All Procedures
Hair Restoration
Useful information for patients on Hair Restoration procedures - restoring natural hair to areas of hair loss.
What Is Hair Restoration?
Hair restoration, also known as hair transplant surgery, is a procedure that transfers hair follicles from one part of the body (commonly the back or sides of the scalp) to areas of thinning or baldness, including the scalp or eyebrows.
Hair grows in naturally occurring groups of 1 to 3 follicles and transplanting them in these small increments allows for natural-looking results. Common techniques include:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Hair follicles are removed individually with a specialised device.
- Strip Graft Method: A strip of scalp containing follicles is surgically removed and then grafted into thinning areas.
Because the patient’s own hair is used, grafts are not rejected by the body. Candidates typically require sufficient donor hair; those with very little overall hair loss may not be suitable.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, forehead lifts are considered safe and effective. However, as with all procedures, there are risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Who Is It For?
Hair restoration may be considered by patients who:
- Have male- or female-pattern hair loss with adequate donor hair.
- Have thinning eyebrows or patchy areas of hair.
- Are in good general health.
- Have realistic expectations about coverage and density.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients usually undergo:
- A detailed medical history (including hypertension, clotting disorders, and abnormal scarring tendencies).
- Medication review.
- Physical examination.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
Depends on the amount of hair being transferred.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
Usually, local anaesthesia with or without light sedation; general anaesthesia may also be an option.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Most patients go home the same day, as this is usually an outpatient procedure.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Temporary pain or tenderness
- Temporary numbness in the donor or recipient area.
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Noticeable scarring
- Follicle loss or failure (“dead follicles”).
- Unnatural appearance due to continued hair loss in untreated areas.
- Possibility of revision or additional sessions.
A pressure dressing may be applied overnight. The scalp can usually be soaked and gently shampooed 48 hours after surgery. The transplanted area may be showered after 5 to 7 days.
Swelling often peaks between 3 to 5 days and can be eased with cold compresses on the temples. Patients typically return to work within a few days but should avoid strenuous activity for about 5 to 10 days. Stitches, if used, are usually removed within 8 to 14 days.
Small scabs form around grafts and fall off within a week. The transplanted hairs shed after 2 to 4 weeks before regrowing around 3 months later.
Final results are usually visible within 8 to 10 months. Transplanted hair grows naturally in colour and texture and is generally permanent. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal coverage.
When performed by a skilled surgeon this procedure is typically rewarding and improves self-confidence.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to varying factors such as age, skin quality, bone structure, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, please consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.