Hair transplant questions abound, and it is important to be able to sort out the myths from reality. There are a lot of outdated assumptions about the appearance and efficacy of hair transplants. There are also unscrupulous care providers who prey on the insecurities of their customers. Knowledge is power.
We’ve scoured the internet to find real hair transplant questions that keep getting asked. There’s a lot of people interested in hair transplant surgery and we wanted to make sure you have the answers you’re looking for. If you’ve had some of these similar hair transplant questions, we hope this article will help you learn what you need to make an informed decision about booking your hair transplant procedure. All your hair transplant questions are answered below.
REAL Hair Transplant Questions
Question #1
“When you’re starting to bald, you begin to notice lots of hair loss. When you wash your hair every day, what kind of hair do you find in the water? Younger, thinner hair, or longer older hair?”
Answer #1
It is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. It is normal for hair to shed when it is in the fall cycle of growth, which means you should be losing some hairs that are older and longer, as opposed to hair that is shorter and younger. You can tell that you are losing excessive amounts of hair if you are finding large quantities of hair around the house or in your shower. If you notice your hairline receding, that could be another reason to call your doctor.
Question #2
“For those of you who wore hats after their hair transplant, when did you start to do so? I saw multiple people say they waited around 10 days. Is this accurate?”
Answer #2
Most doctors recommend waiting at least two weeks, or until your sutures have healed. The best rule of thumb is to get the green light from your surgeon at your follow-up appointment post-surgery. It’s important to treat the scalp very gently in the initial weeks following treatment.
Even something as simple as wearing a hat too soon can disturb the transplanted hair follicles and damage them before they are established. Wearing hats that have been previously worn too soon after surgery can put you at risk of infection since bacteria on the inside of the hat is dangerous for healing wounds.
Question #3
“Did anyone not cut their hair at all on top after their hair transplant? Referring to if they just had the front area done. If so would you recommend it and what made you do it?”
Answer #3
Wearing your hair longer is a matter of personal preference. Keeping established hair long can help disguise scars from the donor sites and make the overall hair look fuller. However, you may feel that it looks more natural to cut the hair on top to more closely match the length of the newly transplanted hair. After the scabs from the transplant sites heal you will have a better idea of what makes the most sense for your desired look.
Question #4
It’s been three weeks since my hair transplant procedure. I had a 4.2k grafts FUE and understand it will take time for my donor area to heal. However, I’m having constant worries about the overharvesting of the donor area. Should I be worried?
Answer #4
Most likely no, as long as your procedure was administered by an experienced and skilled surgeon your donor sites should heal with no problems. Expert hair restoration experts understand that it is just as important to make the hair at the donor site look as natural as the newly transplanted hair. They will extract the follicles in a pattern that will look natural after the excision sites have healed. It is absolutely normal for the donor sites to take up to a month to heal. As long as you are not experiencing any pain, burning, or itching at the donor sites, you are most likely healing beautifully. Within a few months, the hair around the donor sites will grow to disguise the donor sites altogether.
Question #5
“How long did your transplanted area remain red? I’m 3 weeks post-op, but it’s way redder now than when I had the hair transplant done. Any advice on how to hide this or reduce the redness?”
Answer #5
While many patients see their redness clear up within two weeks of surgery, it is normal for the redness to take up to a month to completely disappear. If redness persists after a month or if you are experiencing itching, pain, burning, or if the redness extends past the areas that were treated. These signs would indicate an infection or that your body is not healing properly.
Contact your surgeon immediately to make sure that you are healing well from your procedure. It is better to be safe than sorry. While complications are rare, they can be managed more easily when given immediate attention.
Question #6
“My donor area and sides are pretty thick. However, I’m still debating if it’s worth it to get a hair transplant or if I should just shave it and get SMP. What’s the best course of action?”
Answer #6
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a process where a small amount of pigment is added to the balding area of the scalp, similar to a tattoo. The results look very natural, although the hair will need to be worn very short. Advantages to SMP include that the procedure is less invasive, less expensive, has a much lower risk of complication, and a higher rate of customer satisfaction. You may need to schedule multiple SMP treatments to achieve your desired look.
I’d say shave it off and see how you like it. If you hate it, it will grow back soon. At least you will know it’s not your cup of tea. On another hand, you might very well not need any surgery altogether if you think it looks good. Always remember, after getting Hair Transplant, you won’t have the same choice of shaving it off due to scars all over your donor. At least try it now while you can.
Question #7
“What were the guidelines your doctor gave you for sweating and exercise post operation?”
