How Does a Hair Transplant Work?

That depends on the type of hair transplant you are getting. If you opt for follicular unit extraction (FUE), these are the steps involved, in a nutshell:


Patient lies face-down on operating table

Local anesthesia delivered to donor site; possibly intramuscular hypnotics ingested orally for the purpose of relaxation

Extraction of donor hairs in individual follicular units; micropunching tool, needle devices and magnification used (grafts preserved in a holding solution while awaiting implantation)

Patient turns to lie face-up on operating table

Local anesthesia delivered to recipient site

Microscopic slits made for implantation; customary blades used for incision

No staples, stitches or bandages needed

Patient receives detailed care instructions, mild pain killers, topical medication, and antibiotics


 

First and foremost, one must eliminate any medical causes for hair loss. If medical causes have been eliminated then evaluation of the pattern of hair loss and the quality of the donor hair from the back of the scalp. Depending on how much scalp needs coverage transplants may need to occur over a couple of sessions.
The hair line is outlined in a pattern that will produce a natural result. A donor strip of hair is obtained from the back of the scalp and given to hair techs that divide the hair into micro grafts (1-2 hairs) and mini grafts (2-3 hairs).
The donor site is carefully closed to produce a fine line closure to allow hair to grow through. Recipient sites of the hair line and scalp are created and the grafts are placed subsequently. This procedure is performed as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia. The hair transplants will initially be lost over 3-4 months but after that time new hairs will start to grow. Final hair growth is usually seen over the next 3-4 months.