Hair transplant in Aix-en-Provence
Hair loss can be a source of concern for many people in Aix-en-Provence, affecting their confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, hair restoration offers effective solutions for restoring natural hair.
Hair transplantation is a hair restoration procedure that offers a glimmer of hope to people suffering from permanent baldness, diffuse hair loss or scarring.
The hair transplant process
Hair transplantation is a hair restoration procedure that removes hair follicles from a donor area of the scalp (usually the crown or back of the head) for transplantation to balding or thinning areas. The most common techniques used are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). FUE involves the extraction of individual follicles, while FUT involves taking a strip of hair and cutting it into follicular units.
Ideal candidates
The ideal candidates for hair transplantation in Aix-en-Provence are generally men and women suffering from permanent baldness, diffuse hair loss or scars resulting from surgery or injury. A consultation with a hair transplant specialist in Aix-en-Provence will help assess whether the person is a good candidate for the procedure.
Expected results
After hair transplantation, patients can expect gradual, natural regrowth of the transplanted hair in the months following the procedure. Once healing is complete, hair will grow back like normal hair, allowing patients to regain a more youthful, confident appearance.
The FUE technique
The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique is one of the most commonly used methods of hair transplantation, whether in Aix-en-Provence or other regions. It stands out for its more meticulous, less invasive approach than the strip method (FUT). Here’s how the FUE technique works.
- Individual removal of hair follicles: Unlike the FUT method, which involves cutting a strip of skin containing hair follicles, FUE involves removing each follicle individually. This is done using a small circular instrument, usually 0.8 millimeters in diameter. The specialized practitioner makes small incisions around each follicle, then gently extracts them from the skin using ophthalmic tweezers.
- Follicle preparation: Once the hair follicles are harvested, they are sorted, cleaned and prepared for transplantation. Follicular units are selected according to quality and type (1, 2, 3, 4 or more hairs per follicular unit).
- Follicle transplantation: The prepared follicles are then implanted in the recipient areas, where hair loss is visible. The team creates small incisions in the recipient area following a natural hair growth pattern (inclinations and directions), then inserts the follicles one by one into these incisions.
- Healing and regrowth: After transplantation, follicles undergo a resting phase and transplanted hair falls out. However, the follicles are still alive and after a while, new hair begins to grow from them. Regrowth may take several months before full results become visible.
The FUE technique offers several advantages over the FUT method, including:
- No linear scarring: FUE generally leaves no visible linear scar, unlike the FUT method, which leaves a scar where the strip of skin is removed.
- Faster recovery: FUE tends to result in faster recovery, as it does not involve extensive suturing or prolonged healing time of the donor area.
- Possibility of harvesting follicles from different areas: The FUE technique allows follicles to be harvested from different parts of the body, which can be useful if the donor area on the scalp is limited.
However, it is important to note that the FUE technique requires considerable expertise to achieve natural, aesthetic results. Experienced hair transplant teams can tailor the FUE technique to each patient’s unique characteristics to achieve the best possible results. Before deciding to undergo FUE hair transplantation, it is advisable to consult a specialized healthcare professional to discuss your needs and expectations.
The FUT
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a method of hair transplantation that involves harvesting a strip of skin containing hair follicles from the donor area, followed by preparation and transplantation of these follicles into bald or thinning areas. Here’s how the FUT technique works.
- Strip removal: The surgeon marks and anesthetizes the donor area, usually located at the back or sides of the head, where hair is thicker and less prone to shedding. Next, a strip of skin is carefully removed using a surgical scalpel. This strip contains hair follicles, blood vessels and supporting tissue.
- Suturing the donor area: After removing the strip, the donor area is sutured to close the wound. Sutures may be dissolving or may need to be removed after a set period of time.
- Follicle preparation: The strip is then cut into smaller follicular units, usually called micrograft or minigraft. These units are sorted and cleaned ready for transplanting.
- Creating incisions in the recipient area: The surgeon creates small incisions in the recipient area (where hair loss is visible) following a natural pattern of hair growth. These incisions are crucial in determining the angle, direction and density of transplanted hair regrowth.
- Follicle implantation: The micrografts or minigraft are carefully implanted one by one into the incisions created in the recipient area. The surgeon takes care to follow the natural pattern of the hair to achieve an aesthetically consistent result.
- Healing and regrowth: After transplantation, a period of healing is necessary. Transplanted hair usually falls out in the weeks following the procedure, but the follicles remain active. New hair will gradually begin to grow back over the following months.
The FUT technique was one of the first hair transplant methods used and has proven its effectiveness for many patients. However, it leaves a linear scar at the donor site, which can be an inconvenience for some patients. This scar is usually hidden by the growth of the surrounding hair, but it can be a worrying factor for those who prefer to wear their hair very short.
