Hair Transplant

Hair transplantation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves relocating hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp) to balding or thinning areas.
It is commonly used to treat male and female pattern baldness, and can also address eyebrow, beard, and scar-related hair loss.

As a physician, I emphasize that hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to genetic hair loss when performed correctly — with natural results that grow over a lifetime.

There are three primary hair transplant methods:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
  Individual follicles are extracted and implanted. Minimally invasive, no linear scar.

• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):
  A modified FUE method using an implanter pen; grafts are placed directly without creating recipient sites.

• FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation):
  A strip of scalp is removed, dissected into grafts, and implanted. Leaves a linear scar but allows for dense harvesting.

Each technique has advantages depending on the patient’s goals and donor characteristics.

The donor area is typically the back or sides of the scalp, where hair is genetically resistant to DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss).

Evaluation includes:

• Density mapping to estimate available grafts

• Elasticity and scalp condition

• Long-term planning to avoid overharvesting

A poorly managed donor area can lead to visible thinning and irreversible damage.

Hairline design is critical to achieving natural-looking results:

• Facial symmetry and age-appropriate positioning are key factors.

• A "soft zone" transition is created to avoid harsh, artificial edges.

• Density distribution is carefully planned, with higher density in the front and gradual tapering.

Experienced surgeons consider both aesthetics and long-term planning in every case

A typical hair transplant procedure involves the following steps:

1. Consultation & Hairline Design

2. Donor area shaving and preparation

3. Local anesthesia application

4. Graft extraction (FUE/DHI/FUT)

5. Graft preservation in sterile solution

6. Recipient site creation (for FUE/FUT) or direct implantation (for DHI)

7. Graft implantation with precision tools

8. Post-procedure instructions and recovery plan

The procedure can last 4–8 hours depending on the number of grafts.

Recovery from a hair transplant is relatively fast:

• First 3 days: Redness, swelling, and mild discomfort.

• Days 4–10: Scabbing and crusts form and fall off naturally.

• Day 15+: Transplanted hair begins to shed (a normal phase).

• Month 3–4: New hair starts growing.

• Month 6–12: Final visible results appear.

Key aftercare tips:

• Avoid touching or rubbing grafted area

• No alcohol, smoking, or intense exercise for 10–14 days

• Sleep with head elevated

Hair transplant success rates vary based on:

• Surgeon’s expertise

• Technique used (FUE, DHI, FUT)

• Patient’s donor area quality and health

• Proper post-op care

Average graft survival rates are 90–95% in expert hands.
Most patients regain 60–80% of their original density, depending on graft count and scalp condition.

Hair transplantation is safe but may involve:

• Temporary swelling, itching, or numbness

• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)

• Shock loss (temporary shedding of existing hairs)

• Poor graft growth if technique is incorrect

• Visible scarring (mostly in FUT or poorly performed FUE)

Choosing an experienced clinic minimizes these risks significantly.

Hair transplant costs vary based on:

• Number of grafts required (often 1,500–4,000)

• Technique used (DHI tends to be more expensive than FUE)

• Location of clinic and surgeon’s experience

Typical price ranges:

• Turkey: $1,500–$3,500

• Europe: €4,000–€8,000

• USA/Canada: $7,000–$15,000

Package pricing often includes consultation, blood tests, PRP therapy, and post-op medication.

Top destinations include:

• Turkey: Global leader with affordable pricing and high-quality clinics

• India: Competitive prices with skilled surgeons

• South Korea: Focus on aesthetics and latest technologies

• Germany & Spain: Premium clinics with rigorous standards

• USA: High-end, personalized care (with higher costs)

Patients often choose destinations based on cost, reputation, and safety.

Key factors when selecting a clinic:

• Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons

• Experience with your chosen technique (e.g., DHI, FUE)

• Before/after photo galleries and verified reviews

• Detailed consultation and transparency on graft count

• Sterile, modern operating environment

Never base your decision on price alone.

Hair transplantation isn’t just for the scalp:

• Beard transplants restore patchy or missing facial hair.

• Eyebrow transplants recreate density and shape after overplucking or trauma.

• Chest or body hair transplant (less common) used for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.

These procedures require special precision and artistic skill.

Even after a successful procedure, maintenance matters:

• Finasteride or minoxidil may be prescribed to protect native hair.

• PRP therapy can enhance graft survival and stimulate weak hair.

• Routine scalp care and gentle products help preserve results.

• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and consider second sessions if needed.

Hair transplants don’t stop future natural hair loss, so long-term planning is vital.

Hair loss can deeply affect:

• Self-confidence and self-image

• Social interactions and emotional well-being

• Perceptions of aging and attractiveness

Hair restoration often leads to:

• Improved mental health

• Higher self-esteem

• A sense of rejuvenation and control

That’s why hair transplant isn’t just cosmetic — it’s also emotional.

Q1: Will the transplanted hair fall out?
A: Yes, initially. This is called “shock loss,” and new hair starts growing in 3–4 months.

Q2: Is the procedure painful?
A: Local anesthesia is used; most patients feel no pain during the procedure.

Q3: Can I go bald again after a transplant?
A: Transplanted hair is permanent, but surrounding native hair may still thin — maintenance is key.

Q4: How soon can I go back to work?
A: Most return to work within 3–7 days, depending on healing.

Q5: Is one session enough?
A: It depends on the extent of hair loss and donor area capacity. Some patients need two sessions.