Hair loss is one of the most common aesthetic problems today, and although it is mostly a problem experienced by men, it can also affect women from time to time. Experts state that we lose an average of 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. If hair loss exceeds this average, it is time to consult a specialist. In fact, daily hair loss is an unnoticeable process that does not affect our overall hair volume. Each hair is born, grows and completes its life cycle independently of other hairs. The life cycle of the hair fiber consists of three phases: growth, regression and resting. Each follicle can produce 25 to 30 new hairs, and the life cycle is completed by each new hair repeating these three phases cyclically. However, sometimes we may think we are losing more hair. Factors such as seasonal changes, moments of intense stress, hormonal changes (childbirth, menopause, etc.) or an unbalanced diet can prolong the resting phase of the hair fiber and cause loss above the average of 100 follicles per day. First of all, it is important to distinguish hair loss due to the above-mentioned causes from the more serious condition of baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Baldness is a condition caused by the interaction of certain hormone levels, genetics and age, and the lost hair does not grow back.

What to do in case of hair loss?

When thinning hair is noticed, a dermatologist should be consulted and the causes thoroughly examined. After the examinations, an appropriate treatment will be recommended. If there is a hormonal problem at the root of the hair loss, medication is usually recommended, while if the cause of the loss is nutritional, an appropriate diet to replace the missing nutrients may be recommended.

Shampoos or lotions?

Shampoos or lotions are usually not a real treatment, but at most are used to support the prescribed treatment. They can be used especially in cases such as seasonal hair loss, stress-related hair loss, unbalanced diet or postpartum hair loss.

When is hair transplantation necessary?

There are various treatments for hair loss, such as laser treatments or PRP (platelet-rich plasma). In the case of androgenetic alopecia, the best treatment can often be the transplantation of healthy follicles with micro-grafts. These follicles are usually taken from the nape of the neck, because the hair genetics of the nape are healthier and more resilient. The transplanted follicles are placed in areas of hair loss or thinning in a completely painless way using special devices. Hair transplantation is a microsurgery performed under local anesthesia. The results are surprisingly natural, the hair grows normally and a permanent result is achieved without the risk of hair loss.

TECHNIQUES USED IN HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

BEST RESEARCH

Throughout our more than 12 years of medical group experience, we are constantly researching innovations in the field of hair implantation. We keep pace with medical advances and upgrade our facilities to adapt to today’s technology. We mostly use FUE techniques, these techniques are popular as minimally invasive procedures with great results; they also leave no post-operative scarring like FUT techniques.

WHAT TECHNIQUES DO WE USE?

FUE Technology (Follicular Unit Extraction)

FUE hair transplantation starts with blood tests and a specialist visit. If the test results are positive, the treatment begins. The specialist marks the target area where the hair will be transplanted. The grafts to be transplanted are calculated according to these regions. After local anesthesia, follicles are harvested one by one with a micromotor from the donor area called “horseshoe” (nape and sides of the head). Harvesting is performed with sharp tips with a size of less than 1 mm. Tip size has a major impact on healing times. The follicles are stored in a special liquid called iposol or cold isotonic liquid. The grafts taken may contain 2-3 hairs. At this stage, it is important not to damage the follicles and to separate them carefully. Once the harvesting phase is complete, the specialist immediately starts to open the microchannels for transplantation. This process also requires great care and attention and requires at least as much experience as donor harvesting. It is important for the success of the result that the channels are the right size, depth and angle. This ensures that the hair looks natural. The grafts are placed one by one. The number of grafts determines the number of transplants, usually an average of 4000/6500 grafts are transplanted in a hair transplant operation and the treatment takes 7 to 10 hours.

Ultimate FUE (Sapphire Tip)

In the FUE Emerald Technique, instead of a steel-tipped scalpel, the precious blue emerald tip is used to open the micro-channels where the follicles will be placed. This innovation shortens healing times and minimizes scab formation because the emerald tip design allows for smaller micro-channel openings than traditional steel-tipped scalpels. Advantages of FUE with Emerald Tip: Thanks to its quality features, it reduces vibration and thus greatly reduces the risk of complications such as trauma and damage to scalp tissue. With smaller and more precise micro-perforations, it allows for a more dense transplant; this density allows for hair transplantation even in people with severe baldness. A denser density provides a more natural look.

DHI Technology (Direct Hair Implantation)

DHI, the hair transplantation method, is also referred to by names such as Implanter Pen or CHOI pen. It was developed by Kyungpook National University in Korea and is one of the most advanced technologies for hair transplantation. In FUE or FUT treatments, the transplantation of follicles from the donor area to the target areas requires the manual opening of micro-channels. In the Choi Pen method, on the other hand, the transplantation of follicles is done directly without micro-incisions; specialists create the channels with this pen-shaped tool and transplant the follicles at the same time. Therefore, the biggest advantage of the DHI technique is that there is no need for two separate stages, such as the creation of micro channels in the recipient area and the subsequent transplantation of the follicles. The follicles are inserted directly into the recipient area thanks to the pointed tip of the pen. It should be noted that the CHOI pen technique is included in FUE as a hair transplant method, as the extraction method used is always an FUE, but the follicle placement method varies. Both can be combined during the procedure. The impact of DHI treatment on the skin is minimal as it is the least invasive method. Bleeding is minimal and recovery times are shorter with the DHI technique. The operation time varies between 6 and 8 hours and an average of 4000/4500 follicles are transplanted in one session.

