Nowadays, environmental pollution, stress and unhealthy eating habits have caused hair loss to become more common. Although hair loss is considered normal between the ages of 40-50, these factors can threaten hair health at any age. Hereditary diseases, accidents, thyroid problems and organ dysfunctions such as diabetes can trigger hair loss. For this reason, hair loss and baldness can be experienced at any age. It is important to apply effective methods to prevent and treat hair loss. If you are thinking of having a hair transplant or have recently had a hair transplant, you may have some questions in mind. How long will it take for hair transplant scars to heal after hair transplant and will these scars disappear over time? Your doctor will of course give you a clearer answer to these and similar questions. In this article we have prepared for you, we have shared some information about how the process works, let’s examine it together. First of all, the healing process of scars after hair transplant may vary from person to person. Usually, crusts and redness occur in the transplanted area within the first few weeks, this is normal. Hair transplant scars decrease and disappear over time. It may take several months for the scars to heal completely.
It is very important to follow the care instructions given by your doctor during the healing process. Keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding heavy physical activities and using prescribed medications regularly will speed up the healing process. Eating healthy and getting enough rest also positively affect healing. You should be patient during the hair transplant process and follow your doctor’s recommendations. This will ensure that your hair grows healthily. You may not see the results you expect at first, but don’t be afraid. Over time, your hair will take on a natural appearance. The hair that falls out in the first few months makes room for new and healthy hair to grow. It will be in your best interest to be patient during this process and to continue to follow up with your doctor with regular check-ups.
Scar Formation in FUE and FUT Techniques
The two common techniques used in hair transplant, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), have differences in terms of scar formation.
In the FUE technique, hair follicles are taken one by one from the donor area and tiny holes are opened for each follicle in this area. The scars in hair transplant performed with this technique are minimal. Here is what you need to know about scar formation in the FUE technique:
● In the FUE technique, hair transplant scars in the donor area are usually very small and become almost invisible over time. Since the scars are in millimeter sizes, they are less disturbing in terms of aesthetics.
● The healing process is fast due to the opening of small holes and the patient can return to normal life in a short time. This is a great advantage, especially for those who want to return to work quickly.
● Since the FUE method applies less trauma to the skin, scar formation is less noticeable. Removing each hair follicle one by one keeps the damage to the skin to a minimum and speeds up the healing process.
In the FUT technique, a strip of tissue is taken from the donor area and the hair follicles are removed from this strip. Scar formation is more noticeable in this technique. What you need to know about scar formation in the FUT technique:
● In the FUT technique, a distinct line scar is formed in the donor area where the strip of tissue is taken. This scar is usually located in the lower part of the hair, so it can be easily hidden with long hair, but it can be visible with short haircuts.
● The recovery period in procedures performed with this technique is longer than the FUE technique. Removal of the tissue strip requires a larger surgical intervention and therefore the recovery process takes longer.
● The more pronounced line scar may cause aesthetic concerns in patients. Hair transplant scars may become more visible if the hair is cut short. For this reason, it is important for patients considering the FUT technique to talk to their doctors in detail about how they can hide these scars.
Reducing Scars with Advanced Techniques
It is not possible to talk about scar formation in everyone after a hair transplant operation. The probability of scarring is higher in patients where the blood is thrown in the form of clots and the crusts fall off quickly. However, you can get rid of these scars without intervention, or by using the medications and ointments recommended by your doctor. Thus, you will see that the scars are not permanent and are not actually an uncomfortable situation.
It is possible to reduce hair transplant scars with advanced techniques and the healing process can be accelerated thanks to these modern methods. First of all, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is an effective method in the recovery process after hair transplant. Plasma obtained from your own blood is injected into the transplanted area and accelerates cell renewal; thus hair transplant scars heal faster.
The micromotor FUE technique is also effective in minimizing scars; with this technique, hair follicles are taken using smaller diameter punches and create less trauma in the donor area, thus leaving scars at a minimal level. In addition, with the DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) method, hair follicles are placed directly in the area to be transplanted, which provides a natural appearance and helps to make scars less noticeable.
Laser-assisted treatments play an important role in accelerating the healing process of scars formed after hair transplant. Laser beams stimulate the skin’s regeneration process and ensure that scars disappear more quickly. Similarly, meticulously following the care instructions given by your doctor is of great importance in the healing process of hair transplant scars. Keeping the area clean and dry, using prescription medications regularly and avoiding excessive physical activity help to make scars less noticeable. In addition, avoiding habits such as smoking and alcohol provides positive effects on the healing process. In addition, regular check-ups and staying in touch with your doctor will help you notice possible complications early and treat them.
Management of Scars During the Recovery Process
Management of scars after hair transplant is very important for the recovery process to go smoothly and to minimize aesthetic concerns. There are some important points to consider for the management of hair transplant scars. Here are the things you need to do during this process:
● Since the hair follicles will be quite sensitive for the first two weeks, you should avoid pressing and rubbing your skin.
● Since alcohol and tobacco products can negatively affect the recovery process, you should stay away from these products for at least a week.
● You should avoid sweating.
● You should avoid sunlight and wear a hat when going outside.
● During the recovery process, especially during the first month, you should avoid heavy sports and exercises and should not enter environments such as swimming pools.
● You should not use blood thinners and you should definitely consult your doctor about this.
● You should avoid hot, humid environments such as saunas and Turkish baths for the first three months after the procedure.
● You should avoid sexual intercourse for a few weeks.
● You should use the hair band recommended by your doctor to avoid damaging the transplanted hair follicles and to minimize the risk of infection.
● You should avoid touching your scalp to reduce the risk of infection.
● You should not sleep face down and use a high pillow for the first three nights to reduce swelling in the head area.
● You should rest a lot after the procedure to make the hair transplant scars heal faster.
Although hair transplant has fewer side effects than other aesthetic surgery methods, serious complications can occur if adequate care is not taken after the transplant. Complications frequently seen after hair transplant are as follows:
● Pain, swelling, infection and bleeding
● Symmetry problems in hair transplant
● Visible scars and clot formation
● Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle)
● Scalp crusting
● Itching and low blood pressure
Scar Reduction Methods
Advanced methods for reducing scars after hair transplant aim to provide solutions to your aesthetic concerns in this process. First of all, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is an effective method that accelerates healing in the area where hair transplant is performed. In this treatment, plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood is injected into the area where the transplant is performed. In this way, cell renewal is accelerated and helps scars heal more quickly. In addition, laser-assisted treatments play an important role in reducing hair transplant scars. Laser beams stimulate the skin renewal process, allowing scars to disappear more quickly. The micromotor FUR technique, which uses smaller diameter punches to extract hair follicles, causes less trauma in the donor area and helps to minimize scars. In addition, silicone-based products can be used to reduce the appearance of hair transplant scars. Products such as silicone gel and silicone sheet can be applied to the scars and protect the skin’s moisture balance. Some massage techniques and scar removal creams can also reduce scars. Natural oils and herbal creams can also accelerate the healing process of scars. Creams containing vitamin E in particular help renew the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. In addition, natural oils such as coconut oil and almond oil support healing by protecting the skin’s moisture balance.