How to Recognize the Risks of Hair Transplants

If you are self-conscious because of your hair loss, you may be considering hair transplants. Unlike earlier attempts at hair transplants, today's hair transplants can provide you with an appearance that is virtually indistinguishable from your younger self. Before you decide to get hair transplants or facial hair transplants, though, you should recognize the risks associated with each procedure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Discuss your interest in hair transplants with your primary care physician. If you are unfamiliar with the hair loss treatment options available to you, he can assist you in comparing them. He can also help you recognize the risks of these treatment options and compare them to the risks of surgery.
2. Meet with a hair transplant specialist for an initial examination. This will give her the opportunity to describe the details of your surgery. By discussing your specific surgery, you can learn about the risks that you will face during the surgery and afterward.
3. Speak with your hair transplant doctor about possible outcomes from the surgery. In some cases, the hair transplants will not take and the procedure may need to be repeated, or small bumps may also develop on the scalp. If you recognize the risks prior to surgery, you can better estimate the potential total cost of the surgery.
4. Keep track of the rate at which you are currently losing hair. If you continue to lose hair after your hair transplants, your scalp may appear patchy. This can be corrected with additional hair transplants, but that possibility should be factored into your decision to have surgery.
5. Assess your ability to follow the post-operative instructions that you are given. Among the steps that you will need to take are protecting your scalp from sunlight and gently washing the sites of your hair transplants. If you are unable to follow these instructions, you increase the risk of getting suboptimal results from your surgery.
6. Compare the risks, costs and effectiveness of hair loss surgery with other hair loss options. Some hair loss options need to be used for the rest of your life, so the cost of such treatments can quickly accumulate. The final decision to get hair transplants should be made with the input of your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• When you meet with a hair transplant surgeon, you should be ready to discuss your family's history of hair loss. If you do not know this information, but can acquire it from a relative, do so prior to your consultation.