Everything you need to know before hiring a hair transplant clinic.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) harvests individual follicles from the donor area, leaving tiny circular scars. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation, or strip method) removes a strip of scalp, leaving a linear scar but allowing more grafts per session. FUE is preferred for shorter hairstyles; FUT may yield more grafts for extensive hair loss.
Good candidates have stable hair loss, adequate donor hair density (typically the back and sides of the scalp), realistic expectations, and are in good general health. Your surgeon will evaluate your Norwood scale classification and donor supply to determine candidacy.
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Find a ContractorGraft needs vary widely. Filling a receded hairline might require 1,500–2,500 grafts. Significant hair loss across the crown may require 3,000–5,000+. An in-person consultation with graft counting and scalp assessment gives you an accurate estimate.
Transplanted follicles are taken from DHT-resistant donor areas and generally retain that resistance in their new location — meaning they are not susceptible to the same pattern baldness. However, the surrounding non-transplanted hair may continue to thin, potentially requiring additional procedures.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel minimal discomfort during the extraction and implantation. Post-procedure, you can expect soreness, tightness, and swelling for 3–7 days, manageable with prescribed pain medication.
Week 1: soreness and scabbing. Weeks 2–4: the transplanted hairs shed (shock loss — this is normal). Months 3–4: new hair begins to grow. Month 6: noticeable improvement. Month 12–18: full results visible. Patience is essential — most patients see their best results at 12–18 months.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own concentrated platelets to stimulate hair follicle activity. It can slow hair loss and improve density in thinning areas but does not create new follicles. It's typically used alongside transplants or as a maintenance treatment, not a replacement.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic tattooing technique that creates the appearance of shaved follicles or adds the illusion of density to thinning areas. It's permanent (though it fades over time), non-invasive, and works well for those who prefer a closely-cropped look or want to camouflage scars.
Verify the lead surgeon's credentials (board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery). Ask whether the surgeon performs the procedure or supervises technicians. Review unretouched 12-month patient photos. Check for membership in ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery). Read independent reviews on forums like HairRestorationNetwork.com.
Risks include infection, scarring, unnatural hairline design, poor graft survival, and overharvesting that depletes the donor area. These risks are significantly reduced by choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon with a strong track record.