Gender-affirming hair procedures: An overview and patient expectations
Hair transplants are surgical procedures designed to encourage hair growth in areas where it is thinning or absent. These procedures can be a significant part of a person's gender-affirming care, helping individuals whose gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth.
There are two common hair transplant procedures: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT). In FUE, a surgeon collects follicles with a hollow, circular blade or a "punch" from the donor site, leaving small circular wounds. On the other hand, in FUSS or FUT, a surgeon removes a strip of skin from the donor site, leaving a linear scar, and then harvests the hair follicles from the strip under a microscope.
The procedure duration for a hair transplant can range from 4-8 hours, and a person can typically wash the area a few days after surgery and return to regular activities within 10 days. However, after the procedure, a person may experience mild pain and swelling. Between 2 and 8 weeks after surgery, implanted hairs may fall out, but new hair will start regrowing around 3-5 months after.
Several types of hair transplant procedures are available, including hairline lowering/hairline feminization, crown restoration, facial hair restoration, and chest hair restoration. Hairline lowering aims to create a more feminine hairline by lowering it and giving it a rounder shape, while crown restoration helps promote new hair growth in areas that have thinned due to male pattern baldness. Facial hair restoration aims to encourage the growth of thicker and more visible facial hair, and chest hair restoration aims to boost the growth of body hair across the chest.
The cost of a hair transplant can vary depending on the surgeon, type of procedure, and if the procedure requires a specialist. In the United States, these procedures can cost around $3,000-$15,000, while in Germany, the cost generally ranges between €4,000 and €10,000, depending on factors like the number of grafts and the specific technique used, with most clinics offering personalized pricing after consultation.
Seeking a surgeon who specializes in treating transgender people may benefit a person who wishes to have a hair transplant as part of their gender-affirming care. During a consultation, a person may wish to ask their surgeon about their experience with transgender people, associated risks, options for handling complications, and more. People whose surgeons were sensitive and understanding toward their experiences with gender experienced lower levels of stress.
It is essential to remember that everyone's journey with gender-affirming care is unique, and the decision to undergo a hair transplant should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Note: This article is intended to provide general information and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
\n\n Source: - Hair Transplant Surgery: FUE vs. FUT - Hair Transplant Procedures - Gender-Affirming Surgery: What You Need to Know - Cost of Hair Transplant Surgery - Hair Transplant Surgery for Transgender Individuals - Stress and Coping Among Transgender Persons Undergoing Gender-Affirming Surgery