Answer #7
Doctors generally recommend waiting at least 2 weeks post-surgery before resuming exercise. It is important that any incisions are completely healed. It is best to get cleared for exercise by your doctor at your final follow-up appointment. Exercising too soon can stretch and stress your incision sites. Sweating near the incision sites is also inadvisable as it can affect whether or not they heal properly.
Question #8
“I got a hair transplant 4 months ago. I saw pretty aggressive shedding and shock loss after 2 weeks. Finally, I now have hair growing back. However, it seems I’m still shedding pretty hard. Is this normal?”
Answer #8
It is normal for shock loss to stop after about 12 weeks post-operation and new hair should be reestablishing itself after 3-6 months. If you feel that you are experiencing excessive hair fall after 4 months, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. They may choose to prescribe Rogaine or Propecia to help prevent the loss of your newly transplanted hair. Other factors that could be impacting hair loss at this stage could be related to hormones, nutrition, or stress, so getting a blood test to rule out any serious health issues could also be helpful.
Question #9
“After my hair transplant, how soon can I get a haircut?”
Answer #9
You can get a haircut as early as four days after an FUE procedure. As a general rule, it is better to wait until any crusting or inflammation at either the recipient or donor area is cleared up. This usually takes about a week. After a FUT procedure, you will need to wait until the stitches have been removed, about 10 days post-procedure. It is a good idea to communicate with your hairstylist about your recent procedure so that they can take extra care with your scalp. Your surgeon may be able to recommend someone who is experienced in styling people on a hair restoration journey.
Question #10
“How long do I have to sleep upright after a hair transplant?”
Answer #10
Sleeping at an elevated 45-degree angle helps reduce swelling. The swelling peaks at day 3 post-operation. Sleeping in an elevated position in the first three nights helps prevent excessive swelling. This can be accomplished by propping 3-4 pillows behind your back so that you are in a reclining position. A neck pillow may be helpful for keeping you in a stable position.
Keep in mind that swelling is not going to interfere with the success of your treatment. Ultimately it is better to get good sleep, so if it is not comfortable to sleep propped up it is ok to sleep in the position you find most comfortable. Any swelling will settle down on its own in a few days.
Question #11
“Will I need more than one hair transplant to achieve the results I’m looking for?”
Answer #11
How many grafts are needed will depend on the severity of your hair loss. If your hair loss is in the early stages you will need fewer grafts than someone who has a larger area, such as a bald spot on the crown of the head, or someone with a completely bald crown. The other factor will depend on whether you have an adequate amount of donor hair sites. These are all questions your surgeon can answer for you in greater detail during your consultation. Unless your budget requires that you work in stages, in general, you should only need to undergo one hair transplantation treatment.
Question #12
“Is density more important than thickness for hair transplants?”
Answer #12
Thicker hair will cover more volume of the surface area. The texture of your hair will also influence the overall appearance of fullness. Curly hair tends to cover the scalp more easily than straight hair. Thick hair at the donor site is also beneficial because it allows for plenty of donor follicles to be harvested without impacting the appearance of the donor sites.
Question #13
“Is it safe to use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner after hair transplant?”
Answer #13
After your incision sites have healed it is safe for you to use your preferred hair care products. However, there is not any evidence that Nioxin helps to regrow hair post-surgery. It is best to consult with your surgeon about their recommended best practices for aftercare. Practicing healthy habits like a nutritious diet, stress management and exercise will help to support your body as it works to regrow healthy hair.
Question #14
“Is it safe to wear a wig to cover a transplant as it heals?”
Answer #14
Yes, once you are through with the initial healing stages and you have no more scabs or sutures you may wear a wig. However, the type of wig you use is important. It is not advisable to use wigs or hairpieces that use double sided tape to hold the wig in place. The chemicals in the tape can irritate the hair follicles, and even cause irreversible damage. The lack of airflow to the follicles under the tape, combined with any sweat can even cause bacterial growth and infection! Needless to say, double sided tape is not safe.
Wigs and hairpieces with a base that is entirely mesh may be safely worn 2-3 weeks after surgery so long as all your sutures have healed and you’ve gotten clearance from your doctor. These types of wigs may be worn using clips on the underside that attach to the hair. These should only be worn for 12 hours maximum and should be removed as soon as you arrive home.
Question #15
“Will hair in the donor area grow back?”
Answer #15
No, the extracted hair follicles will not grow back. As the follicular units are removed from the donor area, the density of hair in that area will decrease. If you get a FUT your surgeon will remove an area of skin as well as hair. A skilled surgeon will be able to take donor strips in a way that leaves behind very little if any visible scarring. When it comes to extracting hair during an FUE procedure, an experienced surgeon will know how to remove an appropriate amount of follicles in a pattern that will keep the donor sites looking full and natural, while minimizing any scarring.
