Hair is an integral and important part of your personality. Healthy hair symbolises good health, attractiveness and youthfulness. Hair conditions such as hair loss, hair thinning and baldness significantly impact an individual’s appearance and self-esteem. This can be extremely damaging, particularly for those whose career depends upon self-confidence and a well-groomed appearance. For these people, a hair transplant is often the best option open to them.
These days hair loss is more prevalent than ever, thanks to our attritional lifestyles. And if hair loss is more common, so too are the myths surrounding hair transplant treatments. Hair transplant procedures have grown in popularity as technological innovations have progressed. Despite this growth, there are still plenty of misconceptions about hair transplant treatments and what they involve. Maybe it’s time we exploded a few of these myths!
Myth 1: Hair Transplants Are Painful.
Fact: The truth is, hair transplant procedures are mostly painless these days. Local anaesthesia is used by the specialists carrying out hair transplant surgery, with the result that there is no pain during the surgery. The patient can go home the same day of surgery and resume normal activities the next day.
Some patients might experience slight pain in the transplant area after the local anaesthesia wears off. If this happens, the pain can be controlled with some over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. Additionally, the doctor will provide appropriate painkillers to alleviate any discomfort one might experience during the healing process.
Myth 2: Hair Transplants Are Ineffective For Women
Fact: Hair transplants work effectively for both men and women. There is a mistaken assumption that, because hair loss is more common in men, it is only men for whom hair transplant surgery is a credible option.
This ignores the fact that in today’s world, many women face hair loss problems due to hormonal imbalances, genetics, and illness. Hair loss patterns may be different in women, but this does not mean that hair transplants are an ineffective option or won’t produce fantastic results for female patients.
Myth 3: Hair Transplants Show Immediate Results
Fact: Hair transplant surgery will not provide immediate, show-stopping results. Realistically, the proper effects of a hair transplant only become visible within 6-8 months of the procedure, while it may take 9-12 months to have full-grown hair.
The transplanted hair will sometimes begin to fall off about 3 weeks after the surgery. This is completely natural and need not be a concern. The hair roots stay intact and develop in the recipient area, allowing new hair to come through.
Myth 4: Avoid Washing Your Hair After Transplant Surgery
Fact: This is not true at all. Indeed, keeping the treated area clean with proper washing will keep away infections. Also, washing hair after transplant surgery will not interfere with the growth of newly-grafted hair.
Myth 5: A Hair Transplant Affects The Brain
Fact: This may sound ridiculous, but it is one of the most widespread and problematic myths about hair transplants. Hair transplant surgery does not go any deeper than the skin of the scalp. This being the case, there is no chance of the procedure going close to any part of the brain, so there is zero chance of the surgery impacting or damaging it.
Myth 6: Hair Transplants Look Unnatural
Fact: Hair transplant surgery produces very natural-looking hair. An experienced surgeon determines the location of the follicle and the angle of the hair. This makes the hair transplants look completely natural.
Also, the transplanted hair has the same texture and colour as the recipient’s own hair. It can be washed, cut and styled just like real hair – because that’s exactly what it is!
Myth 7: Hair Transplant Surgery Leaves Visible Scars
Fact: There was a time when linear scars were visible after hair transplant surgery. The post-surgical scars of today have reduced in size thanks to advances in medical technology. The expertise of skilled hair transplant surgeons will keep these scars to a minimum so that they will be completely hidden by the surrounding hair.
Myth 8: Hair Transplants Are Not Suitable For Older Patients
Fact: Age is never a determining factor for hair transplant surgery, something which is demonstrated by the success rates for hair transplants in older people.
An experienced surgeon will carefully examine the scalp and hair growth in the donor area. This is done to determine if new hair will grow on the scalp after surgery. This assessment procedure and the subsequent hair transplant surgery are the same for young and old alike; the age of the patient is irrelevant.
Key Takeaway
Hair transplant surgery is a highly effective procedure for restoring hair. Being able to distinguish between the myths and the facts associated with the treatment will help you to make the best and safest decision about hair transplant surgery. As with all things, do your research first. Here at Vinci Hair Clinic, we’d be happy to answer any of your questions. Contact us today to book your free, no-obligation consultation!
