Hair Transplant – Everything You Need to Know

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where healthy hair is moved from the back of the scalp or a donor area of the scalp to the balding area. During the procedure tiny grafts are taken from the donor area, the size and location of these grafts will depend on the kind of hair transplant that the patient is receiving. 

The hair follicles are then extracted from the grafts before being implanted into the balding treatment area. Once they are positioned and healed, they should grow healthy hair. Hair transplantation is a long-term solution to hair loss that can be beneficial for those who have tried pharmaceutical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride and have not experienced hair regrowth. 

If you want to see what most patients are curious about see the FAQs below or see how it compares to minoxidil or finasteride.

Highlights

• Hair transplants are a minimally invasive surgical treatment for hair loss
• Transplanted hair can have a high survival rate if proper aftercare is observed
• The transplanted grafts will start to produce hair after 3 to 4 months

Core Evaluation Criteria

Hair transplant effectiveness

Results from hair regrowth surgery can be impressive as they can cover balding areas with new hair growth. The patient’s desired hair density can be achieved once recovery is complete. According to research, Transplanted grafts of hair have a survival rate of over 90 per cent. 

A lot of advancements have been made in the procedure and modern-day hair transplants are safe and effective. The most effective cases are those who have thinning hair or are in the early stages of hair loss compared to later-stage hair loss. The effectiveness of the procedure can depend on the number of transplantable hair follicles available on the person’s scalp. 

Other donor areas on the body may not be able to provide suitable hairs for your scalp as they are not programmed to grow as head hairs. Similarly, synthetic hair or hair from another person will be rejected by your body. You should typically start to see results after 3 to 4 months after the initial hair shedding that occurs in the first 2 to 8 weeks after the surgery.

Hair transplant cost

There are many factors which can influence hair transplant expenses. These include where you live, the clinic you choose to go to and the surgeon’s experience. In some cases, patients will require multiple sessions to cover large areas of balding which can increase the price of the surgery. 

The main factor involved in determining the cost of the hair transplant is the amount of grafts you will need to cover the balding area. Prices are often quoted by grafts with the range in Australia starting at $2 per graft up to $4.60 per graft. Subsequent sessions may be required after a few months to achieve the desired look by “topping up” the treatment area but clinics can offer these at a lower price than the initial procedure. 

Costs can increase depending on if the clinic charges for the initial consultation along with aftercare checkups along with the procedure itself. It’s worth doing your research as some clinics offer an all-inclusive package deal to cover everything you will need for your procedure.

Hair transplant treatment duration

The hair transplant procedure can take between 4 and 8 hours depending on the number of grafts you are receiving. You will be awake during the surgery but a local anaesthetic will be administered so you won’t feel any pain. Your treatment length will also be determined by whether you are receiving FUT (follicular unit transplantation) or FUE (follicular unit excision (FUE). 

With FUT your hair is extracted by removing a strip of skin before isolating the hair follicles. In FUE the hair follicles are taken individually from the scalp through the use of a small punch tool. In general, FUT is a shorter procedure than FUE. It’s also important to factor in the recovery time which will take anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks. 

Specific instructions will be provided to patients in regards to aftercare which will need to be followed to ensure efficient and safe healing. A follow-up will typically occur after 7 days and sutures will be removed before you can gradually return to your normal routine.

Hair transplant safety

Some side effects are possible with a hair transplant procedure. Swelling (also known as oedema) can occur in less than 5 per cent of patients and can be treated. Bleeding can occur which is normal with any surgical procedure but is only seen in 0.5 per cent of cases. 

A common reaction after a hair transplant is pustules (small boils) but these will typically resolve on their own. Another post-procedure risk is folliculitis. This is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be treated with antibiotics and topical cleansing. 

Furthermore, scalp numbness, cysts and ingrown hairs can occur but these are all treatable. As with any surgical procedure infection is possible. Again this is very unlikely as it only occurs in less than 1 per cent of patients. 

Following the procedure, some hair shedding (telogen effluvium) can occur following the transplant. This is because the body is reacting to the shock of the surgery and new healthy hair will regrow in its place after around 3 to 4 months.

Hair transplant ease of use

If you are in the early stages of hair loss, a hair transplant alone may be sufficient to achieve your desired results. In other cases, medications may be required to ensure that your non-transplanted hairs do not fall out. The pre-procedure preparations can take up some time alongside the surgery itself. 

There is then the aftercare to consider which can interfere with your daily routines. Great care will need to be taken with the vulnerable grafts as any disturbance can cause them to fall out before they have properly implanted into the scalp. The aftercare will typically involve maintaining moisture in the treatment area to prevent scabbing. 

This also means avoiding showering for the first couple of days and not itching the scalp. It will take some time to return to normal activities so that is something to factor into your consideration before a hair transplant procedure. The grafts will appear tender and red initially after the procedure so they can be unsightly and require time to return to normal.

