Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair Transplantation is currently the only method of restoring terminal hair growth to patients
with established baldness. Although the process still has many limitations, recent advances in
medical technology have made hair transplantation much more desirable. So long as it is
performed by a reputable surgeon, a hair transplant can provide noticeable and natural results.
There are two primary methods of hair transplantation surgery, defined in terms of how hair
follicles are harvested from the “safe zone” donor area:
1. Strip (FUT, FUSS) – A hair-bearing strip of scalp is surgically removed from the back of the
patient’s head. This strip is microscopically dissected into grafts (small pieces of tissue) that are
subsequently transplanted into balding areas. The Strip method of hair transplantation results in
an unavoidable linear scar that spans from ear to ear. These scars are easily concealed by existing
hair, but are clearly visible if hair is shaved down. This treatment has an approximate recovery
period of 2 weeks.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – Hair follicles are individually removed from the patient’s
donor area with tiny punches typically .7 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter. These follicles are then
inserted into the patient’s recipient (balding) area. Since this micro-removal harvests hair
follicles one by one, the resulting scars resemble miniature dots. These scars, like those that form
after Strip excisions, are usually concealed by existing hair. This treatment has an approximate
recovery period of 7 days.
Are you a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. It is very important not to make
impulsive decisions with regard to permanent and invasive procedures.
Candidates for hair transplant are mostly men suffering from male pattern baldness, not other
underlying conditions.
In general good candidates have:
• Male pattern baldness
• Sufficient hair in the donor area to provide to the balding areas
• A flexible scalp (referred to as “donor laxity”)
• Coarse hair (hair shaft diameters with reasonable bulk)
• A good and clear understanding of the procedure
• Reasonable expectations
• Enough money to afford future procedures when future loss occurs
Those Who Don't Qualify For a Hair Transplant
People with the following characteristics are most likely not good candidates for hair
transplantation:
• Those who have unhealthy donor supply
• Most women (women tend to lose hair all over the head, including the occipital scalp
where there should be healthy hair for donor use)
• Those with low hair densities, fine hair or inelastic scalps
• Those with limited budgets (continuous surgeries may be needed over time as hair loss
progresses)
• People expecting perfect, thick and youthful results
Those Who May Qualify For a Hair Transplant
The most important determinant in the ultimate success of hair transplantation surgery is a
healthy donor area. Men who are over the age of 30 with a recognizable pattern of hair loss are
traditionally the best candidates. Still, all patients must do extensive research before undergoing
the procedure.
Unfortunately, many surgeons will take advantage of patients that experience hair loss at a very
young age (under the age of 25). In general these patients are susceptible to panic and make
impulsive decisions for instant gratification. Young males should think very carefully before
undergoing a hair transplant surgery – future loss may be iminent!
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Have I considered all other options?
• Have I tried available medications and waited to see the results?
• Have I thought about the amounts it will cost?
• What pattern of hair loss will I ultimately develop?
• Will my results look natural over time?
Hair transplant doctors must always make sure that their patients are emotionally and
psychologically prepared for surgery.
A word of advice: Never undergo an invasive procedure unless you completely understand the
potential risks and limitations.
Those with realistic expectations who are well-educated with regard to hair loss treatment
options are generally the most satisfied with their results.
Having Enough Hair for a Transplant
The primary limitation to hair transplantation is donor availability. Hair transplants are often
described as “zero-sum,” meaning that hair must be removed from one area in order for it to
grow in another. No new hair is actually created, so there is a limited number of hairs that can
actually be moved in this fashion. Patients with large bald areas generally do not have enough
grafts in the “safe-zone” to complete a full restoration. If patients do not plan for future loss,
results may look unnatural.
Considering the Costs
Hair transplantation is generally considered a cosmetic procedure. As such, hair transplants are
not covered by most insurance agreements.
The results of a hair transplant will last a lifetime. For this reason it is crucial to hire the best
possible surgeon to carry out the procedure. Hair transplants become expensive over time, but
that should not deter you from hiring a quality doctor. It might sound harsh, but allocating extra
money towards your procedure is preferable to permanent disfigurement.
Before choosing a doctor, conduct several consultations with various surgeons. Ask
representatives how much their clinic chargers per graft and how much procedures similar to
yours typically cost. Also ask patients that have undergone surgeries with various doctors about
their experiences. Communicate your expectations with your doctor and only choose a surgeon
that is open, honest and concerned with your future satisfaction.
