Hair Loss and Hair Transplantation

Hair loss is a troubling issue that affects 85% of men and 40% of women. The incidence of hair loss increases with age in both genders. One of the most effective and reliable methods to give hair a younger and more natural appearance is hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is an ideal method for those who are bothered by hair loss, as it involves surgically transferring hair to the bald or thinning areas of the scalp. Dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform the hair transplantation procedure using different techniques. One of the most commonly used hair transplantation procedures is the Frozen FUE method. We have compiled all the details about the Frozen FUE method for you…

What is Frozen FUE?

The main cause of hair loss is genetic. In addition, stress, illness, hormonal imbalance, and medication can also lead to hair loss. For hair transplantation, a specialist surgeon takes hair follicles from the back or sides of the head and transplants them to the bald or thinning areas. The FUE technique involves the individual transplantation of each hair follicle. The surgeon removes a single hair follicle and the surrounding microscopic tissue from an appropriate area. When a large number of hair follicles are collected, they must be stored outside the body until the transplantation takes place. Extended storage makes it difficult for the hair follicles to survive. In the Frozen FUE method, the hair follicles are stored in a special frozen solution to keep them viable for a longer period. Before the procedure, blood is taken from the patient. The blood is processed, mixed with a nutrient-rich solution, and frozen in glass petri dishes. These petri dishes, known as Frozen-PLT Graft Solution, are used as a holding area for the collected hair follicles. This way, the hair follicles remain viable longer, making the hair transplantation process more efficient.

How is Frozen FUE performed?

The Frozen FUE hair transplant is carried out in three stages: harvesting the hair follicles, opening the channels, and implanting the follicles into the opened channels.

Harvesting the Hair Follicles

The surgeon identifies the area from which the hair follicles will be taken and shaves this area. Local anesthesia is then administered, and the hair follicles are extracted using a special device. The follicles are then placed into the Frozen-PLT Graft Solution. The process of collecting the hair follicles takes approximately 2-4 hours. The treated area is wrapped with a special bandage to reduce the risk of infection.

Opening the Channels

The patient lies on their back, and the area where the hair will be transplanted is sterilized and local anesthesia is applied. With a special device called a micro-pen, as many channels as the number of harvested hair follicles are opened in the transplant area.

Implanting the Hair Follicles

The harvested hair follicles in the Frozen-PLT Graft Solution are implanted one by one into the opened channels. This process takes approximately 2-4 hours. After the hair transplantation procedure, the transplanted area is left uncovered and not bandaged.

Who can undergo Frozen FUE?

Hair transplantation helps address aesthetic concerns of the patient. The following individuals are suitable candidates for hair transplantation:

• Men experiencing male pattern baldness, where there is hair loss on the top of the head but hair remains in the nape and side areas.
• Women experiencing hair loss.
• Individuals who have experienced hair loss due to scalp injury or burns.

However, hair transplantation may not be suitable in the following cases:

• Individuals with diffuse hair loss throughout the scalp.
• Individuals who do not have enough hair follicles in the donor area.
• Individuals with thick, fibrous scar tissue on the scalp due to injury or burns.
• Individuals experiencing hair loss due to medications such as chemotherapy.

What should be considered after Frozen FUE?

The hair transplantation procedure takes about 4-8 hours. After the hair transplant, the patient is informed about the medications and products to be used at home and is then discharged. Forty-eight hours after the hair transplantation, the bandages are changed, and the first hair wash is done under clinical conditions. The patient is instructed on how to wash their hair at home. Within approximately 7-10 days, the scabs in the transplanted area will fall off. During this time, the scalp is very sensitive and may cause pain. To reduce the risk of infection and pain, you should carefully use the medications recommended by your doctor. After the surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, running, and fitness. Since clothing pulled over the head can irritate the scalp, it is advisable to wear front-buttoned or zippered clothing. Generally, you can return to your normal life 2-5 days after the procedure. In the first 2-6 weeks, the transplanted hair will fall out, but within 6-9 months, about 60% of new hair will begin to grow.