Hair Transplant FAQ

Who can undergo a hair transplant?

A hair transplant can be performed on any patient that has: any degree of hair loss, a donor area with sufficient hair, and a healthy scalp. Patients are also required to be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

Who should not undergo a hair transplant?

Patients who lack a viable donor area and smokers might not be eligible for a hair transplant as smoking increases immunity to anesthesia and increases bleeding during the operation.

When can I take off my bandage after a hair transplant?

The bandage should be removed a day after the procedure, and must not be left on more than 24 hours unless the attending doctor has instructed otherwise.

Is hair transplant dangerous?

A hair transplant is one of the safest cosmetic procedures, but, as with any procedure, there are certain risks associated with it. These risks include bleeding, infection, and an allergic reaction to the administered anesthetic. A hair transplant performed with an unlicensed clinic can pose further risks including death.

Should hair transplant be performed before complete hair loss?

Hair transplant is the last resort treatment and even though it can be performed to increase hair density, it is recommended to be used only after the hair loss is severe enough.

Can hair transplant be done without cutting the hair?

A hair transplant can be performed without cutting the hair, but the donor area, usually the sides and the back of the head, need to be shaved. Having the entire head shaved is recommended as it makes the operation easier and faster.

How long does the hair transplant process take?

A hair transplant procedure takes 4 to 8 hours. If the patient is having a large amount of hair transplanted, they may need to have a shorter second operation as well.

Is it necessary to stay in the hospital after hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation can be performed as an outpatient procedure and the patient can leave the hospital right after their hair transplant. If the patient chooses not to stay in the hospital, they are provided with a special pillow to sleep on after the procedure.

Will dressing be required after hair transplantation?

Dressings are required after the hair transplant procedure as it is applied to cover and protect the wounds. The dressings are removed the day after the surgery and do not need to be changed.

What are the instructions to follow after the scabs fall off?

The scabs will fall off in 3 to 10 days after the hair transplant procedure. The patients may gently massage their head to help the scabs fall off easily. The patients are recommended not to pick or scratch the scabs as doing so can cause infection and endanger the survival of the grafts.

Will the transplanted hair fall out later?

The transplanted hair may fall off 3 to 8 weeks after the procedure due to shock. After the shock subsides the grafted follicles will start to produce hair normally.

Will there be any redness after hair transplant?

It is very common to experience a certain amount of redness, swelling, and inflammation after a hair transplant. These side effects should subside as the scalp starts to heal.

When do the first hairs start to grow, and the change is noticeable?

While the treatment usually only takes a day, the patient should expect to wait several months until the final outcome is visible. The change in hair will be noticeable after 6 months.

At what age can a hair transplant be performed?

Patients might consider having a hair transplant procedure if they are 30 or older. Patients younger than 30 might consider hair loss medications at first to stabilize their hair loss before considering a hair transplant procedure.

Can women have a hair transplant?

Hair transplant procedure involves removing hair follicles from a donor area and then transferring them to a recipient area. While the same procedure can be applied to women, hair loss in women often affects the sides and the back of the head as well, making them bad candidates for a hair transplant as there will be no viable donor areas. Hair loss in women due to nonhormonal causes can be treated through a hair transplant.

How many sessions are required to achieve good results?

If the donor area has sufficient hair follicles, most patients only require a single session to achieve the desired results. In some cases, the patient might need a second session to see sufficient results.