Hair transplant

What hair transplant techniques are there?

There are two types of hair transplant methods today: FUSS (Follicular Unit Strip Surgery) and FUE (Follicular Extraction Unit).

The FUSS method of hair transplantation consists of taking a strip of skin with hair follicles from the donor area, where the hair is naturally denser and less prone to falling out. Using this skin, small groups of tissue containing follicular units are separated and prepared for transplantation. While this is happening, small individual holes are made in the receiving area where baldness has occurred. Then, the units prepared for transplantation are individually placed in the recipient area.

The FUE hair transplantation technique was developed as a means to achieve the same results as FUSS without that method’s disadvantages. FUE also consists of extracting follicular units from a donor area on the back or side of the head and moving them to create a more full, natural-looking hairline.

The difference between the FUE technique and FUSS is that the original method involves removing a strip of tissue from the back of the head. The new one instead collects individual follicular units, which are inserted with a few incisions that are almost imperceptible in the recipient area.

While the FUE technique requires more surgery time, the advantage of FUE over FUSS is that it prevents linear scarring and advanced care for the wound, which are necessary with FUSS. The FUE method also reduces downtime after the procedure and reduces discomfort levels for the patient in the following days.

In addition, the FUE technique makes it possible to obtain single, double, and triple or more follicular units, which contain one, two, and three or more hairs, considering the needs of each case and the objective of achieving a natural result. An experienced clinical team performs the extraction, so the possibility of damaging and losing the extracted follicular units is minimised.

How is a hair transplant done?

• Hair transplantation with the Insparya method is done in two basic stages:
  • Extraction of follicular units from the donor areas of the patient’s scalp.
  • Follicular implantation, which is the placement of the extracted follicular units in the areas without hair, following a design previously agreed on with the patient.

  It should be kept in mind that the risk of hair transplant rejection is non-existent: the hair used is from the patient’s own system. During the entire procedure, the needs, characteristics, physiognomy, and conditions specific to each person are followed.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

The price of a hair transplant in Spain can vary greatly depending on the method used, the clinic, and the experience of the medical team.

The price of a hair transplant is not easy to define. It always requires prior evaluation by a doctor to determine the type of alopecia, the viability of the transplant based on the patient’s donor area, hair density, possible pathologies, age, sex, and so on. But we can say that the price of a hair transplant is currently over €5,000.

What is the postoperative period following the hair transplant like?

The patient does need to follow some steps for caring for the area so that the hair transplant progresses properly and the result is as expected.

Since it is a very non-invasive surgery, it is normally enough to take 4 days off to ensure you’re getting enough rest and the follicles implant correctly. In any case, normal life is hardly impacted.

• It is recommended to rest during the first 24 hours after surgery. The first night, you should sleep with your head at about a 45º angle to prevent rubbing against the recipient area and to prevent oedema.
• In the first few days, swelling around the eyes and face might appear as a side effect of the anaesthesia. To address any discomfort, analgesics or the solution provided by the doctor can be taken.
• Avoid wearing caps, hats, or helmets for at least 8 days after the procedure.
• From the third day on, small scabs in the area of the implant may appear, and you may notice reddening of the skin. This is a normal part of the process.
• It’s also important not to touch the hair or scratch it during the first month so that the transplanted follicular units don’t become infected or fall out.

How long does a hair transplant last?

A hair transplant lasts for a lifetime. It is the only definitive solution for alopecia.

What is the best age to get a hair transplant?

There is no recommended age; hair transplants can be performed on anyone age 18 to 80. However, around the age of 40 is the ideal time for men; this is because alopecia has already stabilised.

Even so, it’s not possible to determine exactly what the best age for a hair transplant is. The conditions can vary significantly from person to person. To make the best decision, it’s always best to consult with a specialist to determine what type of alopecia you have and what the best solution is.

What are hair’s functions?

The function of human hair depends on the part of the body where it grows. It primarily protects the skin from environmental factors. It responds to external stimuli and translates this information into neurological impulses that the brain interprets as sensory stimuli.

Scalp hair is also the only part of the human body that can be easily and consciously modified to change an individual’s external appearance. Therefore, it is also an important means of enabling individuals to communicate socially.

How many sessions does a hair transplant take?

At Insparya, we usually perform hair transplants in a single session lasting approximately 6 hours thanks to the Insparya method, which uses its own exclusive technology that allows for maximum precision, reliability, and speed in extraction.

Is it painful? What type of anaesthesia is used in a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is a painless procedure since it is performed under local anaesthesia and is minimally invasive.

How long does it take for hair to grow after a transplant?

Starting at three months, we can see the initial changes, but the most significant improvements appear after six months. Normally, it takes a period of one year to see the final results.

When can I start wearing a hat after a hair transplant?

It is advisable to wait a month to wear a hat, but if you have one that is loose and doesn’t rub the scalp too much, you could start wearing it eight days after the procedure.

When can I start exercising again after a hair transplant?

Starting the 10th day after the transplant, you can do light exercises. From the second week on, approximately 15 days after the procedure, you can exercise and play sports with your usual intensity.

When do the scabs from the hair transplant fall off?

The transplant areas will form scabs 24 to 72 hours after the procedure, and the scabs will fall off in 7-10 days. As the scabs fall off, you may notice that hair falls out with them, but there is no need to be alarmed as this is completely normal. It is advisable not to scratch the scabs, as this could lead to infection and endanger the survival of the transplanted units.