Hair transplant accessibility

A hair transplant is a specialised procedure that requires skilled professionals, a clean clinical environment and sterilised medical equipment. The availability of the service will depend on where you live. 

You may have to travel far to receive the treatment and it could require a few days of a trip before and after the procedure to ensure that travel is safe. Many people opt to go abroad for a hair transplant but regulations may be more lax outside of Australia so it’s important to do your research. Prices can be cheaper outside of the country but the quality and safety of the procedure can be compromised.

Look at patient reviews and first-hand testimonials on third-party websites to ensure you are getting an unbiased review of the clinic. A follow-up is often performed after 7 days to see if the grafts are implanting into the scalp safely and further consultations may be scheduled to review results and see how the grafts are growing. 

Hair transplant sustainability of results

While a hair transplant can provide long-term and effective results, it does not provide a permanent cure for balding. The transplanted hairs will provide you with continuous hair growth but the non-transplanted hairs surrounding the treatment area will continue to be affected by hair loss. 

This means that you may require further procedures in the future depending on the extent of your hair loss or you may need to supplement your hair transplant with other treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride. The initial results should be visible after 3 to 4 months. Initially, there will be some hair shedding after the first 2 to 8 weeks but this is normal. 

The hair falls out for the hair to grow back thicker and healthier. The growth will continue and improve for up to 18 months. How long your hair transplant will be enough to cover your hair loss will depend on the kind of hair loss you have. With pattern hair loss, the most common form of hair loss, the hair will continue to fall out progressively around the treatment site but the transplanted hairs will generally not fall out.

Hair transplant compatibility with other treatments

A hair transplant may be sufficient to achieve the desired results but additional treatments may be recommended to maintain your current healthy hair and prevent further hair loss. Additional medication can maximise your hair growth following a hair transplant. Minoxidil is often recommended alongside a hair transplant. 

The medication works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, this widens the blood vessels and promotes the growth of thicker and healthier hair. Minoxidil is sometimes used before and after a hair transplant to ensure the best results. This minimises hair loss and promotes the growth of new hairs. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments are also sometimes used after a hair transplant. 

PRP injections isolate the plasma in your blood to aid in the natural healing process on your scalp. PRP can increase the growth of hair and improve hair health when used during and after a hair transplant. These treatments are compatible with hair transplantation and can help to improve results as well as minimise the need for future hair transplants.

Hair transplant emotional appeal

A hair transplant can be a major commitment so it’s important to look at how patients found the experience. Beforehand patients expressed concern about the surgery itself including how painful it would be, the results and recovery time. It may be tough to meet the expectations you have for your results so it’s crucial to have an in-depth consultation with the surgeon beforehand. 

The very visible aftercare can also be a concern when it comes to recovering from a hair transplant and going about your normal life. The results for many patients restored their confidence and improved their self-esteem. The look was natural and their overall quality of life was improved. 

The success of the results can come down to a lot of factors so each individual’s journey is different. The reviews from patients can vary depending on the clinic they visited and how well they were able to adhere to aftercare instructions. 

Hair transplant health benefits beyond hair loss

Hair transplants can be performed not only on the scalp but also to help fill in eyebrow hair or create a beard. The procedures are similar to traditional hair transplants but require fewer grafts. If hair is taken from the scalp as the donor site, the hairs will adapt to the site they are implanted in. 

Scalp hair has this ability but beard hair or eyebrow hair cannot be used as a donor site for a scalp hair transplant as the hairs cannot adapt to the implantation site. Modern hair transplants are far less likely to have complications compared to original hair transplants, also known as hair plugs, that you may be familiar with from the 1980s. 

The large size of the grafts removed meant that the hair appeared less natural when it grew out. Additionally, the extraction site took longer to heal resulting in a noticeable scar and was more painful than FUE or FUT treatments. Because of the negative side effects that people experienced, artificial transplants were banned by the FDA in 1983. 

Hair transplant environmental impact

Depending on where you receive a hair transplant, the environmental impact of the treatment can differ. For some, extensive travel overseas can cause a carbon footprint which should be considered when looking at the eco-friendliness of hair transplantation. 

Subsequent checkups and the travel required for those should also be considered when it comes to the environmental impact of hair transplants. When looking abroad the ethical sourcing of a hair transplant should also be considered. Hair transplant clinics in some countries are operated by less experienced surgeons who can hire clinics to perform the surgeries. 

Opting for these cheaper surgeries fuels a black market economy which can endanger patients and bring down the standard and reputation of hair transplants globally. Furthermore, it means that the payment that surgeons and clinical staff receive is lower which results in more surgeries being performed under stressful conditions to make a living wage.

Poorly performed procedures can not only underdeliver in terms of results but they can put your health at risk. 

Treatment method

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that is performed under local anaesthetic.

Before the surgery, your scalp is thoroughly cleaned before it is numbed. There are two main techniques used to obtain the grafts for hair transplantation.

With FUT transplants:

• A scalpel is used to cut a strip of scalp skin at the back of the head.
• This is closed with stitches
• The portion of the scalp is separated into small sections and then implanted into the treatment area.

