Hair Transplant Costs

The Surgical Process

In the past five years, hair transplant surgery has changed drastically. Hair restoration techniques have advanced to the point where the process is less painful, and the results of the procedure are virtually undetectable.

Today, the most advanced form of hair transplant surgery is follicular unit extraction. This type of surgery involves the removal of a graft of one to three follicles of donor hair from the back of the head, and transplantation to the balding area. This type of hair transplant surgery results in full head of hair with a natural looking hairline.

One session of follicular unit extraction takes about 3 to 8 hours to complete. The number and length of sessions vary by individual case, and usually depend on the extent of hair loss suffered.

Upon arrival to the clinic, patients have the option of receiving a local anesthesia or mild sedative to make the process as painless and comfortable as possible.

The surgical procedure for follicular unit extraction is followed in three basic steps:

• Thin donor strip is removed from the back of head, and the site is stitched closed. The donor site is disguised by surrounding hair and is therefore undetectable.
• Small grafts containing 1-3 hairs are cut from the donor strip under a microscope.
• These grafts are implanted closely together on the balding area of the scalp (up to 60 grafts per square centimeter). This step is repeated until the balding area is filled with new hair.

When the session is complete, the recipient area is usually lightly covered with a dressing to facilitate healing.

Learn more about what to expect after surgery—from the first hour to the following 12 months.