For all medical procedures, it is best to consult a specialized health professional in Aix-en-Provence. Discuss your options with him to determine the best approach for your needs and expectations.
Female hair transplant in Aix-en-Provence
Hair transplantation for women is a similar procedure to that for men, but there are some specific differences and considerations to take into account due to variations in hair loss patterns between the sexes.
Women can also experience hair loss due to factors such as genetics, aging, hormonal imbalances, stress and other medical conditions. Hair transplants may be an option for treating hair loss in women; however, it is important to note that patterns of hair loss in women are often more diffuse and extensive than in men. Consequently, planning a hair transplant for women requires careful evaluation of the donor and recipient areas.
Here are some considerations specific to hair transplantation for women.
- Precise assessment: A hair transplant specialist will carefully assess the donor and recipient areas to determine the feasibility of the transplant. Women with smaller donor areas may require more strategic planning.
- Hair density: Women generally have a higher hair density at the back of the head (donor area) than men. This can be beneficial in harvesting sufficient hair follicles for transplantation.
- Hair loss patterns: Hair loss patterns in women are different from those in men. Women may experience diffuse hair loss over the entire head, rather than the typical male pattern baldness. This can influence the way follicles are harvested and transplanted.
- Realistic expectations: It’s important for women to have realistic expectations about hair transplant results. Hair restoration can improve the appearance and density of hair, but it cannot always restore 100% thick, full hair.
- Specialized consultation: Before deciding to undergo a hair transplant, it’s essential to consult an experienced hair restoration specialist to discuss options, expectations and likely results.
Finally, hair transplantation for women may prove to be a viable solution for treating hair loss, with Aix-en-Provence also offering this option. However, it is important to stress that each case is unique.
The BHT (body hair transplant) technique: removal of body hair
Body Hair Transplant (BHT) is a method of hair transplantation in which hair follicles are harvested from various parts of the body, such as the chest, back and legs, and then transplanted to the scalp to treat hair loss. This technique is used when the traditional donor area (back of the head) does not provide sufficient hair follicles or when patients do not have adequate hair density in this area.
Here’s how the BHT technique generally works
- Body hair harvesting: Hair is harvested using the FUE (follicular unit extraction) method from areas of the body where hair growth is denser. Areas commonly used to remove body hair include the chest, back and shoulders.
- Follicle preparation: Hair follicles taken from body hair are sorted and prepared in the same way as follicles taken from the head.
- Follicle transplantation: Prepared follicles are transplanted onto the scalp in recipient areas where hair loss is visible. The specialized team creates small incisions in the recipient area and inserts the follicles one by one.
- Healing and regrowth: Transplanted follicles go through a resting period and transplanted hairs usually fall out before new hairs start to grow back. Regrowth can take several months.
The BHT technique can be useful in Aix-en-Provence in cases where the patient has advanced hair loss, low hair density in the traditional donor area, or scars on the scalp that make conventional hair transplantation difficult. However, it is important to note that body hair has different characteristics to scalp hair, particularly in terms of texture and growth rate, which can influence the results.
Make an appointment for a hair transplant in Aix-en-Provence
The first consultation for a hair transplant in Aix-en-Provence is free to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Aix-en-Provence, the Jewel of Provence
The Saint-Sauveur cathedral in Aix-en-Provence
A Charming Historic Center
Aix-en-Provence, often nicknamed the “city of a thousand fountains”, is one of the most elegant cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Its historic center is a delight for architecture lovers, with narrow streets lined with 17th and 18th century houses, squares adorned with fountains and its famous Cours Mirabeau, an avenue lined with plane trees and lively cafés.
Cultural and artistic richness
Aix-en-Provence is a city that exudes culture. It is particularly famous for having been the home of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Visitors can explore Cézanne’s studio, where he created some of his most famous works. The city also hosts the Festival International d’Art Lyrique, one of Europe’s leading opera festivals.
University and Student Heritage
The city is home to Aix-Marseille University, one of the oldest and most prestigious in France. This university presence gives the city a youthful, international vibrancy, with numerous cafés, bookshops and cultural events catering to the student population.
Provencal Gastronomy
The cuisine of Aix-en-Provence is a reflection of the gastronomic richness of Provence. Local markets, such as the flower and produce market on Place Richelme, offer an abundance of fresh regional produce. Specialties such as tapenade, calissons d’Aix and soupe au pistou are a must.
Nature and Landscapes in the Surroundings
Aix-en-Provence’s surroundings are as attractive as the city itself, with Mont Sainte-Victoire, made famous by Cézanne’s paintings, offering numerous hiking opportunities. The Provencal countryside, with its lavender fields, vineyards and hilltop villages, is easily accessible for day trips.
A pleasant Mediterranean climate
Aix-en-Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant city to visit all year round. The terraces of cafés and restaurants come alive particularly during the summer months, offering a typically Provençal outdoor living experience.