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Hair Transplant

Feb 07
4

How to Prepare for your Hair Transplantation Surgery

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Preparing for your hair transplant surgery is an essential step in ensuring the optimal outcome in your hair transplant experience. Seoul, South Korea, has some of the best hair transplant clinics in the world. It is exceptionally challenging to become a hair transplant surgeon in Korea as it is such a delicate procedure, and the medical standards in South Korea are so high. Thus, only the best of the best hair transplant surgeons are found in Seoul. Even with the assurance that the doctor is highly skilled, it is still just as important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and prepare for your hair transplant surgery as best as you can.

Here are some basic guidelines agreed upon by hair transplant doctors to follow before getting a hair transplant surgery to make sure the day of the surgery goes to plan.

When Should I Start Preparing for the Surgery?

It would be best if you started preparing for the hair transplant surgery one month ahead. From one month before the transplant, you should try to improve your overall health so that your body can recover from the transplant as quickly as possible.

One Month Before

Since it is vital to improve your overall health, you should refrain from smoking about a month ahead of the hair transplant surgery. Smokers tend to heal slower and sometimes not as adequately; this is because smoking slows down wound-healing as it prevents optimal blood flow to the transplanted area.

Stay fit and healthy by eating nutritious food in advance of the transplant procedure. The healthier you are, the easier it will be for your body to hold onto the transplanted hair follicles after the transplant surgery.

You can also start massaging your scalp for a minimum of 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes a day. Massaging will soften the scalp and improve blood flow to the area, which improves the overall health of the scalp.

Don’t get a haircut before your surgery. Not getting a haircut ensures that there is enough hair at the donor site to transplant to the desired areas. It will also be useful because the donor site will be shaved by the medical team at the clinic to ensure that the hairs are not too long nor too short for surgery

Two Weeks Before

At this point, your hair transplant surgery is fast approaching. It would help if you refrained from drinking for at least two weeks before the procedure. This is because drinking alcohol causes adverse effects on your immune system and thus slows down recovery. Alcohol also thins the blood, which increases the chance of excessive bleeding during the hair transplant surgery.

You should also avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements, fish oil, vitamins, or any medication that thins the blood for at least 2 weeks before your surgery. Avoiding such medications and supplements makes sure you do not bleed excessively or come across complications during the hair transplant procedure.

If you have medication that you need to take leading up to the surgery, notify your doctor, and they will be able to advise you on how to proceed with your medication.

You should also try your very best not to get sunburnt from now until your surgery.

One Week Before

If you are taking Rogaine® (Minoxidil) prior to your surgery, you may be advised to stop using it a few days before by your hair transplant surgery.

If you plan to have any hair treatments done, such as hair dying or perming, you should do it at least a week before the hair transplant surgery. If you dye your hair too soon before your surgery, the dye may still be stained on your scalp, making it harder for your surgeon to clearly see the individual follicles on your head.

Day of Surgery

Wash your hair with anti-bacterial shampoo on the morning of your hair transplant surgery. After drying your hair, do not use any other hair products in your hair, such as wax, hairspray, hair gel, or mousse. Leave your hair in its natural state and unstyled.

Since this hair transplant surgery is not performed under general anesthesia, you do not have to fast the night before unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon. Have a light breakfast before you leave for your surgery. It is essential to have enough food in your stomach to balance your blood sugar levels during the procedure. Do not drink any caffeinated beverages the day of the surgery, such as coffee or green tea.

Wear a comfortable top that you can either zip or button up at the front to your surgery as you may be required to change in and out of surgery gowns. Simply put, you should not wear anything that you have to pull over your head to get on or off. Avoid tops with tight neck holes as well. You should also bring a clean hat or hood that can be worn loosely, such as a baseball cap or a hood on a zip-up hoodie, for after the procedure. Beanies are not recommended because they may be too close-fitting to the head

Also, make sure you remove all accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and rings before coming to the hair transplant surgery.

Lastly, arrive on time for your appointment. It is because time is needed to settle payments and sign consent forms. Almost all hair restoration clinics in Korea require full payment to be made before going into surgery.

When do I need to stop taking medication before a hair transplant surgery?

It would be best if you stop taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements, fish oil, vitamins, or any medication that thins the blood for at least 2 weeks before your surgery. This will prevent excessive bleeding and complications during the transplant.

.What should I eat before a hair transplant surgery?

