hair transplantation with questions

Today, almost 50 percent of men over the age of 50 are faced with the problem of hair loss. For this reason, although hair transplantation is the most applied cosmetic surgery method for men, hair loss is not just a men’s condition. Many women may also experience hair loss or thinning. In addition, the hair follicle transplantation method can be successfully applied not only in the scalp but also in the loss of other areas of the body such as eyebrows, mustache or beard, and successful results are obtained.

Since hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, it should be performed in a hospital setting. Because it is necessary to be prepared for possible complications.

Hair transplantation takes about 4 – 7 hours. After hair transplantation, if the person does not want this process to be known in his social environment, he needs about 7 days. Otherwise, he can return to his daily life within 1 day.

Performing the first wash by our team is important for the hygiene of the surgical area and for not damaging the transplanted grafts. In addition, during the first wash, small but important details about washing are explained to our patients. Effectively removing the lotions and shampoos used during washing from the planting area prevents the risk of infection by the particles that will remain.
In washing processes, the hair should not be dried after washing, it should not be dried, it should be allowed to dry on its own. In the next washing process, the hair is washed first and then the body wash is started. Thus, while washing your body, the scalp that you previously washed will soften and the hair will be washed again after the body. Softening tissues are cleaned more easily in this way.
After hair transplantation, the hair washing process should be started 2 days after the operation and the instructions we will give once a day for 12 days should be followed. If all the crusts are removed after 12 days, it is not necessary to use lotion anymore, it is enough to use only shampoo and the shampoo is applied to the hair transplantation area by gently rubbing with fingertips without using nails. For the first 15 days, the donor area and the hair transplantation area are applied gently by foaming the lotion without making hard movements. The applied foam is left for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Apart from the washing routine in the donor area, more lotions can be used for itching, burning and dryness. Pressurized hot water is not applied to the hair transplant area; non-pressure lukewarm water is used. It is important to rinse the lotion and shampoo thoroughly (for example, by gently pouring the water with a bowl, bowl or mug). Do not use towels and hair dryers to dry your hair. If your body; You can take a shower whenever you want after the procedure, provided that you do not come into contact with water or a product such as shampoo or shower gel, including both the hair transplant area and the donor area. However, this shower should not be too long and hot water should not be used. The steam generated in the shower creates an unsuitable softening for the grafts planted in the scalp. So a short and warm shower should be taken as much as possible. However, it would be appropriate to wait a minimum of 2 days for the hair to be washed. After hair transplantation, care should be taken not to use hot water and wash with warm water not only in the first shower, but also in all showers taken until the crusts fall and the wounds heal. Long and steamy baths should be avoided.

– Crusting provides the necessary protection for the healing of the injured tissue.

– Crusting indicates the beginning of the healing period.

In hair transplantation operation, small incisions are made to form micro channels in the transplantation area to plant the hair follicles taken from the donor area. 24 to 72 hours after hair transplantation, small scabs begin to form on the scalp when bleeding and tissue fluids stop leaking from the cuts. The formation of crusts in the transplant area after hair transplantation indicates that your wounds have started to heal. As a result, crust formation in the hair transplant area after hair transplantation is part of the body’s defense mechanism, and these crusts cover the incisions and form a barrier that protects them against bacteria. To prevent excessive crusting, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs should not be consumed before hair transplantation.

Crusts usually begin to form within 3 days after the hair transplant operation. Since these crusts can cause itching; It makes you want to tear, lift, scrape or scratch the crusts. However, doing these delays the healing process of the tissue and displaces the hair follicles or causes the transplanted hair follicles to dislodge. Therefore, the crusts on the transplanted area should not be touched and should be expected to fall off on their own. The crusts that do not fall off on their own are poured with the help of foam and shampoo on the 12th day with light massage movements, with the inner part of the fingers without using nails.

Smoking causes constriction of blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the scalp, mainly due to its nicotine content. Carbon monoxide in smoke reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. These factors delay wound healing after hair transplantation and increase the possibility of infection. It is beneficial to reduce smoking for 1 week before the procedure and for 2 weeks after the procedure.

Alcohol consumption should be stopped at least 7 days before the hair transplant operation. The blood thinning effect of alcohol brings the possibility of bleeding in the operation area during the operation. In the nature of the hair transplant procedure, bleeding already occurs during the procedure. Alcohol use can increase the frequency and amount of bleeding in the channels opened during hair transplantation. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be stopped at least 7 days before the hair transplant operation.

