If you’re getting the FUE procedure, the surgeon’s team will shave the back of your scalp. Then, the doctor will remove hair follicles one by one from there. The area heals with small dots, which your existing hair will cover.
Hair Transplants: What to Expect
Like good health and youth, most of us take our locks for granted — that is, until they’re gone. For many people, a hair transplant can help bring back what looks like a full — or at least a fuller — head of hair.
If thinning up top or going bald really bothers you, the procedure can be one way to feel more confident about your looks. But first talk with your doctor about what you can expect during and after the surgery.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
It’s a type of surgery that moves hair you already have to fill an area with thin or no hair. Doctors have been doing these transplants in the U.S. since the 1950s, but techniques have changed a lot in recent years.
You usually have the procedure in the doctor’s office. First, the surgeon cleans your scalp and injects medicine to numb the back of your head. Your doctor will choose one of two methods for the transplant: follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) or follicular unit extraction (FUE).
With FUSS, the surgeon removes a 6- to 10-inch strip of skin from the back of your head. They set it aside and sews the scalp closed. This area is immediately hidden by the hair around it.
Next, the surgeon’s team divides the strip of removed scalp into 500 to 2,000 tiny grafts, each with an individual hair or just a few hairs. The number and type of graft you get depends on your hair type, quality, color, and the size of the area where you’re getting the transplant.
If you’re getting the FUE procedure, the surgeon’s team will shave the back of your scalp. Then, the doctor will remove hair follicles one by one from there. The area heals with small dots, which your existing hair will cover.
After that point, both procedures are the same. After they prepare the grafts, the surgeon cleans and numbs the area where the hair will go, creates holes or slits with a scalpel or needle, and delicately places each graft in one of the holes. They’ll probably get help from other team members to plant the grafts, too.
Depending on the size of the transplant you’re getting, the process will take about 4 to 8 hours. You might need another procedure later on if you continue to lose hair or decide you want thicker hair.
Expectations and Recovery
After the surgery, your scalp may be very tender. You may need to take pain medications for several days. Your surgeon will have you wear bandages over your scalp for at least a day or two. They may also prescribe an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug for you to take for several days. Most people are able to return to work 2 to 5 days after the operation.
Within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, the transplanted hair will fall out, but you should start to notice new growth within a few months. Most people will see 60% of new hair growth after 6 to 9 months. Some surgeons prescribe the hair-growing drug minoxidil (Rogaine) to improve hair growth after transplantation, but it’s not clear how well it works.
Risks and Costs of Treatment
The price of a hair transplant will depend largely on the amount of hair you’re moving, but it generally ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. Most insurance plans don’t cover it.
As with any kind of surgery, transplants have some risks, including bleeding and infection. There’s also the chance for scarring and unnatural-looking new hair growth.
Around the time new locks start to grow, some people have inflammation or an infection of the hair follicles, called folliculitis. Antibiotics and compresses can relieve the problem. It’s also possible to suddenly lose some of the original hair in the area where you got the new strands, called shock loss. But most of the time, it’s not permanent.
Talk with your doctor about these risks and how much improvement you’re likely to get from the surgery. They can help you decide if it’s a good option for you.
Show Sources
Photo Credit (inset): BSIP / Medical Images
Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School: “Treating Female Pattern Hair Loss.”
MedlinePlus.gov: “Hair Transplant.”
Dermatologic Surgery at the University of Washington: “Hair Transplantation.”
Cleveland Clinic – Photo Caption
Medcial Images – Photo Caption
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant, which moves hair from one place to another on your head, can be done in several ways. The most common way is grafting. To be a good candidate, you’ll need to have thicker areas of hair on your head. Permanent hair loss can happen due to several reasons, including types of alopecia.
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Overview
What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgery that moves hair to bald or thinning areas of the scalp. Also called hair restoration or hair replacement, it’s usually for people who have already tried other hair loss treatments. Dermatologists (healthcare providers specializing in the skin) or plastic surgeons (healthcare providers specializing in reconstructive procedures) perform hair transplants.
How does a hair transplant work?
