FAQ: Hair Transplant Procedures and Aftercare in Riyadh

Getting a hair transplant in riyadh is a significant decision, and understanding the procedures and crucial aftercare is key to a successful outcome. Here's an FAQ addressing common questions about hair transplant procedures and aftercare in Riyadh clinics:

FAQ: Hair Transplant Procedures and Aftercare in Riyadh

1. What are the main hair transplant techniques offered in Riyadh? The most common and advanced techniques in Riyadh are:

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor area (usually the back of the head) and implanted into the balding areas. This leaves tiny, almost invisible dot-like scars.
• Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): A variation of FUE where a specialized Choi Implanter Pen is used to simultaneously create the incision and implant the graft, offering enhanced precision and potentially higher graft survival.
• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): A traditional method where a strip of skin is surgically removed from the donor area, and follicles are harvested from it. This leaves a linear scar, and is less common now due to the popularity of FUE/DHI.
• Robotic Hair Transplant (RHT): Utilizes robotic systems (like ARTAS iX) for automated, precise extraction of follicular units, essentially an advanced form of FUE.

2. Is a hair transplant painful? No, hair transplant procedures in Riyadh are performed under local anesthesia. This means the scalp will be completely numbed, and you should not feel any pain during the extraction or implantation process. You might feel some pressure or minor discomfort, but not pain. Post-procedure, mild discomfort or soreness is common but can be managed with prescribed pain medication.

3. How long does a hair transplant procedure take? The duration varies depending on the number of grafts needed and the technique used.

• FUE/DHI: Typically takes 4 to 8 hours for a session, but can be longer for extensive cases (e.g., 2000+ grafts).
• FUT: Generally takes 4 to 6 hours. Larger sessions might be split into two consecutive days or multiple sessions over time.

4. What should I expect immediately after the procedure?

• Bandages: A dressing or bandage might be applied to the donor area for the first 24 hours.
• Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling in the forehead and around the eyes is common for the first few days (2-10 days) and usually subsides naturally.
• Redness and Scabbing: The transplanted area will appear red and tiny scabs will form around each transplanted graft. The donor area might also show redness and tiny crusts.
• Numbness/Itching: You might experience temporary numbness or itching in both the donor and recipient areas.

5. How should I wash my hair after a hair transplant? This is crucial for graft survival:

• First 24-48 hours: Avoid washing or touching the transplanted area.
• Days 2-10/14: Your clinic will provide specific instructions and often a special shampoo/foam (like Panthenol foam) and gentle technique. Generally, you'll apply a foam to soften scabs, rinse gently with lukewarm water (using a cup or pitcher, not direct shower pressure), then gently lather a mild shampoo provided by the clinic onto your palms and pat it onto the scalp. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Air dry or gently pat the donor area dry with a clean towel; let the transplanted area air dry.
• After 10-14 days (once scabs fall off): You can start washing with more gentle pressure under the shower, but still use a mild shampoo and avoid harsh rubbing for a few weeks. Your clinic will guide you on when to return to your regular hair care routine (usually after 30 days).

6. When can I return to work and exercise after a hair transplant?

• Return to Work: Many patients can return to non-strenuous work within 3-7 days after an FUE/DHI procedure, depending on the visibility of the scabs and swelling. For FUT, it might be a bit longer due to the donor site healing.
• Exercise:
• First 5-7 days: Avoid all strenuous activities that could cause sweating or increased blood pressure to prevent dislodging grafts. This includes heavy lifting, running, and intense workouts.
• After 7 days: Light walking that doesn't cause sweating may be permissible.
• After 14 days: You can generally resume most moderate exercises, including cardio and weightlifting.
• After 4 weeks: You can usually return to all forms of exercise, including contact sports and swimming, as the grafts are fully secure by then.

7. What is "shock loss," and should I be concerned? Shock loss is a normal and temporary phase where some of your newly transplanted hairs, and sometimes even some existing hairs, shed within 2-4 weeks after the procedure. This is a result of the surgical trauma temporarily shocking the follicles into a resting phase. It is not a sign of failure, and the transplanted follicles remain intact. New hair growth will begin from these follicles in the months following.

8. When will I see the final results of my hair transplant? Hair growth is a gradual process:

• Weeks 2-4: Shedding phase (shock loss).
• Months 3-4: New, fine, wispy hairs begin to emerge from the transplanted follicles.
• Months 6-9: The new hair starts to thicken, gain texture, and become more noticeable. Significant improvements in density and coverage are visible.
• Months 12-18: This is typically when you see the full, final results. The transplanted hair will have reached its full length and thickness, blending naturally with your existing hair.

9. How long do hair transplant results last? Are they permanent? Yes, hair transplant results are generally considered permanent. The transplanted hair follicles are typically taken from the donor area (usually the back and sides of the head) where hair is genetically resistant to the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. Therefore, these transplanted hairs should continue to grow normally for a lifetime. However, existing non-transplanted hair around the transplanted area may continue to thin or fall out over time due to genetic predisposition, which is why some patients might consider supplementary treatments like PRP or medication.

10. What is PRP therapy, and is it recommended after a hair transplant in Riyadh? Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets (which are rich in growth factors), and then injecting this plasma into your scalp.

• Many clinics in Riyadh recommend PRP sessions before, during, or after a hair transplant.
• Benefits after transplant: PRP is believed to enhance the healing process, reduce inflammation, potentially minimize shock loss, and stimulate faster and stronger growth of the newly transplanted grafts, as well as strengthen existing hair follicles.
• Cost: PRP sessions are typically an additional cost and often offered in packages of multiple sessions.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen hair transplant clinic in Riyadh, as post-operative care protocols can have slight variations based on the surgeon's preference and the techniques used.