A hair transplant doesn't add more hair follicles to your scalp, it relocates the ones you already have.

That's a key point to bear in mind if you're thinking about having surgery to restore every single strand of hair you've lost. It's the existing follicles in the donor area that determine how much coverage can be achieved through transplantation. And, even once the operation has been completed, there's a shedding period before new hair growth begins.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

During a hair transplant, follicles are collected from areas with healthy hair growth and placed in parts of the scalp where hair has become thin or sparse. Hair transplants are typically used to treat male or female pattern baldness and receding hairlines. They can also be used to treat permanent hair loss, depending on the cause.

The first priority for the surgeon will be to examine the donor area and confirm there are enough healthy follicles to achieve the desired density. If future hair loss isn't considered during planning, the transplanted hair may not provide the expected coverage over time.

The underlying cause of hair loss and its likely progression is relevant information to bear in mind too.

Hair Transplant Process: How Does It Work Step by Step?

When performed, hair transplantation is usually performed under local anaesthetic. There are four main steps to the procedure.

1. Scalp Assessment: The surgeon examines the thinning areas and assesses donor hair density and possible graft placement.
2. Follicle Extraction: There are two methods of follicular extraction, follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). With the former, individual follicles are extracted, whereas with the latter a strip of scalp is removed and the follicles separated.
3. Preparing the Recipient Area: Small incisions are made in the balding regions, with their depth and angle determined by the direction of surrounding hair.
4. Placing the Grafts: The follicular grafts are then implanted into the incisions. The process can take several hours, depending on the number of grafts.
5. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): DHI is a hair transplant technique in which individually extracted hair follicles are implanted directly into the scalp using a specialised implanter pen. This allows precise control over the depth, angle and direction of hair placement.

Hair Transplant Recovery: What to Expect After the Procedure

Your scalp may be sore and sensitive for a few days after surgery. There may be some swelling and redness too, alongside a few scabs appearing in the donor and recipient areas. Most scabs will have disappeared within one or two weeks of the procedure, by which point the grafts will require careful treatment, especially if you're washing your hair or exercising.

A few weeks after the procedure, you might find that some of the hairs that were transplanted have fallen out. It's a temporary setback because, as long as the follicles are still viable, they'll continue producing new hairs. It is common for transplanted hair to fall out temporarily as the scalp recovers after surgery. You should follow your surgeon's aftercare advice and contact your clinic if you have concerns about increasing pain, redness, discharge or fever.

Hair Transplant Results: When Will You See New Hair Growth

The hairs that you can see immediately after a hair transplant won't last long. There's a shedding period for the first few weeks while the grafted follicles adjust to their new environment. New hair growth typically starts around three to four months after surgery, with more noticeable improvement in hair coverage by the sixth month.

Substantial improvement is typically noticeable after nine to twelve months, although it can take longer for hairs in the crown to grow. The amount of donor hair, the viability of the grafts and the size of the balding area will all affect the results of the transplant. It's also worth bearing in mind that a transplant won't prevent further natural hair loss. Your surgeon may suggest additional treatments to help manage ongoing hair thinning.

Hair Transplant FAQs

Is a hair transplant painful?

Local anaesthetic is used to numb your scalp before the procedure, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the operation itself. You may feel a little soreness after the anaesthetic has worn off, but this is nothing compared to a typical surgical experience.

How long is the recovery after a hair transplant?

The swelling and discomfort will last a few days, with most healing taking place over the course of one or two weeks. Your surgeon will guide you on when it's safe to resume your regular exercise routine.

When will I see results after a hair transplant?

There is some early regrowth after three or four months, but it isn't until around nine to twelve months that the full benefits of a hair transplant become noticeable.

What are the side effects of a hair transplant?

Swelling, redness, itching and scabbing can occur, but the most common side effects of hair transplantation are bleeding, infection, scarring, folliculitis and graft failure.

Can I wash my hair after a hair transplant?

Yes, you can wash your hair, but gentle handling is important to protect the newly transplanted grafts.

Final Thoughts

A hair transplant is only worth considering if you understand the limitations of what it can achieve. It isn't just the technique used in a hair transplant that's important, but careful planning too, which has to take into account the potential for further natural hair loss.

Considering a Hair Transplant in Ahmedabad?

Consult Dr. Yaksh Oza (MD DVL) for a hair and scalp assessment and advice on suitable hair restoration options in Ahmedabad.