Extreme DHI

The extreme DHI technique follows the same steps of the DHI technique, but allows the specialist to transplant 5000 follicles in 10-12 hours in one session.

RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

Despite advances in technology and increasingly specialized doctors, hair transplantation is still an important decision to consider. Our teams of specialists offer the highest level of professionalism to make the transplant as comfortable as possible; nevertheless, we provide you with a list of things to follow to best prepare before and after your transplant. The following information is not a substitute for the instructions given by your doctor.

Recommendations

Tell us if you are allergic to any medicines. Tell us if you have had abnormal results from recent blood tests. Tell us if you are struggling with any illness or are taking medication regularly. In particular, if you are taking medication for certain diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor who monitors your health condition must know and approve the hair transplant procedure. A healthy and balanced diet is recommended. Our consultants will provide you with a questionnaire with this information and will still carry out blood tests and a visit by a specialist if necessary. Our consultations are free of charge.

Things to consider before the operation

You should stop smoking two weeks or at least 24 hours before the operation. Smoking prolongs your recovery time, increases the risk of infection and affects follicle growth. You should stop drinking alcohol at least three days before the operation. Drinking alcohol can thin the blood and cause bleeding during transplantation and may lead to transplant failure. You should stop using coffee and other stimulants for at least four days. These are stimulants that affect the anesthesia process. To avoid the risk of bleeding, you should stop taking medications that facilitate blood thinning, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or certain vitamin combinations. Remember that your health condition and response to treatment is individual. It is important not to change any medication or habits without consulting your doctor.

RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

The post-operative period is a very sensitive period for the success of hair transplantation. This process can take 12-15 months and our consultants will always be with you until you reach the result. Results are not immediately visible, which can often lead to confusion or doubt among patients. The healing and regrowth of the hair takes place gradually; initially the transplanted grafts are considered small wounds and require special care. Your specialist will explain in detail what you should and should not do; in case of any confusion or lack of understanding, our consultants will step in and act as a bridge between you and your doctor if necessary. It can take about two weeks for the follicles to become well established, so it is very important to follow medical instructions carefully and avoid habits that can damage your hair. During the first two months you may experience hair loss; this is called shock hair loss and within a few weeks the hair will start to grow again. Although it may vary from person to person, you may start to see the first results within the first 3-4 months and final results can be achieved within 12-15 months.

What Should I Do?

Continue with treatments and medicines prescribed by the doctor to help the wounds heal quickly and increase follicle growth. Take vitamins if prescribed. It is recommended to wear a bandana for the first 48 hours to prevent swelling. For the first 3 days, avoid tilting your head as much as possible and keep a parallel line between the chin and the floor to prevent swelling in the forehead and eye area. Sleeping using two pillows to keep your head in a semi-vertical position for the first 5 days will prevent swelling. You can start your exercises after ten days, postpone going to the gym for a month. Avoid excessive sweating. Be careful not to put pressure directly on the scalp when putting on and taking off clothes.

What Should I Avoid?

Avoid washing your hair for 72 hours after hair transplantation. (One wash will be done in the clinic.) Use medical shampoo when washing your hair, do not use chemical shampoo. Do not consume alcohol for 5 days. Avoid swimming in the sea for three months and swimming in the pool for two months. Avoid sunlight, heat and high humidity for at least one month and wear a medical hat when you go outside. Avoid using baths and saunas for at least one month. Avoid standing directly in the rain or dust to avoid damaging the transplanted follicles. Avoid sexual intercourse for one week. Avoid smoking as much as possible.

HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY

First Stage

The density of the donor area, the area to be transplanted and the number of follicles to be harvested are determined. The target area is marked.

Second Stage

The patient undergoes the necessary tests and controls; blood tests and some dermatological examinations are performed.

Third Stage

If the FUE hair transplant technique is applied, the hair is completely shaved. If the DHI or Robot technique is used, only the donor area is shaved, thus facilitating the follicle extraction process. The patient is anesthetized with local anesthesia.

Fourth Stage

In this stage, the doctor removes the follicles from the donor area using a Micro Motor and puts them in hyposol or cold isotonic fluids, a special fluid to keep them alive for a long time.

Fifth Stage

This is the hair transplantation phase. If the FUE technique is used, channels are opened and the extracted follicles are transplanted into these channels using a medical forceps. If the DHI technique is used, the follicles are placed in Choi pens and the channels are opened in each application and the follicles are transplanted at the same time.