Question #16
“How much hair can be taken from the donor site?”
Answer #16
This will depend on the individual and the type of procedure they are undergoing. WIth FUT clinics can safely remove up to 3,000 grafts in a single procedure. With FUE most clinics will remove between 1,500-2,000 grafts in a single procedure, or up to 3,000 over the course of two days. Factors that will determine the number of hair grafts used includes the severity of the hair loss, the density and texture of hair at the donor site, and the overall health of the donor hair. Some patients may transplant between 5,000-8,000 grafts over the course of several procedures.
Question #17
“What are the risks of hair transplantation?”
Answer #17
Hair transplantation has a low rate of complications, especially if proper care and attention are given. Possible complications range from mild to severe. Most common postoperative complications include pain, edema, asymmetry of transplanted hair, bleeding, visible scars, and graft dislodgment. Serious postoperative complications that are less common include infection, pigment alteration, and necrosis, necrosis of the skin being the most serious. This is why it’s important to thoroughly research your surgeon before scheduling a procedure.
Question #18
“Are there any alternatives to hair transplantation?”
Answer #18
The most effective alternatives to hair transplantation are Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Caps and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). LLLT has been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth, so long as you are using a high-quality device with prescription-grade laser diodes. SMP is performed by injecting small amounts of pigment into the scalp, similar to cosmetic tattooing to replicate the appearance of a short, shaved haircut. These can be used in combination with or in place of hair transplantation. They both have the advantage of being less invasive, less expensive, and with minimal side effects.
Question #19
“Instead of wearing wigs and hairpieces, is it okay to use hair concealers after a hair transplant?”
Answer #19
Hair concealer sprays and powders contain tiny particles of synthetic chemicals. If your wounds are not completely closed after your transplant, they can enter the skin, causing inflammation. At a minimum, it will take between 7-10 days for the wounds to close. Surgeons will generally recommend waiting until the scalp is completely healed before resuming the use of any personal grooming products.
It is best to speak to your doctor about which hair concealer products are safest and how long you should wait. As long as the scalp is healed, these products would be less aggressive to the newly transplanted follicles than clip-in hairpieces or wigs would be, as they can contribute to traction alopecia.
Question #20
“Can I have PRP during a hair transplant?”
Answer #20
PRP treatments use blood platelets that contain growth factors to trigger cell proliferation. This can speed healing time and stimulate tissue regeneration. PRP is becoming a popular complementary therapy to hair transplants. Recent studies suggest that applying PRP to the scalp can address androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). It is anecdotally reported that it can accelerate hair growth and thicken existing hair. PRP is a safe treatment to incorporate into your hair restoration plan.
THE BEST HAIR TRANSPLANTS IN LA
Best Hair Transplant is the best place to schedule your hair transplant in Los Angeles. But don’t take our word for it. We suggest learning as much as possible about hair restoration. Do so prior to making a decision on how to address your hair loss. Not every procedure is right for everyone.
At Best Hair Transplant in Redondo Beach, we pride ourselves on helping our patients choose the best procedure for them. Do your homework. Research your hair restoration doctor. After all, not all doctors are equal. For your benefit, ask to see “Before & After” photos.
At Best Hair Transplant, we’re proud of our results and happy to provide hair restoration services. Additionally, we’re proud to make hair transplants affordable and help you save money on a variety of hair transplants.
To ensure your ease of mind, you can view our customer recommendations HERE. Furthermore, you can also see our Google reviews and Yelp reviews. We can’t wait to help you start restoring your lost hair.
YOUR HAIR RESTORATION SOLUTION
Best Hair Transplant
1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(213) 403-0455
References:
- https://www.forhims.com/blog/the-early-signs-of-balding-and-how-to-stop-them
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/redness-after-hair-transplant/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-grow-your-hair-long-with-a-hair-transplant-or-should-it-stay-short
- https://www.realself.com/question/toronto-4-months-post-fut-hair-transplant-shedding-shock-loss
- https://www.skalptec.com/news/hair-transplant-vs-scalp-micropigmentation-best-options/
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/redness-after-hair-transplant/
- https://www.hairlossexperiences.com/forums/hair-transplant-patients.12/
- https://hairrestorationeurope.com/2018/11/08/most-common-questions-about-hair-transplant/
- https://www.intechopen.com/books/hair-and-scalp-disorders/complications-of-hair-transplantation
- https://www.hrbr.ie/blog/how-many-hair-grafts/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatment
- https://dru.com/can-i-wear-wigs-and-hairpieces-after-my-hair-transplant-surgery-faq-los-angeles-patients/