Transgender Hair Transplant Salt Lake City, Utah
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Transgender Hair Transplant Salt Lake City, Utah
Hair transplant surgery is widely available worldwide to treat male and female pattern baldness. It is most commonly used to treat a receding hairline and age-related hair loss in men. Many transgender women seek hair transplants to address the position and shape of their hairline as well as improve density. The surgical procedure is performed the same way, but the technique and strategy for performing a transgender hair transplant require specialized knowledge and care. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery offers the best gender-affirming hair transplant to Salt Lake City, UT patients.
What Is A Transgender Hair Transplant?
A transgender hair transplant—also known as a gender-affirming hair transplant—takes donor hairs from the back and sides of the head to fill in areas of hair loss on the front and top of the head. Transgender women may experience a receding hairline before their transition, or sometimes even during their transition which can cause symptoms of gender dysphoria. It can also contribute to social issues such as misgendering in daily life.
Hair transplant surgery is often performed following facial feminization surgery because it is a long procedure. However, Dr. Sajan is one of the few surgeons in the United States who can perform FFS and a hair transplant in the same session. He does this by employing general anesthesia for the FFS and then using local anesthetic during the hair transplant and allowing the patient to wake up slowly. Patients remain fully comfortable and it is common to perform hair transplantation under local anesthesia.
Benefits & Risks
Choosing to undergo a gender-affirming hair transplant surgery comes with pros and cons that patients should assess. Overall, it is a safe procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia—further improving the safety. Dr. Sajan will gauge a patient’s candidacy during a consultation.
Possible benefits include:
- Rounded, more feminine hairline
- Thicker hair
- Fill in areas of hair loss that occur due to testosterone
- Shape the hairline to better frame the face based on feminine proportions
- Help reduce gender dysphoria
- Improve instances of misgendering
- Involves minimal side effects
- Performed under local anesthesia
- Can be safely combined with facial feminization surgery
- Long-term, if not permanent results
- Donor hairs are chosen and transplanted precisely using a combination of Dr. Sajan’s skill and the newest technology
- Performed by one of the top surgeons performing gender-affirming procedures in the United States
Patients should also consider the benefits and risks of traveling from Salt Lake City, Utah to Seattle, Washington for transgender hair transplant treatment. Washington is a more LGBT+-friendly state and has protections in place for gender-affirming care. The state also has some of the top providers in transgender healthcare. However, it is also understandable that patients may have concerns about the travel and additional costs. This can all be discussed and worked out during the pre-surgical process.
All medical procedures come with inherent risk. A patient’s medical history and lifestyle can exacerbate their risks. Dr. Sajan will assess the potential for additional or increased risks during a consultation. Most patients do not have significantly elevated risks and do not experience major complications.
Potential risks associated with transgender hair transplant in Salt Lake City, Utah may include:
- Infection
- Prolonged or severe side effects
- Poor donor hair survival rate
- Bleeding
- Unexpected or unsatisfactory results
Gender-Affirming Hair Transplant Procedure
Using a process referred to as advanced hair transplant, Dr. Sajan uses a device that identifies the ideal donor hair and helps him create a natural hairline via optimal placement of the transplanted hairs. It also automates the harvesting of the hair which is traditionally done by hand with a punch tool during traditional FUE—which is sometimes used for transgender hair restoration procedures.
Once the hairs are removed from the donor areas, Dr. Sajan will begin to precisely transplant them into the predetermined areas. The entire process can take several hours but patients do not require sedation for the surgery. Dr. Sajan generally uses a combination of topical numbing cream and lidocaine injections to facilitate a comfortable procedure.
Long-Term Hair Loss Prevention
The results of an FUE hair transplant are essentially permanent. But patients should understand that other hair on the top of the head is potentially susceptible to loss. Also, age, medical conditions, and a patient’s lifestyle can all contribute to future hair loss. Patients may continue to take or undergo less invasive hair restoration to maintain their hair long term. Treatments may include:
- Minoxidil
- Growth factor injections
- Low level laser therapy
- Other medications associated with hair growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Hairline Look Natural?
Yes, that is the goal. The equipment Dr. Sajan uses during transgender hair transplants allows him to be more precise than traditional methods. When creating a feminine hairline, the transplanted hair cannot form a straight line or else this may appear unnatural. Instead, the transferred follicles are microscopically staggered to better emulate a natural female hairline.
Does MTF Hormone Therapy Help Stop Hair Loss?
It can contribute to slowed hair loss because it increases estrogen levels and may help reduce testosterone levels. However, this is not true for every patient and most do not see hair restoration, only a cessation of slowing of the initial hair loss. Other forms of hair loss such as those related to stress or a medical condition can still occur.
What Should I Expect Immediately After Surgery?
Patients may experience some bruising and swelling on the scalp after surgery. Within the first few weeks, the transplanted hair may fall out. This is normal and part of the natural regeneration process. Patients will need to follow Dr. Sajan’s post-operative instructions such as protecting the scalp from the sun and not washing their hair until okayed by Dr. Sajan. Patients can usually return to work within a week of transgender hair transplant (when FFS was not also performed).
Will Insurance Cover Gender-Affirming Hair Transplant?
Yes, most insurance companies offer at least some coverage for gender-affirming procedures. But patients should inquire with their insurance. Dr. Sajan accepts all private insurances.
The Leading Transgender Hair Transplant Specialist
Dr. Javad Sajan is a renowned plastic surgeon known for performing gender-affirming surgeries. He specializes in many feminizing surgeries including facial feminization and transgender hair transplant. Dr. Sajan is among only a handful of surgeons in the world who can perform FFS and a hair transplant in the same surgical session—cutting risks and recovery time for patients.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-990-0060. Patients can also reach out online via chat and contact form.
Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery
