What to expect during a hair transplant procedure

The initial stage of any hair transplant procedure is a thorough consultation with a specialist. The consultation comprises a comprehensive examination of your hair density, scalp, and the pattern of your hair loss. Your medical history will also be scrutinised to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Before the procedure, your surgeon will lay out the groundwork for the transplant. This usually involves shaving the donor area, which is typically at the back or sides of the head. Some clinics offer unshaven hair transplants, but this is usually decided on a patient-to-patient basis.

The transplant itself involves two distinct steps: extraction and implantation. During the extraction phase, hair follicles are carefully harvested from the donor area employing a specialist tool. These follicles are then kept in a solution to remain viable for implantation.

The implantation step varies based on the procedure technique used. For Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), one of the most common methods, each follicle is directly transplanted into the balding region. Another popular technique, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), involves moving an entire strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area, from which individual follicles are later extracted and implanted.

Once the transplant is completed, the scalp may be tender, and some swelling may be expected. The surgeon usually prescribes pain medications and antibiotics to facilitate comfortable recovery. Special shampoos and lotions may also be recommended to protect the new grafts and promote a healthy scalp.

For the first few weeks following the procedure, patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and direct sun exposure. It is vital to follow all aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon to optimise healing and maximise the effectiveness of the transplant.

A certain degree of “shock loss” is to be anticipated after a hair transplant, where transplanted hairs fall out to make way for new growth. However, within a few months, noticeable hair growth in the transplant area should begin.

The ultimate resulting fullness of the hair depends greatly upon the density of the original donor area and the extent of the patient’s hair loss. It can take up to a year, or sometimes longer, to appreciate the final results of the transplant.

The decision to undergo a hair transplant procedure is a significant one and should not be taken lightly. Adequate research and consultations with a reputed specialist are key to ensuring you are fully prepared and have realistic expectations of the outcome.