HARVENSPECIALISTSHARVENSPECIALISTSHair transplantation is not right for everyone. The first visit looks at the pattern of your hair loss, the donor area, your health, your expectations and whether other treatments should come first.
If a transplant makes sense, the technique, number of grafts and timing are planned with you, and aftercare and follow-up are explained before you commit.
Request an assessment →Select a topic for a plain-language explanation of each stage of hair transplantation.
A transplant is not suitable for everyone. The doctor looks at your pattern of hair loss, how stable it is, your age, health, medicines and what you hope to achieve.
You are examined, and the scalp may be studied with trichoscopy. If hair loss is still progressing, medical treatment may be advised first. Alternatives to surgery are discussed along with their pros and cons.
You leave with an honest view of whether to proceed, and if so, when. Waiting or choosing medical treatment instead can sometimes be the better choice.
Ask about this at your consultation →Hair for transplantation is taken from the donor area, usually the back and sides of the scalp, where hair is generally more resistant to pattern hair loss. The supply is limited, so it needs to be used carefully.
The doctor assesses the density and quality of donor hair and estimates how many grafts can safely be taken. This is balanced against the area to be covered and any further loss in the future.
The graft number is an estimate, planned with you, and the final count depends on the day. Covering a small area well is often better than spreading hair too thin over a large one.
Ask about this at your consultation →The hairline shapes the whole result. A natural hairline is slightly irregular, with a soft transition rather than a straight, hard edge, and it suits your face and age.
The doctor designs the hairline with you and agrees on it before the day of the procedure. A conservative line is generally recommended, because hair loss continues around it over the years.
You will be told what density to expect in different areas. Fuller coverage is usually concentrated at the front and middle, with less at the back.
Ask about this at your consultation →In follicular unit extraction (FUE), individual follicles are taken one at a time from the donor area using a very small instrument, leaving tiny dot-like marks. In follicular unit transplantation (FUT), a thin strip of scalp is removed and divided into individual grafts under a microscope, leaving a fine linear scar that is covered by surrounding hair.
Each technique has its own advantages and limits, including recovery, scarring, how many grafts can be collected in a session and whether the donor area needs to be shaved. The doctor explains which technique, if any, suits you and why.
Whichever technique is used, the grafts are placed into tiny openings in the recipient area, following the planned direction and angle of your natural hair.
Ask about this at your consultation →The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so the scalp is numbed and you stay awake. It can take many hours depending on the number of grafts, with breaks for meals and rest.
Before the day, you receive a list of medicines and habits to avoid, such as certain blood-thinning medicines, alcohol and smoking. Wear a button-up shirt, eat beforehand and arrange for someone to take you home.
Most people go home the same day. You will receive written instructions for caring for the scalp, and the clinic's contact details in case you have questions.
Ask about this at your consultation →In the first days, the donor and recipient areas may be red, swollen or tender, and small scabs form around the grafts. Swelling can sometimes spread to the forehead.
You will be shown how to wash the scalp, how to sleep with your head raised, and what to avoid: rubbing or scratching the area, direct sun, swimming and strenuous exercise for the period the doctor advises.
Scabs usually fall off within about one to two weeks. Many people return to desk work within a few days, though this varies. Follow-up visits check on healing and progress.
Ask about this at your consultation →Transplanted hairs usually shed within the first few weeks. This is normal, because the follicle remains and rests before producing new hair.
New hair generally begins to appear around three to four months, starting finer and thickening gradually. Photographs taken at set intervals help you and the doctor compare progress objectively.
Most of the final result becomes visible between about nine and twelve months, and in some people it takes longer. Results differ from person to person.
Ask about this at your consultation →As with any procedure, risks include swelling, infection, folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), numbness, scarring, poor graft growth and an uneven or unnatural appearance. A transplant does not stop the hair around it from continuing to thin.
The doctor explains these risks in detail, how likely they are in your case, and how they are managed. Choosing a conservative plan and following aftercare closely reduces many of them.
A second session is sometimes needed to improve density or cover more area. Ask any question you have before you decide.
Ask about this at your consultation →Transplanted hair is usually long-lasting, but your natural hair around it may keep thinning. Over time this can leave the transplant looking isolated.
For this reason, medical treatment such as medicines for the scalp, tablets or PRP is often recommended alongside surgery, to slow the loss in surrounding hair. The doctor will advise what is appropriate for you.
Regular review visits help you keep the result looking natural over the years.
Ask about this at your consultation →It depends on the cause of your hair loss, the donor hair available, your general health, age and expectations. The doctor needs to examine you.
The technique is chosen by the treating doctor after assessment, based on your hair loss pattern, donor area and goals.
Local anaesthesia is used, and comfort measures are discussed with you beforehand.
That depends on how many grafts are planned. You will be told what to expect before the day.
Hairline design and graft placement are planned to suit your face and hair. Results vary from person to person.
Transplanted hair is usually long-lasting, but ongoing hair loss in the surrounding hair can change how things look over time.
You receive written aftercare instructions, and follow-up visits are planned to check progress.
As with any procedure there can be swelling, infection, scarring or poor growth. These are discussed in detail at consultation.