Hair transplantation is a popular procedure for patients suffering from hair thinning. Many people believe there is only one universal transplantation method that would suit everyone, but this is not true. Each of us is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. By choosing the right method, you can achieve the desired and natural result. What methods can you choose from?
Hair Transplantation Methods
With the development of new technologies, new and more advanced hair transplantation methods have emerged, which are less invasive and offer even more natural results.
The basis of every method is the extraction of hair grafts from the patient’s donor area – the area with permanent hair growth. These grafts are then transplanted into predetermined areas.
How do the different methods differ:
FUT Method
This is the oldest method, which is practically no longer used today. In this method, a strip of skin is taken from the back of the head, from which individual grafts are microscopically extracted. The main disadvantage is that a visible scar remains at the extraction site, and there may be permanent numbness. Furthermore, the number of grafts obtained is often insufficient. This radical method is associated with significant pain during healing and when removing stitches, which is why it has been replaced by gentler methods.
FUE Method
The FUE method is a more modern and gentler alternative, which allows precise extraction of individual hair grafts from the donor area and their transplantation into areas with thinning hair. The implantation is done in two steps. First, the recipient sites (small incisions) are created, and then the grafts are inserted using tweezers.
With this type of implantation, the doctor does not have full control over the angle, direction, and depth of the grafts. As a result, the final result may be less natural. The success rate of graft acceptance is around 70%.
DHI Method
The DHI method is less invasive than the previous methods because it does not require the creation of recipient incisions where the grafts are placed. Since the DHI method is a one-step process, it is also gentler, more precise, and faster. The doctor has better control over the direction, angle, and depth of the graft implantation, enabling the creation of higher density in a single session. The success rate of this method is 90-95%, ensuring a natural result.
Doctors use a special tool to insert the grafts, which provides greater precision and gentler application. This method achieves the highest success rate for graft acceptance.
Robot-assisted hair transplantation
Currently, this method has gained a lot of attention, but it is often misunderstood. In most cases, it is a semi-transplantation where the robotic system is used to automate only some of the steps. Typically, the robot trims and extracts the grafts, but the doctor performs the actual transplantation using the FUE technique.
Choosing the Method
Here are the factors that play a role in choosing the right hair transplantation method.
1) Type and extent of hair thinning
Not everyone loses their hair in the same way or to the same extent. Before the procedure, it is important to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for hair transplantation. Some cases of hair thinning can be addressed more easily with medication or the local application of nutrients.
People can suffer from different types of alopecia, whether it’s hereditary androgenetic alopecia, hair loss due to illness or trauma, or other forms like alopecia areata, an autoimmune cause of hair loss. It is essential to differentiate between these types because not all forms of alopecia can be treated with hair transplantation.
Keep in mind that hair loss is a systematic condition, and its treatment should also be approached comprehensively. Complex therapy and hair loss prevention involve more than just the hair transplantation procedure. All factors contributing to hair loss are taken into account by the doctor, and based on them, recommendations and treatment plans are made.
2) Health condition and suitability for methods
The patient’s health is a crucial factor affecting the suitability of different methods. Before any procedure, the patient should undergo a thorough medical examination, as only a qualified doctor can determine whether hair transplantation is appropriate. The medical history, allergies, medications, and potential contraindications must be taken into account to ensure the patient is prepared for the procedure without complications. Some methods or the extent of transplantation may require a longer recovery period.
3) Expected results and aesthetic requirements
Every patient has different expectations from the procedure. Some want the result to be as natural as possible, others desire thick hair, and some only want to fill in thinning temples. Aesthetic requirements are also important when choosing the right method, as not every method can achieve the same result.
4) Availability and quality of hair in the donor area
The donor area is the part of the patient’s head that does not suffer from hair thinning, usually at the back of the head between the ears. Hair grafts are extracted from this area and transplanted to the required spots.
If the patient does not have enough quality hair grafts in the donor area, it is not possible to perform an autotransplantation. In such cases, other methods, such as using a combination of treatments to improve the quality of hair or artificial hair, may be necessary.
How to Choose the Best Hair Transplant Clinic?
Choosing the right clinic goes hand-in-hand with selecting the appropriate method. Why is choosing the right clinic important for the success of hair transplantation?
- Experience and expertise: A qualified clinic has doctors and specialists with extensive experience in hair transplantation. They are capable of providing expert care and achieving the desired results.
- Modern methods and technologies: A good clinic uses the latest hair transplantation methods, particularly the DHI method, which employs specialized extraction and implantation tools. ABClinic is the only clinic in the Czech Republic that uses the modern DHI method. Experienced doctors and modern technologies minimize the risk of complications, such as possible injury during the procedure.
- Personalized approach: A good clinic emphasizes a personalized approach. Therefore, the surgeon should spend enough time consulting with the patient to understand their specific needs and expectations.
The easiest way to choose a reputable clinic is to sit down at your computer and research. What should you look for when selecting a clinic?
1) Doctor’s qualifications and experience with hair transplantation
Find out the education and qualifications of the doctors and other staff working at the clinic. Reputable clinics are usually transparent in this regard and provide CVs of their doctors and specialists on their websites.
Tip: Read an article about how to choose the best plastic surgeon in 4 steps.
Also, ensure that the clinic and doctors have all the necessary licenses and accreditations for performing this type of surgical procedure. At ABClinic, hair transplants using the DHI method are performed by Dr. Andrea Mačejová ,who has all the necessary certifications and training and is an expert in this method.
“I started working and training at the DHI Academy in 2016, and later obtained certification to perform the procedures independently.”
– Dr. Andrea Mačejová
2) Modern technology and equipment
Find out what technologies the clinic uses. Reputable clinics invest in the latest technologies and equipment to continuously achieve the best results. This means they will use innovative methods, such as the DHI method.
3) Price
Do not primarily base your choice of clinic on price. Conduct price monitoring and obtain quotes from various clinics. Also, look at what is included in the price.
The price of the procedure is influenced by many factors, such as:
- The hair transplantation method
- The extent and difficulty of the procedure
- The level of expertise and experience of the staff
- The geographic location of the clinic and more
4) Ratings and reviews
Before making your final decision, read reviews from patients who have undergone similar procedures at the clinic. This will give you a general idea of the clinic’s quality and reputation. Various online platforms allow patients to share their experiences, such as reviews on Google and Facebook or specialized websites that focus on evaluating medical facilities.
Many clinics also provide photos of results before and after the procedure on their websites, which will give you a clear idea of the outcomes achieved using a specific method.
5 )Consultation with the doctor
Does the clinic offer individual consultations and pre-procedure planning? A reputable clinic should prioritize patient safety, comfort, and needs. This includes providing clear and understandable information about the procedure, expectations, costs, and post-operative care.
Through the consultation, you will have the opportunity to visit the clinic in person. You will meet not only the doctor but also the other staff members and get a feel for the clinic’s facilities and equipment.
There are many factors that influence the selection of the appropriate hair transplantation method. You should always consult with an experienced surgeon who will conduct a detailed diagnosis of your hair loss and consider all aspects, such as your health, the extent of hair thinning, and your expectations. Based on that, they will choose the right method and the extent of the procedure. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a high-quality aesthetic clinic and a doctor with the necessary qualifications and experience in hair transplantation. Schedule a free consultation with us to be sure you are in the hands of the best experts in the DHI method.