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Everything you need to know about hair growth after a hair transplant

Everything you need to know about hair growth after a hair transplant

At Akacia Medical, we specialise in hair transplants and are happy to share our expertise to help you achieve the very best results after your hair transplant.

Insights into the hair growth cycle after hair transplantation

The anagen phase:

During this phase, hair is actively growing. The follicles produce new hair that gradually becomes longer. The greatest growth occurs during this phase.

The catagen phase:

A transitional phase where hair stops growing. The hair follicle prepares for a rest period and the hair starts to shed.

Telogen phases:

The hair is inactive and remains in the hair follicle until it is replaced by new hair in the following anagen phase.

What can you expect after the procedure?

The new hair will go through the same cycle as your other hair. It is important to keep in mind that new hair growth takes time as the transplanted hair follicles need to heal and adapt to their new environment. The final result of your hair transplant will only be visible after 12 months.

Time frame for hair growth

Noticeable hair growth may take a few months after surgery. The follicles need time to recover and adapt to their new location, which usually means that new hair growth starts to appear within three to six months.

Why do you lose hair after a hair transplant?

It is not uncommon for the transplanted hair to initially fall out. This is due to a 'shock phase' where the hair follicles adapt and temporarily enter the telogen phase, causing existing hair to fall out.

Factors affecting regrowth

The speed of regrowth of the transplanted hair depends on your individual hair growth cycle, your body's ability to heal, and how carefully you follow the aftercare instructions you receive.

Maximise your hair growth after hair transplantation

For best results, follow these steps:

- Aftercare instructions: Follow these carefully for optimal healing. Here you can read more about aftercare in hair transplantation.

- Be careful: Avoid touching or pulling the transplanted area.

- Use appropriate products: Choose products that are designed to support hair growth and prevent hair loss.

- Balanced diet: Eat a diet rich in protein, iron and vitamins to support hair growth.

- Extra treatments: PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and OxyHelp oxygen therapy can improve the results of your hair transplant by promoting hair growth and speeding up the healing process.

Conclusion

Understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial to achieving optimal results after your hair transplant. By taking care of your transplanted hair and following our advice, you can look forward to fuller hair. At Akacia Medical, we are ready to support you through the whole process towards thicker hair.

Doing a second hair transplant

Many people who have a hair transplant sometimes need a second hair transplant. Why? Because Firstly, there is a recommended maximum number of hair follicles that should be removed during a hair transplant for the sake of health and results. But also that you continue to age and hair loss may continue, which means that you may eventually need more filling in certain areas.

If you are considering a second hair transplant there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to wait until your first hair transplant has fully healed and your hair has grown in before considering a second procedure.

It is also important to work with a qualified and experienced surgeon who can assess your unique situation and determine if a second transplant is appropriate. In some cases, a second hair transplant may not be necessary or may not be possible at all because, for example, the amount of donor hair is insufficient.

If a second transplant is recommended, it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. While a second transplant can help to further improve the density and appearance of your hair, it may not be able to fully restore your hair to its pre-hair loss state.

A second hair transplant is a procedure done at least 12 months after the first. However, additional hair transplants may be required to cover more areas.

How many times can a hair transplant be done?

Before considering another hair transplant, consult with your doctor to determine if you need another one. 

At Akacia Medical, we will give you the answer at your first consultation if we think you may need a second hair transplant.



Alopecia barbae

Alopecia Barbae is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles of the face, especially the beard. It is a form of alopecia that results in hair loss in the beard. It is a relatively rare disease, but it can be very disturbing for those affected by it. In this article, we will examine Alopecia Barbae in more detail, including its causes, symptoms and treatments.

WHAT CAUSES ALOPECIA BARBAE?

It is not entirely clear what causes Alopecia Barbae, but it is considered an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system attacks the healthy cells, in this case the hair follicles. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic factors and external stimuli may lead to the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF ALOPECIA BARBAE

The most common symptoms of Alopecia Barbae include:

Hair loss in the beard or other areas of the face
Itching or tingling sensation in the affected area
Redness or inflammation of the skin
Round or oval patches without hair
The beard feels thinner than usual

DIAGNOSIS OF ALOPECIA BARBAE

The diagnosis of Alopecia Barbae is usually based on a physical examination of the affected area. A dermatologist may also perform a skin biopsy to rule out other causes of hair loss. Blood tests can also be taken to rule out other diseases that can cause hair loss.

TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA BARBAE

There is no cure for Alopecia Barbae, but there are treatments that can help stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation. Some of the most common treatments include:

Corticosteroids: These medications can be applied topically or injected into the affected area to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth.
Topical immunomodulators: These medications are used to stimulate hair growth and can be applied to the affected area.
Hair growth products: Products such as Minoxidil can be used to stimulate hair growth in the affected area.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): PRP treatment has been shown to be effective for Alopecia Barbae. It involves taking blood, treating it and then injecting it into the affected area to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation.
Laser treatment: Low-level laser treatment can be used to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Beard transplantation: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) involves taking healthy hair follicles from another part of the body and transplanting them to the affected area of the beard.

LIVING WITH ALOPECIA BARBAE

Living with Alopecia Barbae can be challenging, especially if the affected area is visible. Many people may feel self-conscious and depressed because of the disease. It is important to seek support from friends, family and professional therapists if necessary. Many people choose to shave their entire beard to reduce the visibility of the affected area, while others may consider beard transplants to fill in the hairless patches.

