While there is a lot of information available online on hair transplants, the procedure itself and what it includes can be confusing to navigate. Although there are various different types, the hair transplant procedure is pretty similar overall for them all. In this article, the hair transplant procedure will be covered in more detail discussing what to expect before, during and immediately after the process. If you are already familiar with the procedure, then you can read more about the full recovery process or the different types of hair transplants. Keep reading below to find out more on the hair transplant process.
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Different Types of Hair Transplants
Reading online you may find that there are a lot of different types of hair transplants. While there have been advancements in ways to do this procedure, there are still 2 main types of hair transplants. Before discussing the procedure, it is important to understand the types as the process slightly changes for both. These are:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- This is the older method for the hair transplant procedure which involves cutting a strip of skin from the back of the head. Once the strip of skin has been removed, the hair follicles will be harvested in preparation for implanting them into the balding area of your scalp. The strip of skin will then be stitched and the extracted hair will be prepared for transplantation. We will cover this in more detail below.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- FUE is the more modern method for hair transplants and it involved removing individual grafts of hair follicles throughout the head. As a result, there is much less scarring and the removed hair is spread throughout the head. There have been some advancements in how this procedure is done in recent years however, overall the process stays the same with only the tools used changing.
Now that you have an understanding of the 2 types of hair transplants, we will go into more detail on the procedure for these below. You can also read more about the different types of hair transplants in this article.
Before the Procedure
Prior to any hair transplant procedure, you will start the process by booking a consultation (online or in person depending on where you are thinking of having your hair transplant surgery) with the doctor and clinic you are interested in undergoing this procedure with. During the initial consultation, your doctor will ask you some basic questions on your health, family health history and hair loss experience to assess the most suitable option for you. Depending on the stage and seriousness of your hair loss, your doctor will let you know if you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery.
It is possible that, if your hair loss is not severe, the doctor will recommend and prescibe you take some medication to try combat hair loss first. It is important to remember not to rush into booking the procedure and consult with several doctors before making a decision to ensure this is the right thing for you to do. Some popular medication that could be suggested include minoxidil, finasteride, antiandrogens, corticosteroids and forms of antifungal medications.
If you and your doctor agree that hair transplant surgery is the right choice, then the next steps will involve agreeing on a time and date for this procedure. After you’ve confirmed the date, there are other important considerations and protocols to follow in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
2 Weeks Before the Procedure
2 weeks prior to your surgery, you will need to stop taking all medication and supplements you normally use. If there are any medications that you are taking for any health condition, consult with your doctor as you may need to temporarily change medication or the date of your surgery. It is important to stop taking these medications as they can increase blood flow or thin the blood. These leads to a higher chance of bleeding during the hair transplant procedure and can lead to the surgery lasting longer. If you are having FUT surgery, it is recommended to leave your hair between 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) so that the stitches can be hidden.
1 Week Before the Procedure
In the week leading up to your surgery, your doctor will tell you to stop smoking and drinking any alcohol. The reason you will be told to stop smoking is due to nicotine blocking blood vessels in the body making blood flow more difficult during surgery. Alcohol on the other hand results in additional bleeding during the surgery, which can make it more difficult and take longer. You may also be asked to stop strenuous exercise in the few days before your procedure.
1 Day Before and the Day of the Procedure
On the day before the surgery, you will be asked to wash your hair with a mild shampoo and make sure to get good rest. Make sure you have planned how you plan on getting to and from the clinic to avoid unnecessary stress on the day of your procedure.
On the morning of the procedure, have a good breakfast and wear something comfortable. It is important to avoid wearing something which you may have to pull over your head after the surgery, as this can cause irritation on the newly placed grafts.
During the Procedure
Once you arrive at the clinic where you will be having your hair transplant procedure, the staff will greet you and start preparing you for the surgery. Depending on the clinic and clinician, for FUE you may have parts of your hair shaven to help make the process easier. Once everything is prepared and ready, the procedure will start by your doctor applying local anesthetic around your head. You will then wait until the anesthetic kicks in and the real process will begin. As FUE and FUT differ somewhat, the process changes slightly. Make sure to bring some entertainment with you such as your phone and earphones so you can watch movies, videos, podcasts or even play games during the procedure to help with the time it will take (between 4-10 hours).
FUT Hair Transplant Procedure
Once the anesthetic has been applied, the FUT hair transplant procedure will start with a strip of skin, generally between 1-1.5 cm (0.3-0.6 inches) will be surgically cut and removed from the back of the head. This is dependent on how many hair grafts are required for the recipient area of the head. After the strip of skin has been removed, the team accompanying the surgeon will start to extract the individual hair follicles from the removed grafts of skin to harvest and prepare for transplantation. As the hair follicles are being harvested, the surgeon will stitch the donor area (where the hair has been extracted from) and bandage it to avoid damage afterwards.
