The stages of hair transplantation begin with the decision to undergo the procedure. This includes preliminary steps like blood tests, hair analysis, preparation, and planning, moving forward to the actual hair transplant process.
The hair transplant procedure itself involves harvesting grafts, creating channels, and placing hair follicles. This entire process typically takes around 6 hours.
Hair Transplant Stages
The hair transplant process consists of six stages: preparation, planning, anesthesia, graft harvesting, channel opening, and follicle placement. This guide describes these stages based on the Sapphire FUE hair transplantation technique.
What Are the Stages of Hair Transplantation?
The stages of hair transplantation begin with the day of the procedure, including blood tests, hair analysis, and shaving the hair. Following this, the planning stage involves calculating how many grafts are needed and where they should be placed. The front hairline is then determined, and the operation begins. Local anesthesia is administered, and grafts are harvested from the donor area (usually the back of the head, where hair loss is less likely). Channels are then created for the hair roots to be placed. Finally, the hair follicles are inserted into these channels, completing the hair transplant process. The stages are:
- Preparation (Blood test, hair analysis)
- Planning (Shaving the hair, determining the front hairline)
- Local Anesthesia
- Graft Harvesting
- Channel Creation
- Follicle Placement
Hair Transplant Stages: Preparation Phase
The preparation phase is the most fundamental stage of hair transplantation. The causes of hair loss are investigated, and the suitability of the patient for the procedure is assessed. All details of the operation are determined during this phase. Sometimes blood tests are performed before or after these steps.
Hair Analysis
Hair analysis is provided free of charge to all patients undergoing hair transplantation at Avicenna Hair Transplant Center. The analysis reveals the cause, type, and stage of hair loss. A physical examination is usually sufficient for hair analysis. Even in cases of Androgenetic Alopecia, the most common type requiring hair transplantation, no diagnostic tests are needed.
Blood Test
Another important step to determine if the patient is suitable for hair transplantation is a blood test. Various tests are conducted before starting the procedure to check for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, blood count, cholesterol, and glucose levels. If no problems are detected, the patient is deemed suitable for hair transplantation. However, any previous medical conditions, such as a heart attack, should be disclosed to the doctor.
Other Hair Transplant Preparation Steps
To ensure a smooth operation and easier recovery, certain steps should begin at least one week before the procedure:
- Start taking vitamins for a strong immune system.
- Avoid nicotine products like cigarettes, cigars, and hookahs, as they can slow down the healing process.
- Avoid alcohol during this period.
- Steer clear of caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid aspirin and similar medications that affect blood flow.
- Refrain from heavy meals the day before the procedure.
Hair Transplant Stages: Planning Phase
According to Avicenna Hair Transplant Center, the planning phase is crucial. Based on the physical examination, decisions are made on the number of grafts to be harvested and their placement. The most viable area for grafting is selected as the donor site. The pre-operation preparation includes shaving the hair and marking the front hairline.
Hair Shaving
After planning, the patient is ready for hair shaving. The hair is trimmed to about 0.3 millimeters. Shaving is necessary for the doctor to have a clear view of the donor area and channels. For those who do not want their hair shaved, a No-Shave Hair Transplant option is available.
Determining the Front Hairline
The front hairline is a major factor in determining the natural appearance of the transplant. It affects the outcome seen a year after the procedure. Factors considered include the patient’s face shape, forehead width, and donor area graft availability. The hairline is drawn on the scalp with a marker to ensure even distribution of grafts. The direction of hair growth is also taken into account.
Hair Transplant Stages: Local Anesthesia Phase
One of the common concerns about hair transplantation is whether local anesthesia will effectively numb the area. Local anesthesia is applied to both the donor and recipient areas after the scalp is disinfected. It numbs only the nerve endings in the treatment area, ensuring a comfortable procedure without pain. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation when the anesthesia is injected, but it subsides quickly. Anesthesia generally takes effect within 20 minutes. Since only the scalp is numbed, patients remain conscious and can watch TV, movies, or read during the procedure. Additional doses of local anesthesia can be administered if necessary.
For patients with a fear of needles or surgery, sedation can be used, which is administered via IV or inhalation. This allows the patient to avoid feeling the needle injections during local anesthesia.
Important Note: It is crucial not to exceed the safe dosage of local anesthesia or misuse the substance, as it could pose life-threatening risks.
Hair Transplant Stages: Graft Harvesting
After the local anesthesia has taken effect, the process moves to graft harvesting. To facilitate the collection of grafts, a special saline solution is injected into the donor area. This fluid helps to slightly separate the scalp from the skull, making the grafts easier to harvest. After harvesting, the grafts are cleaned and kept in a sterile container filled with serum until the channel creation process.
Important Time During Hair Transplantation: Graft Preservation
Grafts need to be preserved properly since their survival rate decreases once they are outside the body. They are placed in a sterile, serum-filled Petri dish and kept in a cool environment. The grafts are sorted into single, double, or multiple units. After harvesting, the donor area is bandaged and covered. This completes the graft harvesting stage, after which the channel creation process begins.
Hair Transplant Stages: Channel Creation
The next stage in the hair transplant process is creating channels. Channels must align with the angle of the hair follicles, be of equal depth, and face the same direction. This process takes approximately 3 hours. Creating channels in the front hairline is especially important for achieving a natural look, with contouring and irregularities contributing to a more natural appearance.
Hair Transplant Stages: Follicle Placement
The final stage involves placing the harvested follicles into the prepared channels. Single grafts are typically placed at the front, while double or multiple grafts are placed towards the back. It is crucial to leave the transplanted area open to prevent follicle loss.
Post-Procedure Process
Even after completing the hair transplant stages, patients need to follow specific guidelines during the recovery period. For the first 3 days, the area must be protected. This includes sleeping on your back, avoiding sports and sexual activity, and refraining from alcohol consumption. Swimming in the sea or pool is strictly prohibited. After these 3 days, the first wash can be performed.
The first wash should be done in a hospital setting. Avicenna Hospital – Avicenna Hair Transplant Center performs the initial wash in a sterile, professional environment. Post-wash, the use of hair gels or sprays is not recommended. It is essential to avoid stress during this period to ensure proper follicle settling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smoking before a hair transplant operation dangerous?
Yes, smoking and using tobacco products before the operation can be dangerous. Smoking can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase bleeding risk, so it is advisable to stop smoking before the procedure.
How long before the hair transplant should I stop smoking?
It is recommended to cease tobacco use at least 1 week before the hair transplant. Stopping a few weeks prior can help reduce potential risks.