Eat something light and easy to digest before the surgery. A single hair transplant can take anywhere from 4 to 9 hours, so it is important to eat beforehand to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable. You may even be given something to eat during the procedure if it is especially long. However, you should avoid anything with caffeine the morning of the surgery, such as coffee or green tea.

Transportation After the Surgery

Due to the light anesthesia or sedative that you may be put under, it is not advised to drive home after the hair transplant. In fact, you should avoid driving for 24 hours after the procedure.

Thus, you should arrange some form of transportation for when you leave the clinic ahead of time. You can get someone to drive you back home or take public transport. It would be best to find accommodation in Seoul as near to the clinic as possible, as this will make your post-surgery experience more manageable.

Follow the Instructions from Your Doctor

All in all, the most important thing is to follow all direct instructions from your hair transplant doctor. Although these instructions are agreed upon by hair transplant doctors, the information in this article is only to serve as guidelines to prepare for your hair transplant surgery in Korea. Use these guidelines to educate yourself on how to take care of yourself to ensure the best results from your hair transplant.

FAQ:

When should I start preparing for a hair transplant surgery?

Ideally, you should start preparing for your hair transplant surgery a month in advance. During this month, you should focus on getting your health in check by eating well. You also should also try to stop smoking during the month before your surgery to ensure you can heal optimally. Smokers tend to have a harder time recovering from hair transplant surgeries. It may also be a good idea to start a daily 10-minute head massage a month in advance of the procedure.

What should I wear to my hair transplant surgery?

It would be best to wear something that buttons or zips up in the front. Please refrain from wearing anything that you may have to pull over your head to not disturb the transplanted areas. Also, you will need to bring a loose hat or something with a hood to wear after the surgery. Do not bring anything that would fit too tightly to the head, such as a beanie.

Should I wash my hair before the hair transplant surgery?

Yes, you should wash your hair the morning of the surgery. The best option would be an anti-bacterial shampoo with a disinfectant like chlorhexidine in it.

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Dec 23
3

Hair Transplant – Things You Need to Know Before Getting Hair Transplant in South Korea

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Hair transplant has been rising in popularity because of its unique ability to aid in new hair growth. There have been a lot of treatments and over the counter medications available that promise to bring back hair to the bald areas of the scalp. However, they are not as effective as a hair transplant procedure. Having thick, healthy locks is one sign of youthfulness and is considered as everyone’s crowning glory. If you are someone who has been hoping to retrieve the thickness of your hair, then read on to know more about this procedure.  

Haeppy from the Youtube channel We Fancy came to have his FUE Hair Transplant through Seoul Guide Medical

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that restores hair growth in the areas of the scalp that have thin hair or have gone bald. It involves the transfer of hair follicles or scalp hair from the donor area to the recipient area. The hairs may be transplanted using two methods, either FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant). 

During FUE, the hairs are individually harvested using a punch graft, while for FUT; they collect the follicular units all at once as part of a strip. The success in the outcome of a hair transplant depends a lot on the skill and expertise of the doctor as well as the number of healthy hair follicles that remain after the transplantation. For this matter, several sessions, spaced between three to six months, may be needed to see your desired results. 

Benefits of Hair Transplant

Hair transplant has several benefits physically, psychologically, and even financially. These benefits include the following: 

  • Increase in confidence because of the elimination of bald spots on the head 
  • A more youthful appearance because of the restored thickness of the hair 
  • The natural look of restored hair 
  • Saves money and time because it only takes 1-3 procedures unlike over the counter remedies which requires you more trips to the store but will only have short term effects 
  • Does not need too much maintenance unlike special medication or shampoos

Hair Transplant Procedures

The hair transplant procedure is done under local anesthesia. It can last for about four to eight hours, depending on the size of the area where the hair is being transplanted. Since it is performed under local anesthesia, the patient may need someone to accompany him or her home because of the mild sedation.

This procedure may be repeated up to 3-4 sessions depending on the results that the patient wants to achieve, and each session should be spaced out between every 3-6 months. Before the start of the procedure, the doctor will examine the area where hair loss is evident. He then designs and customizes a surgery plan based on the patient’s need. The patient is also allowed to choose which method they want, whether the FUT or FUE. 

A) Follicular unit transplantation (incisional)

1) With the help of a scalpel, the surgeon strips a 6 to 10 inch-long piece of scalp from the back of the head. 