PREVENTION OF ALOPECIA BARBAE

As the causes of Alopecia Barbae are not fully understood, it is difficult to prevent the disease. However, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

Alopecia Barbae is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles of the face, especially the beard. There is no cure, but treatments can help stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation.

When can you stay in the sun after a hair transplant?

In this article we will talk about how long it takes after a hair transplant before you can expose your hair to the sun's rays. It is important to take proper care of your transplanted hair to ensure the best possible conditions for growth and health.

Immediately after your hair transplant, you should not wear a headgear for three weeks and avoid direct sunlight. It takes about 3 months before it is safe to sunbathe in a solarium, but in terms of natural sun exposure it is more difficult to determine. However, it is wise to avoid direct sunlight in the beginning as you do not have protective hair to cover the transplanted scalp.

The time it takes before you can be in the sun depends on several factors, including the number of transplanted hair follicles, how well they integrate into your scalp and the sensitivity of your skin. Once you start tanning again, be sure to protect both your hair and scalp by using a hat or sunscreen with a high SPF. Avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, especially during the most intense hours of the day.

We at Akacia Medical have extensive experience in performing hair transplants and we recommend that you always follow our advice to achieve the best possible results. If you have any further questions or concerns about staying in the UK, please contact us.

the sun after a hair transplant, you are welcome to contact us and we will be happy to help you further.

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Sleep patterns after a hair transplant

During the first 10 days, it is very important to avoid touching or exposing the operated area to external stresses, as the transplanted hairs are initially extremely delicate. Before going to bed, make sure you have followed the dermatological clinic's instructions to avoid damage to the new hair. Here are some steps to consider:

Make sure your pillow is clean to prevent possible infections.
Try to sleep on your back to avoid touching the transplanted area.
Use an aeroplane pillow to help keep your head and neck in a comfortable position.
Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach as this can damage the transplanted area.
Avoid external influences such as rain and headgear.

USE OF AEROPLANE CUSHION

To protect the transplanted area, you can use an aeroplane pillow while you sleep. The airplane pillow helps prevent you from stirring the operated area while you sleep and protects it from damage. Make sure your airplane pillow is clean and comfortable to avoid infections and irritation in the transplanted area.

THE SLEEPING PLACE

To avoid damage to the transplanted area, make sure your sleeping area is comfortable and supportive. A quality mattress and pillow can relieve pressure on the head and neck. Also, make sure the room is cool and quiet to promote a good night's sleep. It can also be beneficial to use a wedge pillow to provide extra support behind your back.

Does transplanted hair grow before it is lost?

It's a common question for many people considering a hair transplant. We are here to provide you with a detailed and comprehensive guide to the process of hair transplantation, and to answer your question about hair growth.

Patients often report continued hair loss after undergoing a hair transplant. It is important to note that hair loss after a hair transplant is a normal event and is the body's way of reacting to the trauma it received during the hair transplant.

Shedding phases

A hair transplant procedure is the movement and individual placement of genetically resistant hairs from the donor area (located at the back of the head) to the areas where the scalp is losing hair. Small openings are created - also known as 'stab cuts' - where the individual grafts are placed. Whether FUT or FUE is performed, the procedure can be quite traumatic to the scalp and surrounding hairs, and as a result, the hair grafts and existing hairs may temporarily fall off as they are put into a so-called resting phase. This event is called 'effluvium' and is sometimes referred to as 'shock waste'.

Hair transplant shedding after a hair transplant can be noticed anytime between 1-5 weeks after the hair transplant. Patients are often concerned about the continued hair loss, but they can be sure that new hairs will eventually grow back within a few months once the resting phase is over. At this point you will notice new hair growth, it is common for the hair to be thinner and finer than your existing hair, this is normal and will eventually become thicker and fuller. Keep in mind that 'shock waste' is a normal part of the hair restoration process and does not indicate any permanent damage to the hair - although it is unavoidable, it is also temporary. New hairs will take time to mature and will grow at different rates, with final results only seen after 12 months. Patients who combine with a PRP treatment usually get better results from their hair transplant.

To summarise, yes, transplanted hair usually grows before falling out. However, it is normal for transplanted hair to fall out for a short period before it starts growing again. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or concerns about hair transplantation. 

5 common mistakes to avoid when choosing a hair clinic for hair transplantation

1. you do too little research before your hair transplant.

The stress of losing hair means that you often fall into a pitfall where you do not do the preliminary work well enough, therefore you usually choose the first best clinic. The first three results in Google are purchased results where anything can appear, so before and after pictures and reviews are something to look at in the first place before choosing a clinic so that you get the best possible result.

2. focusing solely on costs.

A hair transplant is not cheap. Although FUE is now standard in the industry, the final cost can vary from one clinic to another. It is easy to go for a cheaper option, but in the end it may not be the ideal choice for you. Keep in mind that the surgical procedure will affect how you look for the rest of your life, it is not wise to go under the knife of an incompetent surgeon when looking for cheap services.

3 Forget to check if the hair clinic is a member of a professional organisation.

A common pitfall that patients make is not conducting a background check on the surgeon.Important to review is whether the clinic is a member of any professional organisation. We at Akacia medical are members of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. With more than 1,000 members in 70 countries worldwide, ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics and research in the medical hair restoration industry.

4. does not check whether the clinic uses the latest technology.

Be sure to check if the clinic has the latest equipment and instruments. The devices used may vary depending on the technology used.

5. You take the clinic closest to your home.

Sometimes it can be worth travelling to get your hair done, the closest is not always the best.