***Although the internet can be an incredible resource for this type of research, always see
several results in person before choosing to undergo a transplant. Costs will add up over time, so
you need to be prepared physically, financially and emotionally to begin the “hair transplant
journey.”
Choose the Right Doctor
Not all hair transplants are the same. Patients considering hair transplant surgery should research
several doctors and make an informed decision based on a variety of personal factors. Given that
the results will last a lifetime, price and location should be nonentities.
Companies like Bosley Medical and New Hair Institute are recognized around the world for their
extensive ad-campaigns and large market share. Unfortunately, their legacy has been tainted by a
history of false advertising and patient dissatisfaction. Because of their large size and highvisibility,
these organizations are often unable to provide the personalized care that patients
deserve during invasive elective procedures.
Although Bosley and NHI have many happy customers, patients considering this hair
transplantation need to be aware that there are other options available.
Looking for a place to start your research? The following physicians are world-renowned for
their consistent, high-quality results and innovative contributions to the hair transplant industry:
Dr. Rahal (Ontario, Canada) – Strip
www.rahalhairtransplant.com
Drs. Hasson and Wong (Vancouver, Canada) – Strip
www.hassonandwong.com
Dr. Alan Feller (Great Neck, New York) – Strip and FUE
www.fellermedical.com
Dr. Bijan Feriduni (Hasselt, Belgium) – Strip and FUE
www.hairdocs.info
Of course there are many other good surgeons, but this list should serve as an important starting
point.
Meeting For the First Consultation
Hair transplantation is not well regulated. For this reason, there are countless clinics that deliver
sub-par results and charge exorbitant prices. Conducting several consultations with various
offices is crucial to finding the best surgeon for you.
Your first meeting should start with these steps:
1. Basic information about the procedure should be provided to you by the doctor or by a
knowledgeable representative (preferably one that has undergone the procedure)
2. Fill out a basic medical history form to determine your candidacy for the procedure
3. A qualified nurse practitioner/assistant or physician may assess your hair loss
4. A more knowledgeable interviewer may try to determine whether your expectations are
realistic
If possible, the consultation should be conducted with the surgeon present. Most reputable clinics
will oblige this request. During the consultation, the doctor should:
− educate you about the procedure
− become familiar with your medical history
− conduct physical examination
− discuss options, persuade you to consider all other options
− estimate the number of surgeries it will take to achieve the desired result
− review the total costs
− provide you with a large list of references, testimonials and results
The Right Questions to Ask
Questions to ponder on before making the final decision to undergo an operation (from Hair Loss
for Dummies):
1. Did the doctor spend time answering all your questions? Did the doctor provide you with
clear explanations and address your long-term goals?
2. Is the doctor experienced in the hair restoration field? How is his reputation in the
medical community?
3. Did the doctor provide you with a document with the full outline of his prognosis? It is
important that the complete details of his proposal are written in paper just in case you
forget some information.
4. How many surgeries will be required?
5. How will the total cost be computed?
6. Are you being pressured to undergo the surgery?
***If you ever get the feeling that a surgeon is trying to “sell” you a hair transplant,
immediately leave. A competent surgeon will be concerned with your health and
safety, not the bottom-line.
Seeing Results for Yourself
This step might seem obvious, but many patients neglect to see results in-person before
undergoing a hair transplant. The only way to develop realistic expectations is by seeing several
patients in-person. Pictures and videos can be deceiving, always see results up close.
Before Surgery
Here are some of the most common pre-surgery recommendations (from Hair Loss for
Dummies):
− Ask if there are any food or drinks you should or should not have before the surgery.
− Stop taking any aspirins or blood thinners (if you're on any) 10 days before the surgery.
− If you are takingany other medications, consult with your doctor prior to the surgery.
− The doctor might ask you to use anti-bacterial soap on your hair and scalp the night
before and the day of the surgery.
Review all the documents you have before the day of the surgery. This should be the proposal we
talked about in “Asking the right questions”. Make sure everything is clear and jot down specific
questions you want to ask the surgeon before your procedure starts.
During Surgery
Hair transplant surgeries are conducted under local anaesthesia so you will be awake during the
entire surgery (although somewhat sedated).
The procedure can either be done sitting up in a surgical chair or lying down. Typical surgeries
last between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. Before the
surgery starts, your doctor will design a hairline and discuss hair distributions throughout the
scalp. Your doctor will also review the pertinent legal papers and consent forms. Only after these
steps are completed should you be given a sedative.
