted hairs to start growing, but once they do, you can style them any way you like!