2) They then stitch the area where they removed the piece of scalp. 

3) The surgeon then separates the scalp strip into smaller pieces called grafts. 

4) Using a blade or needle, the surgeon makes holes in the patient’s scalp for the transplanting of the hair follicles.

5) The surgeon then proceeds with a method called grafting, where he inserts the hairs from the scalp strip into the holes that they created. 

6) Once the grafting is completed, the sites of the transplant are covered with a bandage or gauze. 

B) Follicular unit extraction (non-incisional) 

1) The procedure starts with the surgeon shaving the back of the head.

2) They then remove individual follicles from the shaved part at the back of the head. 

3) Just like in the FUT procedure, the surgeon does grafting on the holes in the recipient area. 

4) Once all has been completed, the surgical site is covered and bandaged. 

Hair Transplant Recovery

 

After the surgery, your scalp may feel tender and swollen. Soreness at the transplanted area, as well as the area where the hair follicles have been removed, is normal right after the surgery. It is also normal for the hair to fall out after several days from the operation because it will grow back and show visible results within 3-6 months. The doctor will prescribe you medications that will help in easing the pain and also bring aid in hair growth. During this time, it is vital to avoid clothes that are taken off through the head. Strenuous activities are also not allowed since it promotes increase blood flow to the head. 

Hair Transplant Before and After

Results of a hair transplant are known to be successful even though it takes 6-9 months for the hair to grow properly. Seeing the before and after picture below, it is visible that there has been significant change and addition to the patient’s hair. The results also look natural, and most of all, the scar from the surgery is not visible because it has been covered with the grown hair. 

The restoration of bald and thinning areas in the scalp has been a possible experience for many because of the hair transplant procedure. With its two methods, the FUT and the FUE, patients are given a chance to choose which plan they are comfortable following. This procedure is not only beneficial for patients physically but also psychologically and financially. One session of a hair transplant may take several hours because of the intricacy of the procedure. However, the results are quite commendable because of how natural it looks and how effective it is in restoring hair growth. 

Just like any surgery, a hair transplant should be done by a licensed surgeon who is well experienced in this treatment. Here at Seoul Guide Medical, we have the best surgeons in Korea for this procedure who are not only well experienced but can also give you results that fit international standards. For a consultation, you may reach us through our website, and we will aid you in the journey to restore your crowning glory. 

FAQ:

Is hair transplant permanent?

A hair transplant is a treatment that produces permanent results. It is usually done when all other hair loss treatments and medications have failed in restoring hair growth.

Does hair transplant restore hair growth?

As of today, a hair transplant is the only treatment that has been proven to effectively and permanently restore hair growth in the thinning and bald areas of the scalp. Meaning, hair that has been transplanted will stay in place and will continue to grow without falling permanently. Through the use of different hair restoration techniques, the results have been quite promising.

How long does a hair transplant last?

The results of a hair transplant can last for a lifetime, but because of the aging process, it can still thin. How long the effects last also depends on the health of the hair follicles as well as the skill of the surgeon who did the transplantation.

When can I wash my hair after a hair transplant?

You are only allowed to wash your hair after two or three days from the day of the procedure. A mild shampoo is the best choice since your scalp is still healing from the surgery. You do not want the follicles to be negatively affected by a harsh shampoo.

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Dec 13
3

Definitive Guide to Getting Hair Transplant in Korea

By | Hair Transplant | No Comments

Hair transplant in Korea is a standard, popular procedure. Not only in South Korea, but men and women all around the world are suffering from hair loss due to various reasons. Often people’s self- esteem lowers as the hair gets thinner since it is a part of our identity. Therapists, therefore, suggest hair loss treatment as a form of therapy.

South Korea is a leading country regarding hair loss therapy and hair transplantation.

What is a Hair Transplant in Korea?

As the worldwide leader of plastic surgery, according to The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and modern technology, hair transplants are the most effective way to treat hair loss. In South Korea, you can get the best natural-looking hair loss treatment with a success rate of 98%. 

Hair loss treatment involves taking hair from your Donor Site and transplanting it to the bald area of the Recipient Site, which will be found after a consultation with a professional. The treatment is possible through two different methods, which are explained further down. A local anesthetic will be applied before the procedure starts.