Local anaesthesia should be administered with relatively little pain. Aside from small, mosquitobite
shots, there should be minimal discomfort.
Possible Complications
Make no mistake, hair transplantation is an invasive surgical procedure. You need to be
extensively familiar with the risks and shortcomings of hair transplantation before considering it
as a treatment option. Here are some of the most common risks:
• Anaesthesia reactions
General anaesthesia is rarely used for this procedure.
Here are some risks and their percentage that a patient may experience:
- allergic reactions (less than 1 percent)
- irregular heartbeat (less than 1 percent)
- heart attack within one month after the surgery (less than 0.001 percent)
- sensitivity to epinepherine (less than 1 percent)
- temporary light headedness (less than 1 percent)
• Wound healing
Wound healing is a variable occurrence. Wounds take time to heal and often to not heal
perfectly. Here are some wound irregularities that may apply to your donor and recipient
areas:
- temporary effects of redness, pinkness or superficial crusting
- crusting of the skin around the suture edges
- stretched, widened scar, thickened or raised scar
• Pain
Pain is limited during hair transplant procedures due to the use of anaesthesia. Still, mild
discomfort might arise.
Staples or sutures are used to close the patients' wounds. When the staples or sutures are
removed, the pain related to the surgery goes away.
• Numbness
The cutting of fine nerve fibres in the scalp can cause numbness which will slowly
disappear over several months.
Your doctor's experience in hair transplant surgery is of great importance in avoiding
temporary or permanent sensory defects in the back of the head. The probability of such
defects occurring is increased in those that have undergone more than one surgery.
• Swelling
Swelling after surgery is only experienced by a small number of patients. Placing ice
packs or any cold compress over the frontal area may lessen the swelling.
If swelling should happen, it will appear 3-4 days after the surgery and will only last for 2
days at most. Ask your doctor about possible remedies for moderate swelling.
• Infection
Contracting an infection during hair transplantation is rare. Surgical teams generally
administer antibiotics at the beginning of surgery to reduce the probability of patients
acquiring infections. Still, the possibility exists.
Here are some symptoms of infections:
- swelling
- redness
- pus or tenderness
- chills or fever
***Contact your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms occur.
Hair Care Post-Op
In order to stay healthy and ensure maximum graft survival, it is important to take special
precautions after your hair transplant surgery. Every individual surgeon will have specific postoperative
instructions. You must completely adhere to these guidelines in order to achieve the
best result.
Recovering After Anaesthesia
The local anaesthesia used during hair transplant surgeries is similar to that used by dentists.
The effects of this anaesthesia will only last for a day. Although hair transplants are outpatient
procedures, it is not advisable to drive during the remainder of the surgery day.
After 4-6 hours, mild discomfort will arise, but the greatest discomfort is felt during the first
night after the surgery. This typically subsides over several days.
Keeping Your Head Crust-free
Do not be afraid to touch your grafts. The secret to good post operative care is keeping the
recipient area clean. In order to do this, gentle contact must be made.
Crusts will persist if you have poor washing techniques. You can safely remove the crusting
within the first two days after surgery if you follow these simple steps (from Hair Loss for
Dummies):
− Never rub the transplanted area.
− Shampoo once or twice daily. Use a sponge filled with water and shampoo in a gentle
rolling motion over the recipient area (NEVER back and forth as it may pull out the
grafts). A back and forth motion is safe on the donor area.
− Don't rinse your hair with water directly from the shower. Use your hand as a barrier and
place it between the shower head and your scalp. Let the water run off your hand and
onto your transplanted areas. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
− Do not let the grafts stay wet for too long because the area may swell. Once the scalp
dries however, any raised bumps will disappear.
Hiding Your Head
It is normal to feel self-conscious after hair transplant surgery, and visible wounding can make it
hard for many patients to face the public with confidence. Going to work, seeing family and
explaining the situation to significant others can be very difficult.
Luckily, many patients can undergo hair transplants little visible scarring. If hair is kept long
before surgery, it can be combed down over the removed donor area. The recipient area has
minimal scarring, so very few people will notice that any surgery occurred. Two weeks after
surgery, a hair transplant becomes very difficult to detect.
Limiting Your Amount of Physical Activities
Discuss with your doctor if you are going to participate in any form of physical activities because
the impact of exercise differs between people. A simple jog or exercise may be acceptable, but
extreme sports can damage newly transplanted hair.