The healthcare provider takes grafts, or small pieces of skin, from areas of the body that contain healthy hair. Healthcare providers call this area the donor site. It’s usually on your head, at the back of your scalp where hair tends to be thickest. The healthcare provider moves the grafts to hairless parts of the scalp. Once the transplanted skin heals, it should continue to grow hair.
What conditions does hair restoration surgery treat?
There are many reasons you might lose your hair. Sometimes hair loss is temporary, but it can be permanent. Hair implants may help with permanent hair loss caused by:
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles.
- Androgenic alopecia, or pattern baldness.
- Thyroid diseases or hormonal imbalances.
- Traumatic injuries or burns.
Who is a candidate for hair replacement?
You may be a candidate for hair replacement surgery if you:
- Are in good health.
- Have realistic expectations about hair replacement results.
- Still have areas of thick hair growth on your scalp.
Procedure Details
What are the different types of hair transplant surgery?
There are several different ways to perform hair transplant surgery, including:
- Grafting.
- Scalp reduction.
- Flap surgery.
- Tissue expansion.
How is grafting performed?
Hair grafting is the most common type of hair transplant surgery. A healthcare provider cuts tiny pieces of the scalp containing healthy hair. Sometimes they use a small, round punch to remove skin that contains about 10 to 15 hairs. People used to call these grafts “hair plugs.” Micro-grafts contain one to two hairs.
The procedure can take several hours. Most people stay awake during the surgery, but they receive medication to numb the scalp. You may need several procedures depending on how much hair your provider needs to move. Your scalp will need to heal for a few months between procedures.
How is scalp reduction performed?
Providers also call scalp reduction alopecia reduction. During this procedure, a surgeon removes a small area of bald skin from the scalp. They loosen nearby skin containing hair and pull it over the bald area. Then, they stitch it in place.
Scalp reduction is ideal for bald areas on the top and back of the head. These sections are usually surrounded by skin with hair. Sometimes providers use scalp reduction and hair implants together to achieve full coverage. Like grafting, scalp reduction usually only requires numbing medication on the scalp. This means you don’t need general anesthesia.
How is flap surgery performed?
Your surgeon may recommend flap surgery if you have large bald areas near the front of your scalp. Flap surgery occurs in several phases over a few weeks. The surgeon makes superficial cuts around three sides of donor site. The fourth side remains attached, maintaining its original blood supply. This technique helps the surgeon cut the flap and lift it over bald areas. Flap surgery requires general anesthesia.
How is tissue expansion performed?
If you have scalp baldness or disfigurement due to burns, your provider may perform tissue expansion surgery. Tissue expansion requires general anesthesia and involves several steps:
- A reconstructive surgeon inserts an implant under the scalp, where hair still remains. Shaped like a balloon, they call it a tissue expander.
- Over several weeks, the expander is gradually inflated to stretch the skin.
- The surgeon performs a second procedure to cover the bald area with the stretched skin.
Risks / Benefits
What are the risks of hair transplant surgery?
As with any surgery, a hair transplant comes with risks. These include:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- Excessive blood loss.
- Failed grafts or flaps.
- Infection.
- Loss of feeling on your scalp.
- Scarring.
What are the side effects of hair transplant surgery?
Side effects of hair transplant surgery are usually temporary. You may experience the following issues on your scalp, at the donor site or where the new hair is:
- Crust or scabs.
- Itching.
- Loss of feeling.
- Pain or throbbing.
- Swelling.
- Tightness.
What are the benefits of hair restoration?
Potential benefits of hair restoration include:
- Fuller head of hair with fewer bald areas.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Permanent hair loss solution.
Recovery and Outlook
What is the recovery process after hair transplant surgery?
Most hair transplants are outpatient surgeries, which means you can go home the same day as the procedure. Your recovery process will depend on the type of transplant you have. In the days after surgery, you may be able to:
- Day 1: Remove bandages.
- Day 2: Wash your hair.
- Days 3 to 5: Return to work and start light activities.
- After 10 days: Remove stitches (done by your healthcare provider).
- After 3 weeks: Return to exercise or sports.
