Top 10 myths about hair transplants

Hair transplants can fall out

Transplanted hair is impossible to dislodge after the first day when the healing mechanisms have set in. In the first 24 hours, follicles are kept in place by tiny blood clots which are strong enough to withstand most forces but it is important to take it easy during this period.

People will be able to tell that you’ve had a hair transplant

The principle of transplanting hair as follicular units (which is the most basic natural grouping of hair) allows the transplanted hair to follow the patterns of native hair giving a natural result. A soft hair line can be achieved using single follicular unit grafts to blend the area seamlessly.

FUE is better than FUT with the strip technique

FUE and FUT are the two main methods of obtaining hair for transplantation. More can be found about these techniques here. There are advantages and disadvantages of both treatments. No single study comparing cosmetic results, graft take or patient satisfaction exists. FUE is not scarless and this is frequently but inappropriately advertised. See more about the comparison between FUE and FUT with the strip technique here.

The surgery is scarless

No surgery is scarless. Transplanted hair looks the same as non-transplanted hair, and it will be almost impossible to tell which is which. With good surgical technique, most individuals heal with barely perceptible donor scars.

Transplanted hair requires extra care

In fact, transplanted hair can be treated like normal, and be cut, dyed and styled as you would otherwise.

Hair transplants look ‘pluggy’

They used to but, as outlined in point 2, individual follicular units can be transplanted to give a completely natural look.

Any one with hair loss can have a hair transplant

This is a common misconception. Certain attributes need to be met before hair transplantation is feasible. This includes having a known, stable or predictable pattern of hair loss, availability of enough donor hairs, good skin elasticity and good healing potential. Suitability for hair transplantation can only be assessed after a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon. Don’t be dismayed even if you are not suitable for hair transplant surgery, as there are several medical treatments that can help hair growth too.

Hair from another person can be used

Unfortunately, someone else’s hair would be rejected and only hair from the same individual can be used.

The results from a hair transplant are immediate

It is common for transplanted hairs to shed a month after surgery. The hairs then regrow such that you should be able to see hair growth in the mirror at about 4 months. The final results of a hair transplant take 12 months to become fully appreciabe.

It is better to have the transplant the younger you are

Part of performing hair restoration surgery is to predict future hair loss and to make sure the transplant you have will blend in with this. Otherwise, you could be left isolated areas of transplanted hair in an area that continues to bald which would look odd and unnatural. The future pattern of hair loss is much easier to determine in individuals who are over 30. That said, transplants can and are done in younger individuals but this varies on a case by case basis.

Find out more about hair transplants at the Midland Skin Institute here.