When the hair follicles are extracted from the removed skin, your surgeon will start making incisions on the recipient area to prepare the follicles to be transplanted. An outline will be done in a pattern that looks natural and then the individual hair follicles will start to be placed by forceps one by one into the incisions. When complete, the surgeon will bandage the head and scalp to complete the surgery. The FUT method can take anywhere from 5-10 hours.
FUE Hair Transplant Procedure
While similar, the FUE hair transplant has some key differences. As with FUT, local anesthetic will be applied around the head and once applied, the hair transplant procedure will begin. Regardless of the type of FUE Hair Transplant you will be undergoing, the surgeon will start by using a tool to remove micro punches of individual grafts of hair from around the scalp. In comparison to FUT, as the grafts are removed evenly from around the scalp, this method leaves less noticeable scarring.
Once all of the necessary hair has been removed (the number of hair grafts will depend on how many you have opted for and what has been recommended by your surgeon), the surgeon will prepare the recipient area for transplanting the hair. This is done by making lots of tiny incisions in the recipient area similar to the FUT method. Upon making all of the incisions, the surgeon will start placing each of the extracted hair follicles into the incisions using forceps. Once finished, the surgeon will bandage your head and begin to discuss after care with you. FUE can take between 4-8 hours to complete.
Immediately After the Procedure
Once the surgeon has finished bandaging the recipient and donor area, after care will be discussed. Your surgeon will tell you what you need to be mindful of and special care you need to take for the following days and weeks. A lot of clinics will generally give you an aftercare package containing some useful items for the recovery process. These usually consist of:
- Your Aftercare Guide: You’ll have a handy guide breaking down your recovery stages and what to do at each step. This helps so you do not have to remember everything about the after care process.
- Managing Discomfort: In case you feel pain, itching, or swelling after surgery (which is normal), your doctor will provide painkillers.
- Preventing Infection: Antibiotics will help keep things clean and prevent any infections after your procedure.
- Keeping Things Clean: You’ll receive a saline spray bottle to gently clean your scalp and speed up healing. It also helps with any itchiness from scabs.
- Sleep Support: A neck pillow will help you keep your head elevated while sleeping, which is especially important for those first few days.
- Gentle Cleansing: Starting 5-7 days after surgery, you’ll have be given or recommended a special shampoo for carefully washing your hair.
In general, it is recommended to take off at least a week of work after the surgery to help with recovery. It is possible to return sooner but as this is a tiring process, especially if you’re travelling abroad for it, it is best to allow time to rest. If you would like to read more about the recovery process in detail, feel free to check out this in depth article we’ve written.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- I’m just getting started with researching hair transplants. Where should I begin?
- This article is a great starting point! To build on this, check out the sections on the recovery process and different types of hair transplants to find out more.
- My hair loss isn’t severe yet. Is a hair transplant right for me?
- Always consult with a doctor about your hair loss concerns. Medication might be a good first step. Your doctor will help you assess the best options.
- The article describes two main types of transplants (FUT and FUE). Are there other methods?
- While FUT and FUE are the foundational methods, technology is constantly advancing. A reputable clinic will explain the latest techniques available and if any would be suitable for you.
- How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a hair transplant?
- Doctors consider several factors like the pattern and extent of your hair loss, the quality of your donor hair, and your overall health before recommending a transplant.
- How long does the hair transplant procedure take?
- This depends on the type of transplant and the number of grafts being transplanted. It generally takes between 4-10 hours depending on the type of hair transplant and surgeon.
- Is hair transplant surgery painful?
- Local anesthesia numbs your scalp so you shouldn’t feel significant pain during the procedure. Some discomfort afterwards is normal, but your doctor will provide medication to manage it.
- What is the typical recovery time?
- Initial recovery takes a few days to a week, but full results can take up to a year as the transplanted hair grows in. Your aftercare instructions will outline specific timelines.
- Will the transplanted hair fall out after surgery?
- Yes, it’s normal for the transplanted hair to fall out initially. This is because the follicle separates from the blood supply during transplantation. However, the permanent hair growth should begin within a few months.
- Are hair transplants permanent?
- Yes, when done properly, transplanted hair follicles continue to grow naturally, providing long-lasting results.
- Does hair transplant surgery work for women?
- Yes, hair transplant surgery can be a successful option for women experiencing hair loss.
- Can hair transplants be used to transplant other types of hair, like beard hair?
- Yes, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is often used for beard hair transplants.