The History and Background of Hair Transplant in Korea

Korea’s fast development brought many inventions into the medical field, including procedures for hair treatment. Being a country that concerns themselves actively with their outer appearance, Korea invented the innovative follicle-transplant technique, which is nowadays used globally. 

Research and operational guidelines for specific hair groups were also done by “The Organizing Committee of the Korean Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (KSHRS)” and are used by Korean surgeons to ensure the best hair treatment results. These guidelines include adjusting the shape of the hairline, methods for extracting hair follicles, and medicinal treatment to improve the effect.

In 2016 the first Korean hospital adopted a robotic hair transplantation system called ARTAS. The robot uses algorithms to detect and select the best hair follicle for transplantation. The latest Korean hair transplant discovery is an allogeneic hair transplant. It is a method that allows hair loss patients to receive other people’s hair without taking an immunosuppressant.

Overview of the Procedures Done for Hair Transplant in Korea

Hair Transplant in Korea uses two different methods for hair loss treatment.

The first hair transplant procedure method extracts the hair individually, while in the second, tiny patches of skin are removed, consisting of several hairs, from the back or side of your scalp. The Korean cosmetic surgeon implants these hair follicles/ patches into the bald sections.

  1.  FUE(Follicular Unit Extraction)

This method does not involve the extraction of the skin. Hair follicles will be transplanted one by one using a needle or a scalpel. Korean surgeons often prefer the FUE procedure as it is minimally invasive. Scarring is minimal to not visible at all. This method is recommended for patients with shorter hairstyles, and that seek a less invasive procedure. Follicular Unit Extraction is suitable for both men and women and patients with a thin scalp. 

  1.  FUT(Follicular Unit Transplant)

Also referred to as strip surgery, is a procedure where parts from the back of the hair are being transplanted to the bald area by stitching, as the back and the side are less vulnerable to future hair loss. After 3-4 months, natural hair growth will start. This method results in beautiful, natural-looking hair. It also has the advantage of the transplanted hair being more precise. This technique is a proven effective procedure. It is recommended for patients with longer hair. 

The FUT procedure of hair loss treatment is not as oftenly used in Korea as the FUE method.

The FUT recovery period is more extended than the FUE method.

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Essential Benefits of Getting a Hair Transplant in Korea

  • Hair Transplant in Korea is known for being high quality. Done by top surgeons, a promising natural-look is possible. 
  • Korea’s constant development in the medical field enables surgeries to have precise results.
  • Using the latest technology, Korea has the highest survival rate of transplanted hair follicles.

Before and After Picture of the Procedure for Hair Transplant Treatment in Korea

Before Hair loss treatment, the patient had strongly noticeable bald spots, especially the widow’s peak, and the crown area. In most cases, hair loss doesn’t affect the back and side – therefore, healthy hair follicles are being harvested to serve as donors. 

After hair transplantation, there is a clear difference. The head now seems full of hair, and people would never guess that there was surgery involved. Patients can gain their self-confidence again as their appearance is enhanced.

Where Can You Get the Most Effective Hair Transplant in Korea?

At Seoul Guide Medical, we are in contact with the best Hair Transplantation clinics in South Korea. We will connect you with specialized dermatologists who have the highest qualifications to properly advise you about this surgery and help consult you before, during, and after the procedure. 

If you wish to get Hair Loss Transplantation in South Korea, do not hesitate to contact Seoul Guide Medical. 

FAQ:

Is Hair Transplant Right For Me?

If you are affected by hair loss due to a specific reason, hair transplantation in Korea is the right choice for you. Keep in mind that there may be a need for continuing medical treatment after hair transplant surgery. It is necessary to check with your doctor first before undergoing any surgery.

How Long will the Transplant Procedure Take?

For the best results, a session, with Korea's top surgeons, can last from 4-8 hours. Depending on the size of the bald area, more sessions may be required. Stitches are usually removed ten days after surgery.

What is the Period of Recovery?

You will be able to go back to your daily life just a few days after surgery. It is common that even after having hair transplantation, the hair will fall out the first week. It takes 3-4 months for new hair to grow. Keep in note that signs of a hair transplant will be visible in the first month.

Will the effect be long-lasting?

After a successful hair transplantation, hair starts a natural-looking regrowth as the hair is transplanted in the direction in which the hair would normally grow. However, as hair loss is mostly inherited and comes with age, a patient who did have hair treatment will potentially need 'touch up' surgery to maintain the look of the hair transplant.

Hair Transplant in Korea

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