Considerations before Having a Hair Transplant
Having a hair transplant should never be a snap decision; it is a big commitment, both in terms of money, and because it is a major procedure that cannot be undone. If it isn’t what you wanted, it is irreversible. So before you take the big step of having it done, there are a number of things you should take into consideration–many of them can be discussed with your practitioner before the operation (before, in fact, you sign up for anything), but some of them are things that only you can decide upon.
Which Procedure?
There are two different types of hair transplant. They are FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation, also known as the strip method). But which one is the best for you? There are many differences between the two, so you should certainly discuss the options with your surgeon. FUT will leave a larger scar and takes longer to recover from, but FUE is more expensive but needs less recovery time and leaves little or no scarring.
Your Skin Type
Different skin types require different procedures, and you will need to find a transplant surgeon who is an expert in your specific skin type. Black and Asian skin, for example, has a different texture to Caucasian skin, and will need a practitioner who knows exactly what they are doing. Make sure you do your homework and find the right clinic and the right person for you and your skin.
How Much?
No matter how much you want to have a hair transplant, make sure you know exactly how much it is going to cost beforehand. That includes all the after care and potential additional procedures you may need (depending on which treatment plan you decide on). Perhaps you can spread the cost, but are you sure? Double check. And if not, are you sure you can afford it? Will having a hair transplant cause you financial problems? It’s your choice, but having all the facts is important.
The Risks
All surgical procedures come with a certain level of risk, and it’s important that you go into your hair transplant knowing all of the risks associated with it. Speak to your clinic about it, and listen to what they say. If you are unsure about anything, don’t go ahead with the operation–you need to be totally sure about what you are doing and what is going to happen.
Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential part of the whole procedure when it comes to hair transplants. Make sure you know what you are expected to do before you have to do it. Are you happy to do what needs to be done? If not, a hair transplant is not for you. But if you are willing to do what is needed during the healing process, go for it!
The Final Look
What are your expectations when it comes to the final look of your procedure? Are they realistic? Is the design of your front hairline possible from a hair transplant procedure? It will be too late once the procedure is complete, so it is absolutely essential to speak to your surgeon to design your final look before committing to anything.
