Hair Transplant Surgery

What is a Hair Transplant?


Surgical hair restoration simply involves removing hair (Harvesting) from the back of scalp (Donor Area) and transplanting it to the balding areas of the head, usually the 'pattern' areas at the crown, temples, forehead hairline.  Scalp hair grows in follicular units, consisting between two and four hairs in each unit. 

The strip of scalp with hair from the back of the head is separated into units, then applied into the empty follicles at the balding frontal sites.


What age can I have a hair transplant?


General advice is for no hair transplant surgery to be undertaken until after the age of 30.  We always advise using medication, such as Minoxidil immediately after hair loss is noticed, so long as no adverse reaction occurs.  
This step ultimately maintains the hair you have at that point and will continue to do so, as long as the medication is used consistently.  

Once the hair loss has stabilised, then the option of surgery can be considered.
Current Hair Transplant Techniques
Below Are listed the most successful types of transplantation surgery:

FUT (Follicular Unit Transportation) 
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) 
Robotic Hair Restoration

What's the difference between FUT and FUE?

Follicular Unit Transplantation

FUT - the follicular units are harvested in a long, thin strip.  
The strip is then divided into grafts made up of 1-3 strands of hair, these single grafts are then transplanted into inserted into the balding sites. These transplanted hair follicles will begin producing new hair growth within two to three months. Because the hair may be in shock, it is expected to fall out as in the natural hair growth cycle, before growing again once it has become fully acclimated into the scalp.

Follicular Unit Extraction 

FUE  - the grafts are harvested one by one from wherever the patient has the most suitable density either from the back of the head or at the sides. Tiny incisions are made into which the grafted follicles are inserted. This technique sees the healing process completed within 10 days.

Robotic Hair Restoration R-FUE

This is an automated procedure whereby a grid map is taken of the baling area and it is matched to suitable harvesting area at the rear of the head. Follicular units are chosen at great precision and at a fraction of the speed of FUT/FUE. Local anaesthesia is given and the process is usually completed within four hours. It is reported to be far less painful post op and healing time is much reduced, due to the low- invasive operating technique

Will a hair transplant look natural?


The surgeon we'll refer you to is of a superior calibre and the procedure will only take place if you are deemed a suitable candidate.  

The overall look of the hair will be natural state since you are the donor. The main priority is ensuring a totally natural hairline is achieved.  

Will I be awake during the hair transplant?

Yes. It's undertaken will local anaesthesia. Most patients watch films whilst procedure is being done.

How many transplants will I need?

When the surgeon assesses you, they will not only determine your suitability for the transplant, but the timing of the procedure. This means that if your hair is still receding, the transplant will not take place until the hair loss has completely ceased.
This is to prevent the hair that's been transplanted becoming an 'island' of hair and the recession continuing beyond it.

Is hair transplant surgery painful?

Yes.  There will be discomfort which is experienced at varying different levels, depending upon the individual. The actual operation is itself pain free, however, the healing process may be very uncomfortable for some at the donor site. Some pain medication is usually prescribed post op.

What happens after Hair Transplant Surgery?

There will be soreness and numbness. There will be swelling for a few days after the procedure. The donor area will begin to heal. You will be given care instructions before leaving the clinic to ensure at home care is properly adhered to.  
You will be revisiting the clinic in the preceding months to allow the surgeon to check the progress of the surgery.

Female Hair Transplants

Women tend to have general hair thinning (diffuse), unless they have inherited pattern baldness. 

Whereas men have localised hair loss, such as the crown and/or temples, commonly pattern baldness.
Women who have hair transplants tend to have had some form of traumatic hair loss, such as traction alopecia, chemical trauma, or dermal scarring.

How much does a Hair transplant cost?

Between £2,000 and £15,000 or £3-£5 per graft approximately. An approximation of 2,000 units per surgery taking up to eight hours as a guide.

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