In addition, alcohol use may reduce the effect of anesthetist substances used during the operation. In this case, the possibility of early return of the pain sensation during the operation and the possibility of the person to feel pain increase or the use of more anesthetist substances may be required during the operation. At this point, excess anesthetic substances entering the body may bring undesirable side effects.

Alcohol reduces the body’s water retention potential and can lead to dry skin. This situation causes the newly planted hair follicles to not receive enough nutrients from the skin.

After the hair transplantation procedure, it is not necessary to shave with a machine for three months. Three months after the hair transplantation process, the transplanted hair follicles will be fully adapted to the planting area, so the haircut will not damage the transplanted hair follicles. However, it should not be cut from the part very close to the hair follicles during the haircut. This can damage the hair follicles. By paying attention to these issues, shaving can be done without damaging the hair follicles.

Any movement that causes sweating, making very sudden movements or applying pressure to the head can adversely affect the results. It can also lead to the emergence of certain problems such as folliculitis or dermatitis. Although sexual intercourse does not directly affect hair transplantation, its effects may adversely affect the recovery period after hair transplantation. Possible negative effects are:

Sweating
Since the scalp is thin, sweating in this area adversely affects the newly transplanted hair follicles. Since it is almost impossible not to sweat during sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse after hair transplantation causes the scalp to sweat.

High Blood Pressure
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure rises due to the acceleration of blood flow. Such a situation may cause bleeding in the canal where the hair grafts are not fully adapted to the area where they are transplanted and may cause the grafts to become dislodged. In this case, the transplanted grafts are lost.

Small Strokes
During sexual intercourse, the parties may lose control of their body movements. In such a case, it may result in a blow to the hair transplant area. Impact on the hair transplant area during the planting period leads to graft loss.

Recovery Period
Since hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, care should be taken during the postoperative recovery period. At the time of recovery after hair transplantation, the body physiology should not experience loss of energy and protein, which has the feature of constructive molecules. Therefore, heavy physical activities should be avoided. Sexual intercourse is also seen as a heavy physical activity and therefore it is in an activity class to be avoided after hair transplantation.

For all these reasons, we do not recommend not having sexual intercourse for 15 days after hair transplantation.

During exercise, blood pressure rises considerably and the pulse starts to beat faster. Elevated blood pressure can cause bleeding in the channels where the hair follicles are placed and cause the hair follicles to move. At the same time, sweating in the body after sports can prevent hair follicles from sitting in the channel where they were planted in a healthy way. As it can be understood from here, we recommend that you stay away from high-paced sports that increase blood pressure for 1 month after planting. In addition, we recommend taking a break from these sports for at least a few months, as hair follicles may be damaged in sports such as football, basketball and volleyball, or in impact sports such as boxing, wrestling and judo in addition to ball sports, taking into account the risk of blows to the head area. At the end of the first month, sports without the risk of impact can be started.

In summary;

Sweat
The risk of infection in the hair follicles increases due to sweating during sports.

Pressure
The pressure increase that develops after high-tempo sports may prevent the newly transplanted grafts from adapting to their place.

Likelihood of hitting the head
A blow to the head in contact sports seriously damages the newly planted hair follicles.

After hair transplantation, our patients can use hats and berets. However, there are certain time criteria for their use.

It is recommended that people who have hair transplantation in cold seasons protect themselves from moisture sources such as rain.

People who have it done in the summer months should also pay attention to the sun, sweating and humidity.

There is no such thing as sweating in cold seasons, but due to the cold climate, attention should be paid to adverse weather conditions. Rain, wind etc. To protect from weather conditions, using a cap or a hat after hair transplantation can be used as it will prevent hair loss.

In summer, it is recommended to use a hat in order to protect from heat, prevent sweating and prevent the scalp from being exposed to the sun’s rays. However, the point that patients should pay particular attention to is that the hat or beanie product to be used should not tighten the head area. It is important that the fabric texture of the hat to be used after hair transplantation is 100% cotton. Using a breathable hat or beanie will prevent hair loss or graft loss.

If all these are taken into consideration, wearing a hat or beret does not cause hair loss or damage to the grafts.

At this point;

Hats or berets should not be used in the first 15 days, and the head area should remain open. During this process, patients need to do things that require little effort.

The hat or beanie to be used should not tighten the head area, it should be loose, comfortable and comfortable. In order to prevent hair loss or graft loss, air-permeable, cotton products should be preferred.

In addition, hats or berets should not be worn for more than 2 hours. Hats or berets should be removed from time to time and this area should be ventilated. Leaving the scalp without air will delay the healing process in the treated area as well as trigger the development of infection.

