Hair Transplant – Things You Need to Know Before Getting Hair Transplant in South Korea

Hair transplant has been rising in popularity because of its unique ability to aid in new hair growth. There have been a lot of treatments and over the counter medications available that promise to bring back hair to the bald areas of the scalp. However, they are not as effective as a hair transplant procedure. Having thick, healthy locks is one sign of youthfulness and is considered as everyone’s crowning glory. If you are someone who has been hoping to retrieve the thickness of your hair, then read on to know more about this procedure.  

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that restores hair growth in the areas of the scalp that have thin hair or have gone bald. It involves the transfer of hair follicles or scalp hair from the donor area to the recipient area. The hairs may be transplanted using two methods, either FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant). 

During FUE, the hairs are individually harvested using a punch graft, while for FUT; they collect the follicular units all at once as part of a strip. The success in the outcome of a hair transplant depends a lot on the skill and expertise of the doctor as well as the number of healthy hair follicles that remain after the transplantation. For this matter, several sessions, spaced between three to six months, may be needed to see your desired results. 

Hair transplant has several benefits physically, psychologically, and even financially. These benefits include the following: 

• Increase in confidence because of the elimination of bald spots on the head 
• A more youthful appearance because of the restored thickness of the hair 
• The natural look of restored hair 
• Saves money and time because it only takes 1-3 procedures unlike over the counter remedies which requires you more trips to the store but will only have short term effects 
• Does not need too much maintenance unlike special medication or shampoos

The hair transplant procedure is done under local anesthesia. It can last for about four to eight hours, depending on the size of the area where the hair is being transplanted. Since it is performed under local anesthesia, the patient may need someone to accompany him or her home because of the mild sedation.

This procedure may be repeated up to 3-4 sessions depending on the results that the patient wants to achieve, and each session should be spaced out between every 3-6 months. Before the start of the procedure, the doctor will examine the area where hair loss is evident. He then designs and customizes a surgery plan based on the patient’s need. The patient is also allowed to choose which method they want, whether the FUT or FUE. 

A) Follicular unit transplantation (incisional)

1) With the help of a scalpel, the surgeon strips a 6 to 10 inch-long piece of scalp from the back of the head. 

2) They then stitch the area where they removed the piece of scalp. 

3) The surgeon then separates the scalp strip into smaller pieces called grafts. 

4) Using a blade or needle, the surgeon makes holes in the patient’s scalp for the transplanting of the hair follicles.

5) The surgeon then proceeds with a method called grafting, where he inserts the hairs from the scalp strip into the holes that they created. 

6) Once the grafting is completed, the sites of the transplant are covered with a bandage or gauze. 

B) Follicular unit extraction (non-incisional) 

1) The procedure starts with the surgeon shaving the back of the head.

2) They then remove individual follicles from the shaved part at the back of the head. 

3) Just like in the FUT procedure, the surgeon does grafting on the holes in the recipient area. 

4) Once all has been completed, the surgical site is covered and bandaged. 

After the surgery, your scalp may feel tender and swollen. Soreness at the transplanted area, as well as the area where the hair follicles have been removed, is normal right after the surgery. It is also normal for the hair to fall out after several days from the operation because it will grow back and show visible results within 3-6 months. The doctor will prescribe you medications that will help in easing the pain and also bring aid in hair growth. During this time, it is vital to avoid clothes that are taken off through the head. Strenuous activities are also not allowed since it promotes increase blood flow to the head. 

Results of a hair transplant are known to be successful even though it takes 6-9 months for the hair to grow properly. Seeing the before and after picture below, it is visible that there has been significant change and addition to the patient’s hair. The results also look natural, and most of all, the scar from the surgery is not visible because it has been covered with the grown hair. 

The restoration of bald and thinning areas in the scalp has been a possible experience for many because of the hair transplant procedure. With its two methods, the FUT and the FUE, patients are given a chance to choose which plan they are comfortable following. This procedure is not only beneficial for patients physically but also psychologically and financially. One session of a hair transplant may take several hours because of the intricacy of the procedure. However, the results are quite commendable because of how natural it looks and how effective it is in restoring hair growth. 

Just like any surgery, a hair transplant should be done by a licensed surgeon who is well experienced in this treatment. Here at Seoul Guide Medical, we have the best surgeons in Korea for this procedure who are not only well experienced but can also give you results that fit international standards. For a consultation, you may reach us through our website, and we will aid you in the journey to restore your crowning glory.