Common Myths about Hair Transplants
It is common to find patients concerned over hair restoration techniques, including hair transplants. Most times, these concerns are over various articles, videos, and testimonials that provide misconceptions about the procedures. In the past, hair transplants seemed unrealistic, and because technology then allowed transplants in large grafts, so the results were less than natural. Luckily, technological improvements have aided this, and now transplants give more natural results. Still, some people avoid these procedures because there are still plenty of misconceptions associated with them. However, it would be a mistake to let these false facts keep you from restoring your locks. To certify that hair transplants give great visually appealing results that promote hair growth, we have addressed the most common myths about these procedures. Keep reading to find out the facts.
1. Hair Transplants Look Obvious
This is the first concern that most patients have. Often, when concerned patients think about hair transplants, they imagine the unnatural look of toupees. They are notorious for having a noticeable look. Hair transplants, on the other hand, are entirely different. They see air follicles inserted into the scalp directly to promote hair growth in balding and thinning areas. Therefore, it has a more natural look that matches your hair’s color, texture, and thickness. This is thanks to two main procedures, FUT and FUE.
2. Hair Transplants Do Not Work On Older People
This is a common false fact that leads people to believe that hair transplants only work on younger people. However, studies have shown that hair transplants are successful for older generations too. These procedures are excellent for anyone aged 20 and above because this is when you will experience male pattern baldness and other factors that cause thinning hair. Older people greatly benefit from hair transplants. Additionally, when you are older, it is easier to predict the balding pattern; thus, it is easier for your surgeon to restore your hair using transplant procedures.
3. Hair Transplants Affect The Brain
Some people believe that hair transplants affect the brain negatively. We think that people believe this because the process involves making incisions on the scalp. However, this is not true. The surgery is only skin deep and does not penetrate the surface. The procedure does not in any way come close to the brain, thus will not affect the organ. You will have normal cognitive function after the procedure.
4. Hair Transplants Are Painful
Another common misconception is that these procedures derive unbearable pain during and after the surgery. However, developments in technology have made these procedures painless. Surgeons use local anesthesia during the harvesting of hair follicles making the process painless. You can go home the day of the surgery and resume normal activities in a few days with no pain. Some people will experience mild pain on the scalp, but nothing unbearable or life-threatening. You can easily manage the pain with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.
5. You Will Need Long-Term Medication After The Surgery
It is a common myth that you will need medication, shampoos, and ointments after the surgery to help with hair growth. However, experts have confirmed that you will not need any prescription to help with regrowth. On the other hand, if you were already using the products with results before the surgery, you may have to keep using them for the surrounding hair around the transplants. However, the transplanted hair does not need any boost to grow.
6. You Can Get A Donor Other Than Yourself
Just because it is a transplant, some people believe that you can receive someone else’s hair. However, unlike other types of transplants, the donor and recipient are the same person. A surgeon will harvest follicles from areas with less thinning then transplant them onto the balding areas. Hair transplants using someone else’s hair are currently medically impossible. This is because the recipient’s body would reject the hair follicles. You can only receive hair from your body or scalp. Should you obtain them from a different donor, the procedure will fail. Perhaps with enhancements in technology, this form of a hair transplant will work in the future.
7. You Cannot Wash Your Hair After The Transplant
Another common myth of these procedures is that you cannot wash your hair after a transplant. Perhaps it is because some people believe that the transplants will fall out when washed or styled. However, experts have proven that you can wash and style your hair when it starts to grow. After surgery, physicians recommend washing the receiving area to keep it clean and promote the healthy growth of hair. After the areas have healed well, you can visit the hairdresser and get a haircut or styling. Your hair will not stop growing because of this, and in fact, it promotes healthier growth.
8. You Will Grow Hair Immediately
Unfortunately, your look will not drastically change overnight. In fact, you do not expect to see new hair for at least three to four months. Growing new hair takes time, and it is not a nightly thing. For some people, it can stretch to 6 to 9 months. However, once the new hair grows, you will enjoy lush and full locks of hair that match the texture and color of what you currently have. However, this is not to say that the transplants do not work. They do, but everyone is different, thus the variation in timelines for new hair growth. You just have to be patient, and soon enough, you will see new hair. Finally, it is essential to note that not everyone is eligible for hair transplant procedures. You have to consult with a physician to check your eligibility for these transplant procedures. However, just because you do not qualify for this process does not mean that you do not have a chance at hair restoration. There are plenty of alternative treatments, such as laser devices, that can help to restore your locks. Just find a reliable physician to examine you, listen to your goals then advise you on the best course of action.
