Hair loss leads one into frantic experiments trying to save the hair. Sometimes, the methods are successful. However, if the cause of hair loss is severe, you end up losing the hair- sometimes at a higher rate. However, that should not be the point you lose hope. You can try out some advanced hair treatments such as FUE hair transplants and PRP hair treatments.
There are a few hair transplant techniques; They all fall under the two major classes of FUE and FUT techniques. FUE hair transplant has the most designs under it. The differences are due to the tools the doctor uses. Also, different techniques are meant to take care of different hair follicle types from people of various races.
You can also have another advanced hair treatment. PRP for hair loss is a non-surgical method you can use to regrow your lost hair. It works by reviving dormant follicles.
In this guide, you will learn how both methods work. Also, you will know when you need to have both methods for your hair treatment.
FUE Hair Transplant
FUE hair transplant is the newest technology in hair restoration surgery- It is an alternative treatment for strip surgery. The doctor extracts individual follicles and transplants them to the affected areas. There are several techniques to perform an FUE hair transplant. Each technique depends on the patient’s hair and follicle type.
Follicles are delicate. A simple error will destroy the root and reduce the survival rate. Thus, it would help if you looked for an experienced trichologist who understands all follicle types.
The Process of FUE Hair Transplant
The process starts with booking an appointment. The doctor will assess your hair loss; It’s essential to check your general health status. There are some conditions that you need to treat before you perform a hair transplant. For instance, if the cause of hair loss is stress, hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, effects of medication, etc., you will need to treat those conditions fast. They will cause the hair loss to continue even after a hair transplant.
On the appointment date, the doctor starts by outlining the treatment area. Then, they extract hair grafts enough to cover the treatment area. The grafts can come from the back of your head, chest, or legs.
The doctor treats each follicle to increase the survival rate. Then they create incisions on the treatment area. Finally, they fix the grafts on the tiny holes they make on the scalp. The whole process will take a minimum of four hours. The time depends on the number of grafts to be transplanted.
After the transplant, the doctor covers your scalp with a bandage. You should wear the bandage for at least 48 hours. If you need to remove it, ensure you wrap your head when you are going out. Don’t expose the scalp to direct sunlight in the first 2-3 weeks.
FUE hair transplant aftercare is simple. First, do not wash your scalp for the first three days. On the fourth day, you can use a mild shampoo to wash your scalp. Then reduce physical activities for 14 days. Finally, take pain relievers and antibiotics to reduce pain and prevent infections.
Expected Results
FUE hair transplant has one-month downtime. The hair graft holds in place in the first two weeks. Then the scalp heals entirely in one month. You will start seeing hair shedding from the fourth to sixth week after the transplant. You’ll witness new hair growth by the third month. The transplant will bear fruits after six months.
Advantages of FUE Hair Transplant
- The procedure is painless. However, there’s some mild discomfort after the anesthesia effect fades away.
- You are guaranteed an 80% success rate. Thus, the doctor transplants a few extra follicles to cover the deficit.
- The hair transplant method is suitable for a wide range of hair and skin types.
- The process is minimally invasive.
- You will not have a surgical scar.
- The hair transplant process is fast.
- One transplant session is enough to achieve optimum results.
- The results are worth every penny.
Risks and Side Effect
- A potential risk of infection. It can happen if the clinic does not reach the required hygiene standards.
- You get natural results. Thus, you can wear any hairstyle you want.
- Some redness, pain, swelling, and itchiness on treatment areas.
- You may suffer post-anesthesia effects.
Cost of FUE Hair transplant
The cost of an FUE hair transplant depends on the number of grafts to be transplanted. A single hair graft transplant costs between $2 and $4. The average price of a hair transplant ranges between $3500 and $12000.
PRP Hair Treatment
PRP hair treatment is when the doctor injects platelet-rich plasma to your scalp to boost hair growth. The blood protein has a healing capacity that heals body cells. From there, the dormant hair follicles can produce healthy hair again.
How to Prepare PRP
The process starts with the preparation of PRP. the doctor draws blood from your hand. The blood is then run through a centrifuge machine. The blood is separated into four parts- red blood cells, PRP, PPP, and the buffer layer in the first spin. Next, they draw PRP and buffer layers from the blood. Then they spin it a second time to concentrate the platelets.
The PRP is then injected into different parts of the scalp. You do not need anesthesia for the process.
Expected Results
PRP heals the cells on the scalp and follicles. A healthy scalp and follicles, in return, produce healthy hair. The scalp also gains the ability to create sebum; It nourishes the hair and protects the hair from breakage. The scalp also has keratin and collagen. They are responsible for healthy hair growth. You’ll need three treatment sessions to witness optimum results. Thus, you’ll need a minimum of three months to get the best results.
Benefits of PRP for Hair Treatment
- It works with the body’s natural healing process. Thus, you get natural results.
- The process is painless and has no downtime.
- You’ll spend less than one hour at the doctor’s office.
- The hair treatment method is affordable.
Risks and Side Effect
- Swelling and redness at the treatment area.
- Risk of nerve and blood vessel damage.
- Pain at injection area to patients with high pain index.
Cost of PRP Hair Transplant
The cost of PRP hair treatment depends on the sessions that you need. You can spend $1500-$3500 for three sessions. You can spend more if you need more treatments.
Several factors will affect the cost of hair treatment. They include your location, the doctor’s demand, experience, and clinic’s status.
Can you use FUE and PRP Together?
Yes, you can use PRP hair treatments as a supplement for an FUE hair transplant. PRP helps the cells on the scalp regenerate. Thus, the transplanted grafts will heal and start growing hair sooner than the regular timeline. Also, PRP will activate the dormant hair follicles. Therefore, the results of the FUE hair transplant will be thicker.
When you combine FUE and PRP, the doctor uses a few hair grafts. They are confident that the hair will grow back thick and dense. The scalp is also able to produce healthy hair. You’ll enjoy the results of hair transplants even more.
Conclusion
You can combine advanced hair treatments to get the best results. In most cases, your doctor will suggest depending on the condition of your hair loss. However, if you are going for an FUE hair transplant, you can ask the doctor to add PRP hair treatment. It helps in speeding up the healing process. You also realize optimum results in a shorter time than when you do FUE alone. But you can select either of the methods depending on your budget.