How long do the results of a hair transplant last?
It can take up to a year before you see the full results of any hair transplant. The transplanted hair may fall out as the graft or flap heals. This is normal. The hair should grow back. You may need several “touch-up” hair transplant surgeries to achieve a natural-looking result.
When to Call the Doctor
When should I see my healthcare provider about a hair transplant?
You’ll likely have several follow-up visits with your healthcare provider after surgery. They will make sure your scalp is healing well. But contact your provider right away if you experience any of the following problems:
- A fever that doesn’t go away.
- Excessive bleeding from your scalp.
- Severe redness or pain on your scalp.
- Signs of infection, such as green or yellow pus oozing from the cuts in your scalp.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hair transplant surgery may be an option if other hair growth treatments didn’t work for you. There are many different hair transplant techniques. So, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to choose the procedure that will best meet your goals. Look for a skilled professional with experience in hair loss and hair restoration. They are the only ones who should perform transplant surgery. You should also consider the practical aspects of hair transplant surgery. Think about the cost and the healing time between treatments.
Hair Transplant Cost & Financing
Learn more about our free personalized estimate and our many financing and payment options available.
Actual Bosley Patient.
Individual results may vary.
Before After
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of a hair transplant varies from person to person, so we are not able to provide an exact estimate online or over the phone. If you’re interested in a hair transplantation procedure, we recommend that you visit Bosley for a free video or in-person consultation.
Not only will our physicians and counselors be able to provide you with an estimate, but they can review monthly payment plan options to help make your procedure affordable on practically any budget.
Actual Bosley Patient.
Individual results may vary.
Per-Graft: How We Determine Cost
Bosley calculates the final price of each hair transplant procedure on a per-graft basis, so the costs are unique to each patient. The exact number of grafts you’ll need (procedure size) depends on the extent of your hair loss and your hair restoration goals. The average cost of a Bosley hair transplantation is approximately $10,000, but the price can range between $8,000 and $18,000 depending on procedure size.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to have a free consultation.
The True Value of Bosley Hair Restoration
While the low upfront cost of temporary cosmetic solutions can seem like a good deal, the cost of maintaining cosmetic solutions ends up being significantly more than a Bosley procedure. Our transplanted hair restorations are permanent. Bosley hair transplantations are performed by the foremost experts in the field, so you can feel confident in their ability to deliver a lasting solution well worth the cost.
Actual Bosley Patient. Individual results may vary.
Financing Your Hair Transplant
Even if you want a hair transplant, we understand that the upfront cost can be more than some can afford out of pocket, which is why we offer multiple third-party financing options that work with practically any budget.* Get your procedure now, and pay it off in monthly installments. During your free consultation, a Bosley counselor can help you find the payment plan and terms that suit your budget. Start your credit application below.
Actual Bosley Patient. Individual results may vary.
Get Your Estimate
Only a Bosley-affiliated physician can assess your hair loss classification and growth pattern in order to determine how many hair grafts are needed to achieve your desired results.
If you’re ready to permanently restore your hair, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to get a cost estimate and find out if a Bosley hair transplantation is right for you.
You Might Also Want to Know
Hair Transplant Recovery and Timeline: What to Expect
The Connection Between Stress & Hair Loss: What You Should Know
Hair Loss Diet: 5 Foods that Promote Healthy Hair
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See provider for details. All figures are estimates. Actual monthly payments will vary from lender to lender based upon the amount financed, the terms for which you apply, and your credit standing. Rates for various lenders’ programs range from 3.99% to 28.99%. Additional terms and conditions may apply depending on the lender selected. All information subject to change without notice.
Financing is provided by independent finance lenders, and the lenders independently approve the financing and its terms and conditions. Bosley does not receive any compensation upon the submission or lender’s independent approval of an application. Submission of an application does not obligate you to use the lender to finance a procedure and no amounts are charged until you agree to undergo a procedure. A Bosley physician must confirm that you are a candidate for surgical hair restoration.
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Everyone’s situation is unique. Our hair restoration specialists are ready to answer all of your questions. Let us help you determine the right solution for you.
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