More than half a million hair transplants are done every year. These treatments may be done to address a receding hairline or a thinning crown. These cosmetic procedures are readily available in the UK. However, there is a lot you need to know before you book your first appointment.
Why Quality Matters
Quality matters in every sense of the word. If an amateur is doing hair restoration, the end result is so obvious and often so bad that you’d wish you’d simply gone bald. Bad techniques can result in an increased risk of complications. Or you need to repeat the procedure to make up for additional hair loss. The solution is to only go to a quality, specialized hair restoration firm like FUE Clinics. Their team has more than 75 years of experience. They’ve helped more than ten thousand British patients get their hair back.
Your Responsibilities
The doctor will know their responsibilities. You need to know yours and follow them. For example, your hair restoration will probably be done under sedation. Arrange for someone else to pick you up after the procedure. You’re not supposed to touch or otherwise damage the healing skin. This means you shouldn’t scrub your hair in the shower. Don’t sleep flat; it is better to sleep reclined, especially if you have swelling. Try to keep your head elevated 45 degrees. Don’t apply ice to the scalp to try to reduce the redness and swelling. Apply the ice to your forehead for just twenty to thirty minutes.
Do use all prescription medication. This typically includes antibiotics and pain relievers. Talk to your doctor about any prescriptions you’re already taking. They may want you to stop taking prescription painkillers before sedation, and they may recommend stopping anticoagulants before surgery. Take time to rest, because you shouldn’t be engaging in heavy exercise during this time. It isn’t that you can’t go for a walk. The issue is that you don’t want to get the healing scalp hot and sweaty. Do stay hydrated.
Do not dye your hair for weeks. And don’t let the healing skin get sunburned. Don’t wear hats for at least 72 hours, no matter how much you want to hide the scabs that are forming.
The Responsibilities of Others
Know who will be doing the procedure. Know who you’ll contact if you have questions or think you’re suffering from complications. Know before the procedure where you’ll pick up prescription medication like antibiotics. Talk to your primary care doctor before the procedure, in case they have concerns about you stopping medications that prevent blood clotting. On the other hand, they could prescribe medication to help you quit smoking that will help accelerate healing after the hair transplant.
Realistic Expectations
There are many people who panic in the early stages of recovery because they don’t have realistic expectations. For example, they may over-react to finding a few of their new hairs coming out. It is normal for ten to fifteen percent of your hair to shed at any given time – including the new ones. If you see new red spots, feel heat under the skin or pain, these are reasons to call the doctor.
You’ve had hair transplanted on your head. Recognize that it will take several weeks to grow out. And you may need multiple visits with the doctor to get a full head of hair, or you may need several treatments to address thinning hair.