Hair Transplantation is currently the only method of restoring terminal hair growth to patients
with established baldness. Although the process still has many limitations, recent advances in
medical technology have made hair transplantation much more desirable. So long as it is
performed by a reputable surgeon, a hair transplant can provide noticeable and natural results.
There are two primary methods of hair transplantation surgery, defined in terms of how hair
follicles are harvested from the “safe zone” donor area:
 |
| Hair transplant sketch diagram. |
patient’s head. This strip is microscopically dissected into grafts (small pieces of tissue) that are
subsequently transplanted into balding areas. The Strip method of hair transplantation results in
an unavoidable linear scar that spans from ear to ear. These scars are easily concealed by existing
hair, but are clearly visible if hair is shaved down. This treatment has an approximate recovery
period of 2 weeks.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – Hair follicles are individually removed from the patient’s
donor area with tiny punches typically .7 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter. These follicles are then
inserted into the patient’s recipient (balding) area. Since this micro-removal harvests hair
follicles one by one, the resulting scars resemble miniature dots. These scars, like those that form
after Strip excisions, are usually concealed by existing hair. This treatment has an approximate
recovery period of 7 days.
Are you a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. It is very important not to make
impulsive decisions with regard to permanent and invasive procedures.
Candidates for hair transplant are mostly men suffering from male pattern baldness, not other
underlying conditions.
In general good candidates have:
• Male pattern baldness
• Sufficient hair in the donor area to provide to the balding areas
• A flexible scalp (referred to as “donor laxity”)
• Coarse hair (hair shaft diameters with reasonable bulk)
• A good and clear understanding of the procedure
• Reasonable expectations
• Enough money to afford future procedures when future loss occurs
Those Who Don't Qualify For a Hair Transplant
People with the following characteristics are most likely not good candidates for hair
transplantation:
• Those who have unhealthy donor supply
• Most women (women tend to lose hair all over the head, including the occipital scalp
where there should be healthy hair for donor use)
• Those with low hair densities, fine hair or inelastic scalps
• Those with limited budgets (continuous surgeries may be needed over time as hair loss
progresses)
• People expecting perfect, thick and youthful results
Those Who May Qualify For a Hair Transplant
The most important determinant in the ultimate success of hair transplantation surgery is a
healthy donor area. Men who are over the age of 30 with a recognizable pattern of hair loss are
traditionally the best candidates. Still, all patients must do extensive research before undergoing
the procedure.
Unfortunately, many surgeons will take advantage of patients that experience hair loss at a very
young age (under the age of 25). In general these patients are susceptible to panic and make
impulsive decisions for instant gratification. Young males should think very carefully before
undergoing a hair transplant surgery – future loss may be iminent!
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Have I considered all other options?
• Have I tried available medications and waited to see the results?
• Have I thought about the amounts it will cost?
• What pattern of hair loss will I ultimately develop?
• Will my results look natural over time?
Hair transplant doctors must always make sure that their patients are emotionally and
psychologically prepared for surgery.
A word of advice: Never undergo an invasive procedure unless you completely understand the
potential risks and limitations.
Those with realistic expectations who are well-educated with regard to hair loss treatment
options are generally the most satisfied with their results.
Having Enough Hair for a Transplant
The primary limitation to hair transplantation is donor availability. Hair transplants are often
described as “zero-sum,” meaning that hair must be removed from one area in order for it to
grow in another. No new hair is actually created, so there is a limited number of hairs that can
actually be moved in this fashion. Patients with large bald areas generally do not have enough
grafts in the “safe-zone” to complete a full restoration. If patients do not plan for future loss,
results may look unnatural.
Considering the Costs
Hair transplantation is generally considered a cosmetic procedure. As such, hair transplants are
not covered by most insurance agreements.
The results of a hair transplant will last a lifetime. For this reason it is crucial to hire the best
possible surgeon to carry out the procedure. Hair transplants become expensive over time, but
that should not deter you from hiring a quality doctor. It might sound harsh, but allocating extra
money towards your procedure is preferable to permanent disfigurement.
Before choosing a doctor, conduct several consultations with various surgeons. Ask
representatives how much their clinic chargers per graft and how much procedures similar to
yours typically cost. Also ask patients that have undergone surgeries with various doctors about
their experiences. Communicate your expectations with your doctor and only choose a surgeon
that is open, honest and concerned with your future satisfaction.
