What is Hair Transplant Surgery?
Hair transplant surgery is a permanent solution for hair loss that involves moving healthy hair follicles from donor areas (typically the back and sides of the head) to thinning or balding areas. Unlike temporary treatments like minoxidil or finasteride, transplanted hair continues to grow naturally for life.
The procedure has evolved dramatically since the 1950s. Modern techniques produce natural-looking results that are virtually undetectable, with individual follicular units transplanted to match your natural hair growth pattern.
Key Fact
Hair from the donor area is genetically resistant to DHT (the hormone that causes pattern baldness), which is why transplanted hair is permanent.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
- • Stable hair loss (not rapidly progressing)
- • Sufficient donor hair density
- • Realistic expectations about results
- • Good overall health
- • Age 25+ (pattern more predictable)
May Not Be Ideal
- • Alopecia areata or autoimmune conditions
- • Very limited donor hair supply
- • Unrealistic expectations
- • Active scalp conditions
- • Bleeding disorders
Not Sure About Your Hair Loss Type?
Understanding your type of hair loss is crucial before considering surgery.
Take Our Free AssessmentHair Transplant Techniques
Compare the two main methods
Follicular Unit Extraction
Individual follicles extracted one by one using micro-punches.
- ✓No linear scar
- ✓Faster recovery
- ✓Can wear hair short
- −More expensive
- −Longer procedure time
Follicular Unit Transplant
Strip of scalp removed and follicles dissected under microscope.
- ✓Higher graft yield per session
- ✓Lower cost per graft
- ✓Excellent for large sessions
- −Linear scar at donor site
- −Longer recovery
How Much Does Hair Transplant Cost?
Costs vary significantly by location
| Location | Per Graft | 2,500 Grafts |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4 - $10 | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| United Kingdom | £3 - £7 | £7,500 - £17,500 |
| Turkey | $1 - $3 | $2,500 - $7,500 |
| Mexico | $2 - $4 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
Recovery Timeline
What to expect after your procedure
Initial Recovery
Mild swelling, redness at transplant site. Keep head elevated. Avoid touching grafts.
Healing Phase
Scabs form and fall off. Can return to non-strenuous work. Sleep on back.
Shock Loss
Transplanted hair falls out (normal!). Follicles enter resting phase.
New Growth Begins
New hair starts growing. May appear thin or wispy initially.
Visible Results
Significant improvement visible. Hair thickening and maturing.
Final Results
Full results achieved. Hair at full thickness and natural appearance.
Risks & Considerations
All surgical procedures carry some risks
Common (Usually Temporary)
- • Swelling of forehead/face
- • Numbness at donor/recipient sites
- • Mild pain or discomfort
- • Itching during healing
- • Shock loss (temporary shedding)
Rare but Possible
- • Infection
- • Scarring (more common with FUT)
- • Unnatural-looking results
- • Poor graft survival
- • Cysts at graft sites
Choosing the Right Surgeon is Critical
Most complications result from inexperienced surgeons or "hair mills" that prioritize volume over quality. Always research your surgeon thoroughly.
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