Hair Restoration
Hair Transplant
Hair transplantation is a surgical restoration method in which follicular units are harvested from a donor area resistant to hair loss and transplanted into thinning areas, in androgenetic alopecia and other permanent forms of hair loss. This section details the techniques within our scope, their fields of application and the post-operative pathway.
- Procedure Class
- Surgery under local anaesthesia
- Setting
- Full-service hospital
- Duration
- 6–8 hours depending on graft count
- Stay
- Typically 3 nights
Assessing Hair Loss
Successful restoration begins with an accurate diagnosis. Male-pattern loss is graded on the Norwood–Hamilton scale and female-pattern loss on the Ludwig scale. Examination covers scalp condition, donor density (follicular units per cm²), hair shaft calibre and colour, and the extent of the recipient area. Dermatological causes, active inflammatory conditions and systemic disease are distinguished at this stage.
Techniques
FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular units are harvested one by one with 0.7–0.9 mm micro punches. No linear scar; the most widely accepted technique today.
DHI – Direct Hair Implantation
Harvested grafts are placed directly with a Choi implanter pen, without a separate channel-opening stage. Shorter time outside the body; preferred for densification.
Sapphire FUE
FUE in which channels are opened with sapphire rather than steel blades, aiming for finer channel geometry and reduced tissue trauma.
Fields of Application
- Female hair transplant – unshaven planning and assessment specific to female-pattern loss.
- Beard and moustache transplant – patchy growth, absent areas and scar camouflage.
- Eyebrow transplant – single-graft restoration of thin, partial or absent eyebrows.
Procedure Pathway
- Consultation and design: the physician draws an age-appropriate hairline based on facial proportions and forehead height; graft distribution is planned by zone.
- Preparation: blood tests (full blood count, coagulation, hepatitis and HIV serology) are reviewed; local anaesthesia is administered.
- Harvesting: follicular units are collected from the donor area with a micromotor and kept in holding solution under cold chain.
- Channel opening and placement: channels are opened or grafts are implanted directly according to the technique, respecting natural exit angle and direction.
- Dressing and discharge: the donor area is dressed; written aftercare instructions and a medication plan are handed over.
Risks and Limitations
As with any surgical procedure, potential side effects include temporary oedema, donor-site tenderness, folliculitis, numbness, shock loss (temporary shedding of transplanted hair in the first weeks) and, rarely, infection. The final result develops up to month 12 because of the hair cycle. Outcomes vary between individuals; medical therapy for progressive loss may be planned by the physician.