Hair Transplant FAQ: Answers to Common Questions at Clinic Center
What Is the Best Age or Time to Get a Hair Transplant?
The ideal time for a hair transplant depends on the individual’s stage of hair loss. You should consider undergoing a hair transplant when:
- Your hair loss has stabilized, typically for at least 6–12 months.
- You are experiencing significant thinning or bald patches affecting your appearance.
- Your donor area (usually the back of the scalp) is healthy and dense enough.
- You are at least in your early 20s since patterns of androgenetic alopecia may continue evolving into your late twenties or beyond.
- There’s no universal minimum age for hair transplant, but long-term planning is key to successful and permanent hair restoration.
What Are the Types of Hair Transplants Available?
Common methods include:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual hair follicles are extracted and transplanted, leaving minimal scarring.
Sapphire FUE: Uses sapphire blades for finer incisions, enhancing precision and healing. (Sapphire FUE benefits include less trauma, faster recovery, and a more natural-looking result.)
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): Hair follicles are implanted directly into the scalp using a Choi Implanter Pen.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Involves removing a strip of scalp, suitable for larger graft requirements.
When comparing FUE vs DHI, DHI may offer better graft survival for smaller sessions, while FUE allows for larger coverage in one go.
Is the Transplanted Hair Permanent?
Yes. Because donor area hair is DHT-resistant, the results usually last a lifetime, assuming healthy scalp conditions and post-op care.
Will My Transplanted Hair Fall Out?
Yes, this is normal. “Shock loss” occurs in the first few weeks, followed by new hair growth starting at around 3–4 months. Full results appear within 6–12 months, though crown areas may take up to 18 months.
How Long Does Hair Transplant Recovery Take?
Initial healing takes 7–10 days. You’ll see visible improvements in hair thickness over the next several months. The total hair transplant recovery time varies, but most return to normal activities within a week.
Can Women Get Hair Transplants?
Absolutely. Hair transplant for women is especially effective for diffuse thinning or traction alopecia. The DHI method is often preferred as it avoids shaving the recipient area, providing more discreet results.
Are There Pre-Op Instructions I Should Follow?
- Yes. Before your Clinic Center hair transplant, you should:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for 1–2 weeks.
- Stop taking blood thinners and herbal supplements 7–10 days before.
- Wash your hair thoroughly the morning of your procedure.
Will I Need More Than One Session?
Possibly. If the balding area is large, or if your donor hair is limited, your surgeon may recommend multiple sessions to achieve desired density.
Can I Get a Hair Transplant If I Have Diabetes?
Yes, especially for patients with controlled Type 2 diabetes. Those with Type 1 may also be eligible with medical clearance.
Can Beard Hair Be Used in a Hair Transplant?
Yes, beard hair transplant techniques are used when scalp donor hair is insufficient. Blending beard and scalp hair can enhance density naturally.
Do I Have to Shave My Head?
Shaving for hair transplant depends on the method:
FUE usually requires shaving the donor area.
DHI allows for no-shave options on the recipient area, ideal for those seeking discretion.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Thanks to local anesthesia, most patients report only mild discomfort. Post-op tenderness can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
When Can I Go Back to Work?
Most patients return to work in 3–5 days. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for at least a week.
Can I Dye My Hair After a Hair Transplant?
Yes, but wait at least 6 months to avoid irritating the healing scalp or damaging new grafts.
When Can I Start Exercising?
Light activities can resume after 10 days, but intense workouts and heavy sweating should be avoided for the first 3–4 weeks to protect your grafts.
Can I swim after a hair transplant?
Swimming after hair transplant is not advised during the first month. Chlorine and salt can cause irritation or infection. Wait until your doctor confirms your scalp is fully healed.
Can Gray or White Hair Be Transplanted?
Yes. Gray hair transplant procedures are equally effective. The transplanted hair retains its original color, ensuring a natural appearance post-surgery.
When can I go on holiday and sunbathe after a hair transplant?
You can travel shortly after surgery, but direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least 3 months. When sunbathing, protect the area with a hat or SPF.
When can I swim in the sea after a hair transplant?
You can swim in the sea after the 10th day of your recovery, but it’s important to consult with your doctor first to ensure your scalp has healed properly. Avoid saltwater and chlorinated pools during the initial recovery phase.
What are the benefits of the Sapphire FUE technique?
Sapphire FUE uses blades made from sapphire instead of steel, offering several advantages:
- Sharper and smoother incisions, which reduce tissue trauma and promote quicker healing.
- Minimal scarring, making it ideal for those who prefer shorter haircuts.
- Higher precision, resulting in a more natural-looking hairline.
- Reduced risk of complications due to smoother incisions.
Does the extracted hair grow back in the donor area after extraction?
No, the hair follicles extracted from the donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp) do not grow back. However, the extraction is done in a way that ensures the remaining hair in the donor area still looks natural and not overly thinned.
What is the maximum number of grafts that can be transplanted in a single session?
In a single session, the maximum number of grafts typically ranges from 2,000 to 5,000, depending on the donor area’s quality and the technique used. The number of grafts is determined based on your individual needs and the capacity of the donor area.
Can I use Minoxidil after a hair transplant?
Yes, using Minoxidil after a hair transplant can be beneficial. It may help enhance hair growth and improve the overall density of the transplanted hair. It’s generally recommended to start using it a few weeks after the procedure, but you should consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Is Finasteride recommended after a hair transplant?
Finasteride is often recommended to prevent further hair loss and maintain the density of existing hair after a transplant. It works by blocking the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. However, it’s important to discuss its use with your doctor to understand the potential benefits and side effects.
Can I wear a cap after a hair transplant?
You should avoid wearing a cap for at least the first 10 days after the transplant to prevent irritation and protect the grafts. After the initial recovery period, once your scalp has healed, you can wear a cap, but make sure it fits loosely and does not rub against the transplanted area.
When will I start to see the results of my hair transplant?
You can expect to see initial results around 3 to 4 months after the procedure, as new hair begins to grow. Full results typically become visible within 6 to 12 months, with hair density improving gradually over that time. By the end of the first year, most patients will notice significant changes in hair thickness and coverage