How Do Hair Transplants Work?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure designed to restore hair growth by moving hair follicles from one part of your body (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to areas experiencing thinning or baldness.

The main types of hair transplant procedures are:

• Follicular unit extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and implanted into the thinning or bald areas. This minimally invasive method leaves tiny, barely noticeable scars.
• Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): A strip of skin containing hair follicles is removed from the donor area, and the follicles are then implanted into the balding area. This method is suitable for those needing larger coverage.
• Direct hair implantation (DHI): A variation of FUE where hair follicles are extracted and implanted directly into the recipient area using a specialised tool.

Benefits of Hair Transplants

• Natural-looking results: Modern hair transplant techniques like FUE and FUT produce natural-looking results, ensuring the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with your existing hair.
• Permanent solution: Hair transplants usually offer a long-term solution to hair loss. Once the transplanted hair follicles take root and begin to grow, they continue to produce hair for the rest of your life.
• Quick recovery and minimal scarring: Most hair transplant procedures are minimally invasive, with short recovery times and little to no visible scarring, especially with FUE and DHI techniques.
• Customisable to your needs: Hair transplants can be tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you require a small patch or extensive coverage. Surgeons work closely with you to design a treatment plan that achieves your desired look.
• Options for medical tourism: Hair transplant procedures are available in the UK and at reputable clinics abroad, often at a fraction of the cost. Popular destinations for medical tourism, such as Turkey offer packages that include travel and accommodation.

Risks Of Hair Transplants

• Cost: The cost of hair transplants can be anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000, depending on how much hair you need to be transplanted, the type of procedure and where you have it done. You can’t get a hair transplant on the NHS.
• Recovery: You may have a tight or swollen scalp for a few days afterwards. You might need to take 1-2 weeks off work. It’s not unusual to have temporary scabbing around the transplant site. Some people will be left with a scar, or lots of tiny scars, although these might be covered by your hair.
• Time taken for the hair to grow: It usually takes 3-4 months for the hair to start to grow. It can take up to 18 months to see the full benefit.    
• Risks of having the procedure: As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to the anaesthetic.
• Risks of the transplant failing: Occasionally, the transplanted hair may fail to take.

Who Are Hair Transplants Suitable For?

• Male pattern hair loss: Only parts of the head are affected, meaning that the back or sides of the head will be able to provide suitable donor hairs.
• Some women with female pattern hair loss: Whether a hair transplant will be suitable depends on the cause of the hair loss and the number and location of the hairs that are thinning.
• Some people with scarring alopecia: This is hair loss that is caused by injury, surgery, burns or some skin conditions. Hair transplants are not suitable for people with a common type of alopecia called alopecia areata.

What’s Involved in a Hair Transplant?

Choosing the right clinic and surgeon is an important part of the process. Clear Living can help you to do that and achieve your hair restoration goals.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Choose your location: Decide whether you prefer to have the procedure in the UK or consider medical tourism options abroad. Clinics in the UK offer convenience and easier access to follow-up care, while destinations outside of the UK can sometimes be more affordable. 
2. Choose the right surgeon: In the UK, the clinic or hospital that does your hair transplant should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the surgeon who does the procedure should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). 
3. Get personalised quotes: Clear Living can help match you with a provider to get quotes from top hair transplant providers, ensuring you find the best option for your budget and needs.
4. Initial consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon to discuss your hair loss concerns, desired results, and medical history. The surgeon will evaluate your scalp and recommend the most suitable procedure (FUE, FUT, or DHI).
5. Plan your procedure: Once you’ve selected a provider, plan your procedure date. If opting for medical tourism, consider packages that include travel, accommodation, and post-operative care.
6. Have the hair transplant: On the day of your procedure, you’ll undergo the hair transplant at a certified clinic or hospital. The procedure typically takes 4-8 hours, depending on the extent of the treatment, and is performed under local anaesthetic. You won’t usually need to stay in overnight. If you’re having a large area transplanted, you might have it done on two different days.
7. Recovery and follow-up care: After the procedure, you will receive detailed instructions for post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and hair growth. You’ll need to be careful with the transplanted hair for the first two weeks.

Written by

William Amps Content Specialist

William is a content specialist based in London with over 5 years of experience in the healthcare and financial services sectors. He’s passionate about creating content that helps people feel informed and confident in their decisions. At Clear Living, William focuses on understanding the customer’s perspective, ensuring they find the support they need when making important choices.

More about