Many people do not opt for hair transplant procedures not only because they think that it is expensive but also because they have the misconception that after the transplant, the care and maintenance are expensive.
The most crucial period is the month following a hair transplant procedure. Every surgeon might have different suggestions depending on the person’s health profile and might also require extra supplementation and medicines. Only in PRP therapy, post-surgical measures can be a little expensive due to costly medication and supplementation. Many clinics have economic packages for PRP therapies which include intra-treatment and post-treatment expenses. Research is beneficial to avoid unwanted or unnecessary expenses on which clinics can provide economic services for certain cases.
A patient needs to follow post-operation instructions and guidelines very carefully. Most clinics and institutions generally offer hair care products such as shampoos and lotions for free. Maintenance after a transplant should be carried out consciously and carefully to achieve the best results. Attentive and cautious behavior can help prevent many unwanted expenses.
The hair transplant cost including the treatment and recovery will vary from country to country. The geographic location has a good impact on the cost of medical treatments and procedures. Hair Transplant cost in Turkey is quite cheap as compared to other countries. The average hair transplant cost in Turkey is around £1700. Moreover, clinics in Turkey have packages that can even cover flights from other European countries. These packages usually include ground transportation, treatment, and a night stay at a nearby hotel.
While researching for a hair transplant abroad, many factors need to be considered, other than the cost of the treatment. The qualification of the performing surgeon, patient testimonials, and clinical accreditations are important factors to be noted. Although the hair transplant costs in Turkey are generally cheap, the cost might still vary from country to country.
Possible costs after a transplant
Apart from the hair transplant cost Turkey, there might be recovery costs, such as:
- Antibiotic medicines
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Medication to help ease pain
Other treatments might also be required for complications after surgery, like infections and insensitivity which could incur a cost due to additional visits to the doctor and additional medicines.
Some doctors prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine) after the transplant. It is a hair-growth drug. This can be expensive, and it’s effectiveness is unclear. While these costs are foreseen, other expenses might occur due to negligence and careless behavior by the patient after the transplant.
Discomforts or Complications Post-Surgery
The scalp might become quite sensitive after the hair transplant surgery. It is necessary to wear bandages for a few days, and the doctor might also prescribe pain medication, antibiotics to prevent infection, or even anti-inflammatory medicines to stop swelling and puffiness.
The recovery time depends on the type of surgical technique used. If the FUE technique is used, the recovery time is usually faster, compared to other more traditional techniques.
Most people return to their daily schedule within a week of the treatment. If stitches are applied, they are generally removed within 10 to 15 days.
Most of the transplanted hair will fall out within a month or two from the surgery. New hair growth will be visible on the treated areas within a few months, as the hair grows by a few centimeters to half-inch each month.
Risks and Considerations Post-Surgery
Hair transplant surgeries are considered to be safe when performed by qualified and experienced surgeons. However, every surgery carries risks.
The risks involved in hair transplant procedures are:
- Excessive bleeding
- Inflammation of the area of treatment
- Scarring
- Bumps
- Unnatural or patchy hair growth
Sometimes, some hair from the recipient site can fall out, this activity is known as shock loss. In the vast majority of cases, this shock loss is not permanent, and the hair will grow back.
There might be the risk that the grafts will not be accepted by the area of surgery and the surgery might have to be repeated.
Follow-ups
A patient might need a surgical touch-up procedure to end up with naturally appearing results after the cuts have healed. Sometimes, this involves the blending of the hairline using a combination of mini-grafts, micro-grafts and slit grafts. In other cases, if the patient has had a flap procedure, a small bump called a “dog ear” might remain visible on the scalp. The surgeon can surgically remove this bump after complete healing. In simple terms, it is best to prepare that a person will need a touch-up procedure. The surgeon will usually predict how long is the follow-up surgery likely to be.
