Understanding Hair Transplants

Human hair emerges from the scalp in small bundles called follicular units that consist of about 1-4 (full thickness) hair follicles, plus 1-2 finer hairs, oil glands, a small muscle, tiny nerves, blood vessels and a band of collagen.  On the surface of the scalp, the tiny groups of hairs appear to grow together--but when viewed under a microscope, individual follicular units can be seen as well-formed structures under the skin.

With hair transplantation surgery, small groups of follicles are carefully removed from a donor site using a microscope in order to avoid damage.  Typically, hair is removed from the area in the back of the scalp where hair loss has not been affected by hormones.  Hair is removed through small punches or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).  The doctor divides the follicular units into naturally occurring groups, removing and discarding the excess fatty tissues and skin.  These small grafts are then meticulously inserted into the bald or thinning areas of the scalp.  Once inserted, the transplanted hairs do not need suturing, heal quickly, and soon become undetectable once the new hair begins to grow.

What happens during and after the surgery?

Hair transplant procedures take approximately 4-8 hours and are performed using local or "twilight" anesthesia, on an out-patient basis.  Depending upon the degree of hair loss and desired density, the transplantation may involve one to three procedures involving approximately 700-3500 grafts each.  During the procedure, there is typically little or no pain.  In fact, most patients remain awake and can talk, listen to music or watch movies and television.

Some people are concerned with how they will look after the surgery.  Often, a light bandage/dressing will be placed on the scalp in order to keep the grafts snug and secure overnight.  In most cases, it is removed the next day.  Although there may be some initial redness and swelling as small crusts from on the grafts, these are shed approximately 10-14 days after the procedure.  Most patients resume normal activities, such as work, the next day.  The hair can be cleaned gently with a special shampoo, and after your first shower, no further bandages are required.

The transplanted hair seen above the scalp will be initially shed; however, the roots will remain dormant for approximately 6-12 weeks, after which the new hairs will begin to grow.  After a period of four to six months, 90-100% of the grafts survive transplantation to blend perfectly with the surrounding scalp.  The transplanted hair will continue to grow for a lifetime.

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