It is not a surprise that many people in Singapore are turning to hair transplants to address their hair loss woes, with 44.38% reporting that they are suffering from this condition.
A hair transplant surgical procedure is one of the recognised solutions to restore hair growth in the scalp's bald or thinning areas. This is done by removing healthy hair follicles from the back or side areas of the scalp and transplanting them into the affected area.
Due to its minimally invasive nature and generally good outcomes, hair transplants have become a widely accepted and popular procedure. But how do you really know if your hair transplant is successful? Here is what you should look out for.
Noticeable New Hair Growth
From about the 4th month onwards, the appearance of new hair in the transplanted area is the most obvious way to tell if your hair transplant is going well or not. This is a sign that transplanted hair follicles have taken root and have started producing new hair shafts.
Expect the appearance of new hair in the transplanted area from about 4 months following the procedure, but this is not a rule. New hair growth varies between individuals, and it may take longer for some. It may take up to 1 year for the full result to show. Time will tell if your procedure was done well or not.
Hairline Texture and Design
Your hair transplant doctor must consider your forehead shape and natural hair growth angle to create a hairline that compliments your face to create a natural look. The transition from the transplanted to the existing hair should be gradual in order to have a seamless appearance. An unbalanced and unnatural-looking hairline is an indication that the transplant was not done properly.
A good hair transplant result should look natural, the areas of thinning are adequately addressed and the density appears uniform with the normal looking areas of the scalp. A good hair transplant inspires confidence and is pleasing to look at, be it from observers or the patient himself.
The texture of the transplanted hair should be similar to the surrounding existing hair. This means that if your existing hair is curly or straight, the transplanted hair should have the same texture. However, this also depends on the texture of the hair from where it was harvested from. Sometimes, it may take on a slightly thicker texture, or waviness. This is usually acceptable and with time, the hair can also “settle down” into a more normal texture. This may take up to 18 months.
In extreme scenarios, the newly transplanted hair may have very different textures and appear frizzy, kinky or coarse. This may be an indication of suboptimal work and while time may make it better, this is not always a given. Hence it is important to ensure the team performing the procedure is skilful and gentle with the delicate grafts. In some cases, you may be required to undergo a corrective procedure, or worse, to live with suboptimal results.
Evenness of Transplanted Hair
A hair transplant aims to give a visual improvement to the thinning area. The transplanted area should have a natural and fuller look compared to before. The aim is to reduce visible thinning areas or see-through patches. The donor's hair quality and the doctor's skill both influence the transplanted area's coverage. This is why, during the procedure, the doctor goes to great lengths in ensuring the proper distribution of the transplanted hair, and the grafts that are transplanted survive the process of tranplantation to achieve the most natural and optimal appearance.
Minimal Discomfort or Pain
It is normal to have mild discomfort, pain or itch following the hair transplant procedure and these typically subside within a week or two. However, prolonged pain beyond 2 weeks may be a sign of complications, such as nerve damage or infection. If you are facing these issues, scheduling an appointment with your doctor early is advisable so he/she can advise on the proper remedies.
Freia Medical: High-Quality Hair Transplant in Singapore
When undergoing a hair transplant procedure, there must be little room for trial and error. At Freia Medical, we make sure that our clients get the best treatment possible, be it right at the start with a very detailed and thorough assessment and consultation, to the actual procedure where we adhere to strict protocols that are world-class, and even the attentive post-surgical care. If you are suffering in isolation due to hair loss, contact us today. Our team of highly trained staff will explain our wide range of treatments for your concerns.
