Will hair transplant damage existing hair

By Admin - Nov 06, 2023

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A hair transplant is a surgical technique in which hair follicles are extracted from one part of the body, usually the back or sides of the head and transplanted to sections of the body like the crown or the front hairline that have no hair or are thinning. By boosting the density of hair in the recipient area, hair transplants aim to restore a natural and attractive appearance. Although hair transplants are usually thought to be safe and successful, they have grown in popularity over time. However, one prevalent worry among those who are thinking about getting one is if the process may harm their existing hair. This blog will discuss the effects of hair transplants on pre-existing hair and the variables that may affect the results.

Techniques for Hair Transplantation: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are the two main techniques used to do hair transplants.

  A. FUT: This procedure involves surgically removing a strip of scalp from the donor location that contains hair follicles. After being separated from this strip, the follicular units are subsequently inserted into the recipient region. The ability to transplant a large number of grafts in a single session is the primary benefit of FUT. It does, however, create a linear scar at the donor site, which can make the current hair in that area look different.

B. FUE: FUE uses small, circular incisions to remove individual hair follicles straight from the donor area. After that, the recipient region receives the transplant of these follicles. The benefits of FUE include its low level of invasiveness and the lack of a noticeable linear scar. Though compared to FUT, it is thought to be less likely to harm already-existing hair, there is still a chance of negative effects. At IFT we believe in following this technique as this gives guaranteed natural looking hair transplant results.

Effect on Pre-Existing Hair: A hair transplant's effect on pre-existing hair might differ based on a number of variables, such as the particular circumstances of the patient, the skill level of the surgeon, and the technique used. Here are some important things to think about:

A. Shock Loss: It is not unusual for part of the donor area's pre-existing hair to go through a brief period of "shock loss" following a hair transplant. This usually happens in the first few weeks following the transplant and is a normal reaction to the trauma of the surgery. Nevertheless, in a matter of months, the hair usually grows back. It's critical to keep expectations in check and recognize that shock loss is a transient state.

B. FUT Scarring: The look of existing hair in that location may be impacted by the linear scar left at the donor site after FUT treatments. Even though the surrounding hair normally hides it, if the hair is worn extremely short, it could still be visible. Although the scar's visibility can be reduced by skilled surgeons, people who want shorter hairstyles may find it bothersome.

C. FUE Scarring: Compared to the linear scar from FUT, FUE often generates smaller, circular scars at the donor site that are less noticeable. Although the effect on existing hair is usually negligible, there is a slight chance that nearby hair follicles could sustain harm, particularly if the process is not carried out carefully.

D. Surgeon Skill: A major factor in reducing the possibility of damage to preexisting hair is the surgeon's experience and skill. A proficient surgeon can execute the process with accuracy, diminishing the possibility of injuring neighboring hair follicles.

E. Donor Area Preservation: In order to guarantee that future hair transplant procedures may be carried out if necessary, it is imperative to maintain the density and health of the donor area. Overharvesting donor region hair follicles might result in irreversible damage and decrease the supply of donor grafts for subsequent treatments.

Considerations and Precautions

In order to reduce the possibility of harming pre-existing hair during a hair transplant, the following measures and concerns should be kept in mind:

a. Pick an Experienced Surgeon: It's important to choose a hair transplant surgeon who has expertise and is board-certified. A proficient surgeon possesses the necessary skills to execute the process precisely and reduce any adverse effects on pre-existing hair.

b. Communication: It's critical to have open lines of communication with your surgeon. Talk about your expectations for the treatment and any worries regarding your current hair. A trustworthy surgeon will give you an honest evaluation of what is feasible.

c. Donor Area Preservation: In order to preserve future transplant alternatives, make sure the surgeon is aware of the importance of maintaining the donor area's health. Steer clear of overharvesting, as it may cause long-term harm.

d. Post-Operative Care: To guarantee a speedy recovery and reduce any possible problems with pre-existing hair, proper post-operative care and obedience to the surgeon's instructions are crucial.

e. Follow-up Appointments: Scheduling routine follow-up visits with your surgeon will enable you to keep an eye on the development of your hair transplant and quickly address any issues or difficulties.

f. Examine Your choices: If you're worried about possible harm to your current hair, you might want to look into non-surgical hair growth-promoting choices including prescription drugs, laser therapy, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments.

A hair transplant may affect pre-existing hair, but the degree of this influence may vary depending on a number of variables, such as the technique selected, the expertise of the surgeon, and personal preferences. Although there is little chance of permanently harming existing hair, there may be short-term problems including shock loss. Before having the operation, it's important to speak with a licensed and skilled surgeon, express your worries, and carefully examine how it might affect your current hair. In the end, a carefully thought out and skillfully performed hair transplant can yield results that seem natural and greatly enhance the overall appearance of your hair.

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