HIV has always been a stigmatized illness throughout history. Though it may be related to diseases like AIDS, what is often referred to as HIV is basically an immune disease: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune cells in our blood which then disables our body from fighting infections. Even though there is no cure for HIV there are medications and treatments that help fight the virus in the body. Several rounds of medications, healthy lifestyle and months of blood work testing is required. So treatment for a HIV Positive patient is a lengthy process.
It is only natural then that the question arises, can an HIV positive person get a hair transplant? As the hub of all things cosmetic and medical, many patients from all around the world come to Turkey for their hair transplant needs which also includes HIV Positive patients. Continue reading to find out how HIV Positive hair transplant procedures and different methods used in these hair transplants.
Yes, it is possible for an HIV positive person to get a hair transplant. HIV positive hair transplants patients are more common than one might think. The key element in this procedure is hygiene and since sterility is the number one priority in any medical operation, taking a few extra precautions for a HIV patient will guarantee a successful hair transplant operation.
Hair clinics use fresh equipment and sterilize their operation rooms regardless of the patient’s HIV status. This way patients’ health and the overall success of the operation is not at risk. Regardless of the patient’s HIV status the setup for an operation remains the same and so does the priority of sterility.
The procedure for a HIV positive hair transplant is almost the same as a regular hair transplant procedure. The first step is always the consultation: your doctor will check your scalp, check the hair texture and observe the severity of hair loss in the hairline. At this stage it is important that you tell your doctor your medical background. Most clinics do run tests for their patients however it is still important for the doctor to know your unique case and help you should the need arise. In this consultation the doctor will inform you of the methods of operation and designate a donor area. Leading to the operation date the patient takes care of their health and avoids strenuous activity along with not consuming alcohol or smoking. The patient’s overall contentment and mindset are key to guarantee a smooth operation and recovery.
Post-operation is also relatively similar to a regular hair transplant. The patient takes care of their overall health and follows the instructions of the clinic regarding the first few weeks post-op. If the patient is on any HIV medication they will regularly check with their doctor and regulate their use accordingly.
There are two popular hair transplant methods for HIV patients: the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). These two are preferred because of their minimally invasive nature and lack of bleeding which may complicate and risk the procedure. Both methods are equally popular and successful. FUE is opted more often by patients who need a higher number of hair grafts due to its implantation capacity. DHI uses a specific tool for both extracting and grafting thus a lower number of hair grafts are used.
FUE otherwise known as Follicular Unit Extraction is a popular method used for all hair transplant procedures including HIV positive patients. In this method a minimal amount of blood resurfaces as miniscule incisions are made to the scalp. Doctor makes sure that by the end of the procedure, no visible actively bleeding incision peaks through to avoid contamination or risks. The patient will see that scabs that form as a result of these incisions start healing at the end of the week post-op. For more information on the FUE method check out this article which discusses the FUE hair transplant process at length.
DHI, or otherwise known as Direct Hair Implantation is a newer hair transplant method that has become mainstream over the years and a lot of patients opt for this technique due to its relatively easier and faster recovery including HIV positive patients. The DHI method optimizes the use of a pen-like instrument called the Choi-pen which extracts and then replants hair follicles one by one. Since the process is a bit more precise and even it has become a widespread method over the years. As the hairs are extracted and replanted one by one it is usually opted for a lower number of hair grafts in transplants. For more information on the DHI method check out this article which discusses the DHI hair transplant process at length.
HIV Positive hair transplant costs are no different than regular hair transplant costs in Turkey. Hair transplants costs depend on the number of grafts and the techniques used in the transplant which may be different for each clinic. A regular FUE hair transplant in Turkey would approximately cost 2000 to 8000 USD. On the other hand a DHI hair transplant in Turkey would cost somewhere around 3000-4000 USD. These prices depend on the clinic, the number of hair grafts and the technique. However as the methods are operatively the same the price does not change when the patient is HIV positive.
No, HIV positive hair transplant is operatively the same as a regular hair transplant thus it should not be more expensive. Almost all clinics offer prices that would allow patients similar prices regardless of their HIV status.
Some countries do not allow HIV positive people to enter even for a short stay. Countries like Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Jordan or the United Arab Emirates do not allow tourists or patients that are HIV positive. However traveling to Turkey as a HIV positive patient is no problem. As a lot of people visit Turkey for the quality medical services, lots of patients from various health backgrounds are allowed to come to Turkey for their medical needs. So yes, as of 2024 you can travel to Turkey if you are HIV positive.
Risks associated with hair transplant are more or less the same whether the patient is HIV positive or not. Hair transplants are fairly safe operations with 95% or more chance of success. So, no hair transplants are not risky for HIV positive patients any more than they are to HIV negative patients.
HIV is a viral disease meaning it affects the blood and the immune system. So technically HIV should not affect hair growth. However hair loss has been a common side effect for patients with HIV as the stress on the body is heightened.
Not all clinics will test the patient for HIV before the hair transplant however almost all clinics do. It is usually included in the bloodwork that is done before the operation to make sure that the patient is in good overall health. Most clinics will include HIV in their required blood tests however you can also request it from the clinic. It is important that the patient is fully transparent with their doctor so a successful hair transplant can be achieved.
Hair transplants are pretty safe operations, especially when handled by experienced and attentive clinics and Turkey being the number 1 choice when hair transplants are concerned makes hair transplants in Turkey very safe. The most important step in ensuring an HIV positive patient’s security is knowing that they are HIV positive and choosing the hair transplant method accordingly. So yes, HIV hair transplant is very safe in Turkey and continuous interest in Turkey when hair transplants are concerned is proof enough.
Established in 2014, Imperium quickly became a beacon of excellence in hair transplant surgery and aesthetic treatments.
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