When considering a hair transplant in Riyadh, it's natural to have a lot of questions about the procedure, cost, and results. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers, based on the practices of reputable clinics in the city.
1. Is the hair transplant procedure painful?
Answer: The procedure is generally not painful. Before the surgery begins, the surgeon will administer local anesthesia to the donor and recipient areas of your scalp. You may feel a slight pinch or stinging sensation during the injections, but once the anesthesia takes effect, the scalp will be numb, and you will not feel the extraction or implantation of the hair follicles. Any minor discomfort or soreness that occurs after the anesthesia wears off can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
2. How long does a hair transplant procedure take?
Answer: The duration of the procedure depends on the number of grafts being transplanted and the technique used. A typical session, especially for a large number of grafts (e.g., 2,500-4,000 grafts), can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The process is divided into several phases, including donor area preparation, graft extraction, and graft implantation.
3. What is the recovery time?
Answer: The initial recovery is relatively quick.
- First 1-3 days: Swelling and mild discomfort are common.
- 1-2 weeks: The small scabs in the recipient area will begin to fall off. You can often return to work within a few days to a week.
- 3-4 weeks: The transplanted hair will enter a "shedding" phase, where it falls out. This is a normal and expected part of the process.
- Full recovery of the scalp generally takes about two weeks, after which most patients can resume normal activities and exercise.
4. When will I see the final results?
Answer: The results of a hair transplant are not immediate.
- 3-4 months: You will begin to see new, fine hairs sprouting.
- 6-9 months: The new hair will start to thicken and become more noticeable.
- 12-18 months: You will see the final, mature results, with the transplanted hair having reached its full density and natural appearance.
5. What is the success rate of hair transplants?
Answer: When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon at a reputable clinic, hair transplants have a very high success rate, often quoted at over 95%. The transplanted hair follicles are taken from a "permanent" zone (usually the back of the head), meaning they are genetically resistant to the hormone that causes hair loss. This ensures that the transplanted hair will continue to grow for a lifetime.
6. Do I have to shave my head for the procedure?
Answer: It depends on the technique.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): The donor area (and sometimes the recipient area) needs to be shaved to allow the surgeon to precisely extract the individual hair follicles.
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Only a small strip of hair in the donor area is removed, so you do not need to shave your entire head.
7. How much does a hair transplant cost in Riyadh?
Answer: The cost varies widely based on the number of grafts, the technique used (FUE is generally more expensive than FUT), and the clinic's reputation. Prices can range from SAR 4,999 to over SAR 29,999. It is crucial to get a personalized quote from a qualified surgeon during a consultation.
8. Are hair transplants permanent?
Answer: Yes, the results are permanent. The hair follicles used in the transplant are resistant to balding and will continue to grow for the rest of your life. However, a transplant does not stop future hair loss from non-transplanted hair.
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