***Although the internet can be an incredible resource for this type of research, always see
several results in person before choosing to undergo a transplant. Costs will add up over time, so
you need to be prepared physically, financially and emotionally to begin the “hair transplant
journey.”
Choose the Right Doctor
Not all hair transplants are the same. Patients considering hair transplant surgery should research
several doctors and make an informed decision based on a variety of personal factors. Given that
the results will last a lifetime, price and location should be nonentities.
Companies like Bosley Medical and New Hair Institute are recognized around the world for their
extensive ad-campaigns and large market share. Unfortunately, their legacy has been tainted by a
history of false advertising and patient dissatisfaction. Because of their large size and highvisibility,
these organizations are often unable to provide the personalized care that patients
deserve during invasive elective procedures.
Although Bosley and NHI have many happy customers, patients considering this hair
transplantation need to be aware that there are other options available.
Looking for a place to start your research? The following physicians are world-renowned for
their consistent, high-quality results and innovative contributions to the hair transplant industry:
Dr. Rahal (Ontario, Canada) – Strip
www.rahalhairtransplant.com
Drs. Hasson and Wong (Vancouver, Canada) – Strip
www.hassonandwong.com
Dr. Alan Feller (Great Neck, New York) – Strip and FUE
www.fellermedical.com
Dr. Bijan Feriduni (Hasselt, Belgium) – Strip and FUE
www.hairdocs.info
Of course there are many other good surgeons, but this list should serve as an important starting
point.
Meeting For the First Consultation
Hair transplantation is not well regulated. For this reason, there are countless clinics that deliver
sub-par results and charge exorbitant prices. Conducting several consultations with various
offices is crucial to finding the best surgeon for you.
Your first meeting should start with these steps:
1. Basic information about the procedure should be provided to you by the doctor or by a
knowledgeable representative (preferably one that has undergone the procedure)
2. Fill out a basic medical history form to determine your candidacy for the procedure
3. A qualified nurse practitioner/assistant or physician may assess your hair loss
4. A more knowledgeable interviewer may try to determine whether your expectations are
realistic
If possible, the consultation should be conducted with the surgeon present. Most reputable clinics
will oblige this request. During the consultation, the doctor should:
− educate you about the procedure
− become familiar with your medical history
− conduct physical examination
− discuss options, persuade you to consider all other options
− estimate the number of surgeries it will take to achieve the desired result
− review the total costs
− provide you with a large list of references, testimonials and results
The Right Questions to Ask
Questions to ponder on before making the final decision to undergo an operation (from Hair Loss
for Dummies):
1. Did the doctor spend time answering all your questions? Did the doctor provide you with
clear explanations and address your long-term goals?
2. Is the doctor experienced in the hair restoration field? How is his reputation in the
medical community?
3. Did the doctor provide you with a document with the full outline of his prognosis? It is
important that the complete details of his proposal are written in paper just in case you
forget some information.
4. How many surgeries will be required?
5. How will the total cost be computed?
6. Are you being pressured to undergo the surgery?
***If you ever get the feeling that a surgeon is trying to “sell” you a hair transplant,
immediately leave. A competent surgeon will be concerned with your health and
safety, not the bottom-line.
Seeing Results for Yourself
This step might seem obvious, but many patients neglect to see results in-person before
undergoing a hair transplant. The only way to develop realistic expectations is by seeing several
patients in-person. Pictures and videos can be deceiving, always see results up close.
Before Surgery
Here are some of the most common pre-surgery recommendations (from Hair Loss for
Dummies):
− Ask if there are any food or drinks you should or should not have before the surgery.
− Stop taking any aspirins or blood thinners (if you're on any) 10 days before the surgery.
− If you are takingany other medications, consult with your doctor prior to the surgery.
− The doctor might ask you to use anti-bacterial soap on your hair and scalp the night
before and the day of the surgery.
Review all the documents you have before the day of the surgery. This should be the proposal we
talked about in “Asking the right questions”. Make sure everything is clear and jot down specific
questions you want to ask the surgeon before your procedure starts.
During Surgery
Hair transplant surgeries are conducted under local anaesthesia so you will be awake during the
entire surgery (although somewhat sedated).
The procedure can either be done sitting up in a surgical chair or lying down. Typical surgeries
last between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. Before the
surgery starts, your doctor will design a hairline and discuss hair distributions throughout the
scalp. Your doctor will also review the pertinent legal papers and consent forms. Only after these
steps are completed should you be given a sedative.