Drinking water is important in terms of removing toxins from the body and carrying oxygen to the body by accelerating blood circulation. Thus, as cell renewal is ensured, drinking water is important after hair transplantation as always. Drinking water after the hair transplant operation is one of the main rules to be followed. It is necessary to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day.

After hair transplantation, foods high in protein, minerals and vitamins should be preferred for nutrition. Since these nutrients increase cell renewal and cell number, they have an important place in the development and growth of transplanted hair. Foods containing collagen are very important in terms of hair growth, rapid healing of the treated area, prevention of stress-induced hair loss, reduction of side effects such as dryness and itching on the scalp, and rapid healing of wounds. With proper nutrition, some necessary vitamins and minerals can be taken from food, as well as with natural vitamin and mineral tablets.

Below we summarize the foods that will be beneficial to the body and should be consumed in this process.

Which foods contain which nutrients?

Vitamin B supplements containing B group vitamins, whole grain products, eggs, milk, fish, yogurt, red meat, liver, legumes, spinach, greens such as broccoli, fruits such as oranges and lemons are very effective in this process. In addition, folic acid is part of the B group vitamins. Vitamin B9 and Folic acid, also known as Folate, are effective in the cell division process and are cell regenerative. For this reason, it is among the recommendations after hair transplantation.

In addition, foods containing iron; Poultry such as turkey, chicken, duck, green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach should be among your indispensable foods in this process. Because iron deficiency can cause hair loss.

Zinc-containing foods can also cause hair loss due to its deficiency. For this reason, consuming products such as spinach, red meat, garlic, pumpkin seeds, peanuts in this process is also very important in terms of tissue repair and collagen production.

Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, is very important in the healing of wounds. You can take vitamin E externally, or you can get it from products such as leafy vegetables, nuts and olive oil.

Vitamin C also has an important place in the healing of wounds in the body. Vitamin C, which is known for its ability to prevent hair loss caused by stress; It is found in the citrus group and vegetables such as greens and peppers.

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for the whole body for the growth and development of cells. For this reason, it is considered one of the vitamins that are suitable for use in hair transplantation. Vitamin A is found in milk, cheese, yoghurt, leafy vegetables such as carrots, spinach and leeks.

It is as important to pay attention to the diet as it is to pay attention to nutrition after hair transplantation. It is necessary not to be hungry for a long time. In addition, limiting or even quitting bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and drugs will positively affect the treatment.

A certain order in nutrition means that the hair follicles are fed well and regularly through blood. Therefore, a correct eating habit and order is necessary.

Shock shedding is an unpleasant condition that is frequently encountered after hair transplantation. With regular and proper nutrition, this possibility can be eliminated. Although shock loss can occur with a regular and correct diet, the rate of shedding will be less. In other words, a good diet for hair should be made a habit.

It is normal to experience shedding in the transplanted hair after the operation, and new hair growth is eagerly awaited by the patients. At this point, good nutrition is required for the newly grown hair to be denser and stronger.

When the nutritional habit is established correctly, that is, when a habit rich in protein, vitamins and minerals is formed, there will be a significant increase in the cell renewal rate. This is very important after hair transplantation. Moreover, this order should not be thought of as focusing only on hair transplantation, because nutrition is also periodic in skin health. The increase in your cell renewal rate also causes healthy developments in the skin. In this case, another positive effect occurs for the transplanted hair. Cell renewal rate is also effective in shortening the recovery period. Being hungry after hair transplantation, that is, dieting, prolongs the healing process.

Smoking is a harmful substance strong enough to suppress the hair follicles and prevent new hair from growing. Hair follicles are nourished and receive oxygen thanks to the blood carried through their capillaries. Smoking suppresses this circulation and prevents oxygen from reaching the hair follicles. Therefore, getting positive results becomes very difficult with smoking. Alcohol, like cigarettes, is one of the harmful factors in this process. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the use of alcohol.

Since the transplanted scalp is very sensitive, direct contact of the sun’s rays with the scalp should be avoided as much as possible in this process. Sun rays actually cause irreversible damage while penetrating not only the upper surface of the skin but also the lower tissues. In addition, the lower layers of the skin heal later than the upper layer. Therefore, exposing the scalp and roots to the sun is a situation that should be waited until the hair grafts fully adhere to the tissue. Human skin produces substances that darken the skin when exposed to the sun as a protection factor. However, these substances become ineffective during a hair transplant and it takes time for the grafts to heal or regenerate. For this reason, we recommend our patients to be protected from the sun for at least 4 months, although it is tighter for the first month. During this period, it is recommended to wear a hat that fully covers the planting area.