With FUE transplants:

• Hair follicles are removed from the back of the head using punch incisions.
• Tiny holes are made in the treatment area where the hairs are placed
• Gauze or bandages are used to cover the scalp

Procedures can take between 4 and 8 hours per session with several months between additional sessions to allow for the transplant to fully heal.

FAQs

Is a hair transplant the same as a hair graft?

Hair grafts are a component of a hair transplant, they are areas of skin which contain healthy hair follicles. These are extracted during transplantation before being implanted into the balding areas of the scalp.

What is hair cloning?

Research is being done into cloning hair to increase the amount of donor hair available for transplantation. In more advanced cases of hair loss, if there is not enough donor hair a transplant will not be effective. By cloning hair, more follicles are available to be transplanted into the treatment area. While not available yet, it could be an effective treatment for hair loss in the coming years.

What is hair follicle cryopreservation?

While hair cloning is not yet available, clinics are preparing for this treatment to be offered in the future by providing cryopreservation services. Your healthy hair follicles are extracted and frozen so they can be used later in life when you need a hair transplant. This procedure currently costs $2,500 in the USA along with a $125 yearly storage fee.

Is an FUT or FUE hair transplant better?

Several factors go into determining whether FUT or FUE hair transplants are best for you. FUT is typically the cheaper option as it is less complex and time-consuming while requiring less skill. The scar from the treatment is more prominent and the recovery time can be longer along with causing more pain.

Who is suitable for a hair transplant?

If you have pattern baldness, stable hair loss, and enough donor hair you are generally a good candidate for hair transplantation. A consultation will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. If you have scarring or other skin conditions on the scalp you may need further evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment.

How many hairs are on a graft?

Everyone’s hair grows in different groupings called follicular units. These units typically have between 1 and 5 hair follicles. During the hair transplant procedure surgeons will try to isolate the follicular units that contain the highest hair counts with the FUE technique. This is important when treating the crown area of the head as density is required for a natural appearance. 

What is scar grafting?

Scar grafting is a procedure that grafts hair around a scar to hide its appearance. They can require several sessions to achieve the best results. Scalp scars can be eligible for scar grafting whether they are from accidents or previous hair transplants.

What should I wear during a hair transplant?

Patients should wear comfortable clothing as the procedure can be quite long. The temperature is kept quite low so warm clothes are also advised. Button-down or zip tops are recommended to prevent dislodging the grafts after transplantation.

What should I do after the hair transplant procedure?

Directly following the procedure, graft dislodgement is most likely to happen within the first 10 days. You will be advised to sleep upright for the first few days following your procedure. It will also be recommended to avoid strenuous activities for the first 10 days along with avoiding tight hats.

What should I avoid before the hair transplant surgery?

Before your hair transplantation, you cannot take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications for the week or two prior. Other medications like blood thinners should also be avoided. Any incompatibilities with your regular medication will be discussed with your surgeon before the procedure. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided beforehand along with caffeinated or carbonated beverages.

When can I wash my hair after a hair transplant?

It’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours before shampooing your hair. This is to ensure that the grafts are not dislodged from the treatment site. When shampooing it should be done gently as any excessive rubbing can cause grafts to become unanchored. 

The high pressure of a shower can also be detrimental to your graft survival rates so shampooing should be limited to gently pouring water over the treatment area.

What is the transection rate in a hair transplant?

When extracting grafts for a hair transplant some of them are irrevocably harmed which prevents them from being able to grow in the recipient site. This is known as follicular transection. This is inevitable in all surgeries but the rate will depend on the skill level of your surgeon. 

Do I need to take time off work for a hair transplant?

It’s generally recommended to take a week to 2 weeks off of work to allow for a complete and stress-free healing process. It is possible to work from home during this time if you cannot take time off work. High-stress environments and being out in public can increase the risk of grafts falling out or causing infection in the vulnerable areas of your scalp.

Is there anything I can do to improve the results of my hair transplant?

In consultation with your hair transplant surgeon, it may be recommended to combine your hair transplant with other medical treatments. Before your hair transplant, PRP injections may help to stimulate the donor area and provide the best grafts for transplantation. Following the transplant PRP treatments can also help encourage healthy growth in the recipient area.

Who is not a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?

People who are of an advanced age are not recommended to receive a hair transplant. Additionally, those who were born with no hair follicles or do not have enough donor hair, are allergic to anaesthesia or have blood-borne diseases are not considered suitable candidates for hair transplantation. 

Can you be too young to receive a hair transplant?

If you’re experiencing hair loss at an early age it is not recommended to opt for a hair transplant straight away. That’s because most hair loss is progressive and there is only a limited amount of donor hair available from the sides and back of the scalp to use in the treatment. 

It is best to wait until hair loss stabilises so your hair transplant surgeon is aware of what they can work with and improve the chances of having enough donor hair to allow for a natural result.