Local anaesthesia should be administered with relatively little pain. Aside from small, mosquitobite
shots, there should be minimal discomfort.
Possible Complications
Make no mistake, hair transplantation is an invasive surgical procedure. You need to be
extensively familiar with the risks and shortcomings of hair transplantation before considering it
as a treatment option. Here are some of the most common risks:
• Anaesthesia reactions
General anaesthesia is rarely used for this procedure.
Here are some risks and their percentage that a patient may experience:
- allergic reactions (less than 1 percent)
- irregular heartbeat (less than 1 percent)
- heart attack within one month after the surgery (less than 0.001 percent)
- sensitivity to epinepherine (less than 1 percent)
- temporary light headedness (less than 1 percent)
• Wound healing
Wound healing is a variable occurrence. Wounds take time to heal and often to not heal
perfectly. Here are some wound irregularities that may apply to your donor and recipient
areas:
- temporary effects of redness, pinkness or superficial crusting
- crusting of the skin around the suture edges
- stretched, widened scar, thickened or raised scar
• Pain
Pain is limited during hair transplant procedures due to the use of anaesthesia. Still, mild
discomfort might arise.
Staples or sutures are used to close the patients' wounds. When the staples or sutures are
removed, the pain related to the surgery goes away.
• Numbness
The cutting of fine nerve fibres in the scalp can cause numbness which will slowly
disappear over several months.
Your doctor's experience in hair transplant surgery is of great importance in avoiding
temporary or permanent sensory defects in the back of the head. The probability of such
defects occurring is increased in those that have undergone more than one surgery.
• Swelling
Swelling after surgery is only experienced by a small number of patients. Placing ice
packs or any cold compress over the frontal area may lessen the swelling.
If swelling should happen, it will appear 3-4 days after the surgery and will only last for 2
days at most. Ask your doctor about possible remedies for moderate swelling.
• Infection
Contracting an infection during hair transplantation is rare. Surgical teams generally
administer antibiotics at the beginning of surgery to reduce the probability of patients
acquiring infections. Still, the possibility exists.
Here are some symptoms of infections:
- swelling
- redness
- pus or tenderness
- chills or fever
***Contact your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms occur.
Hair Care Post-Op
In order to stay healthy and ensure maximum graft survival, it is important to take special
precautions after your hair transplant surgery. Every individual surgeon will have specific postoperative
instructions. You must completely adhere to these guidelines in order to achieve the
best result.
Recovering After Anaesthesia
The local anaesthesia used during hair transplant surgeries is similar to that used by dentists.
The effects of this anaesthesia will only last for a day. Although hair transplants are outpatient
procedures, it is not advisable to drive during the remainder of the surgery day.
After 4-6 hours, mild discomfort will arise, but the greatest discomfort is felt during the first
night after the surgery. This typically subsides over several days.
Keeping Your Head Crust-free
Do not be afraid to touch your grafts. The secret to good post operative care is keeping the
recipient area clean. In order to do this, gentle contact must be made.
Crusts will persist if you have poor washing techniques. You can safely remove the crusting
within the first two days after surgery if you follow these simple steps (from Hair Loss for
Dummies):
− Never rub the transplanted area.
− Shampoo once or twice daily. Use a sponge filled with water and shampoo in a gentle
rolling motion over the recipient area (NEVER back and forth as it may pull out the
grafts). A back and forth motion is safe on the donor area.
− Don't rinse your hair with water directly from the shower. Use your hand as a barrier and
place it between the shower head and your scalp. Let the water run off your hand and
onto your transplanted areas. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
− Do not let the grafts stay wet for too long because the area may swell. Once the scalp
dries however, any raised bumps will disappear.
Hiding Your Head
It is normal to feel self-conscious after hair transplant surgery, and visible wounding can make it
hard for many patients to face the public with confidence. Going to work, seeing family and
explaining the situation to significant others can be very difficult.
Luckily, many patients can undergo hair transplants little visible scarring. If hair is kept long
before surgery, it can be combed down over the removed donor area. The recipient area has
minimal scarring, so very few people will notice that any surgery occurred. Two weeks after
surgery, a hair transplant becomes very difficult to detect.
Limiting Your Amount of Physical Activities
Discuss with your doctor if you are going to participate in any form of physical activities because
the impact of exercise differs between people. A simple jog or exercise may be acceptable, but
extreme sports can damage newly transplanted hair.