Rainwater contains pure water. However, the rainwater comes into contact with the dust and dirt particles rising from the ground until it comes out of the clouds and falls to the earth, and it loses its harmless pure state. If rain water comes into contact with the scalp, combined with a small dust particle that can cause infection, it may cause uncomfortable results in the application area. In addition, rain water can disrupt the PH balance of the hair and cause the newly planted hair follicles to die.

Approximately 15 days after the hair transplant procedure, the crusts on the scalp begin to fall off. About two weeks after the shells fall, the idea of ​​going into the sea may be on your agenda. In other words, you can swim in the sea 3-4 weeks (1 month) after hair transplantation. However, this is a very general period, the reactions of your skin to hair transplantation and the preferred method of hair transplantation may extend this period. As a result, the most accurate approach is taken by the physician specifically for the patient.

Sun protection becomes much more essential when entering the sea or pool. You should definitely avoid going to the sea or the outdoor pool at noon, even if the crusts have fallen off after the hair transplant. Perpendicular sun rays can damage the scalp.

In order to wear a cap when entering the sea or pool, it should be ensured that the scalp is completely healed. This is very important so that the transplanted grafts do not move.

Finally, it is necessary to wear a hat and protect the hair from the sun’s rays, especially while sunbathing by the sea or pool.

Entering the Turkish bath and sauna after hair transplantation is subject to similar rules as swimming in the sea. First of all, attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the Turkish bath or sauna. In this way, hygiene-dependent problems will not be experienced. Initially, the time spent in the sauna or hammam should be kept short. A period of 3-4 weeks or 2-3 months is required after hair transplantation to enter the Turkish bath and sauna. Just as the time required to enter the sea differs according to the method used in hair transplantation, there are similar conditions for the Turkish bath and sauna. Complete shedding of the crusts on the scalp and complete healing of the wounds must be expected.

The purpose of using aspirin is to dilute the blood after hair transplantation and to facilitate the circulation of blood in the body, including the scalp. Having sufficient blood circulation ensures that the transplanted hair is nourished and that these hairs grow in a healthier way. It is recommended to use for 5 days after hair transplantation.

The reason for using antibiotics after hair transplantation is to prevent a possible infection; because there is always a risk of infection due to the surgical procedure performed both in the transplant area and in the donor area. It is used for 5-7 days depending on the type of antibiotic given after hair transplantation.

It is used to reduce edema and accelerate recovery after hair transplantation. It is used for 3-5 days after hair transplantation.

Rarely, headaches may occur after hair transplantation. Painkillers are not routinely used after hair transplantation. Its use is recommended only if headache develops.

Local anesthesia during hair transplantation eliminates the feeling of pain during the procedure and ensures a comfortable operation. In the hair transplantation process, local anesthesia is applied to both the donor area and the transplantation area. In addition, we recommend a light sleep state called conscious sedation in order to control the stress and panic situations of our patients and to prevent them from feeling the pain of the local anesthesia injection.

Many factors are considered in the planning of the anterior hairline. Planning should be done by taking into account the age of the person, the hair gap, the number of hair in the donor area, whether the hair loss process continues, the shape and size of the person’s skull, and the wishes of the person to be transplanted.

A distance of approximately 7 centimeters, measured between the two eyebrows and towards the scalp border, can be considered as the standard for the beginning of the hairline in the midline. (It has been determined as 7-8 cm in men and 5.5-6.5 cm in women. This line can be drawn further down in young patients, but hairlines less than 6.5 cm are not preferred much.) This measurement is performed in people with insufficient hair, with a large span and in people over middle age. can be taken even higher. For those with existing hair less than seven centimeters, the existing hair is taken as the beginning of this line. Another simple method is to ask the patient to raise their eyebrows. Just above the forehead wrinkles roughly gives the front hairline.

A slightly V-shaped or more rounded front hairline is determined by determining the necessary points in the temple area and taking into account the head shape. The hairline with a slight indentation in the temple area, which we can call the male type front hairline, is the most ideal hairline. Every man who has completed puberty and has no hair loss has this indentation. The front hairline of women can be more rounded or straight and there is no indentation in the temple area.

Roots containing 1-2 hairs are used quite frequently and usually for the first few centimeters behind the front hairline. In the first row, only single roots are preferred.

How many grafts are there in 1 cm square in the head? How many grafts are transplanted to 1 cm2 in hair transplantation?

While measuring the planting area, it is decided with the patient how much hair density should be in the planting area. Normally, there are 80-100 grafts in 1 cm2. This is called hair density. With the permanent loss of hair, this number decreases and baldness appears last. For a good result, approximately 30-40 grafts are ideally transplanted into the hair transplant area.