The quality of results are dependent upon a number of factors. The harvesting process needs to be well planned and the resultant scars as small as possible. For FUE it is important that the donor hairs are distributed evenly across the back of the scalp and as small a punch size as possible is used to try to keep the scar size smaller. The skill of the surgical team dictates how well the grafts survive. Individual grafts need to be harvested precisely, taking note not to cut across the roots of the follicles such that they can bed in well and survive.

The transplant area is marked out and an attractive hairline is drawn onto the scalp. The implantation process involves making small slits in the scalp and the donor hairs are slotted into these slits. This is much like planting rice seeds in a paddy field. More recently innovative implanter devices have been designed which can enable the surgeon to make the slits needed and slot in the graft at the same time. This process is also carried out under local anaesthetic. Dr Chaudhary is able to provide an implanter service. 

The implantation process itself requires good planning and an accurate understanding of the direction of lie of the existing hairs on the scalp such that the newly grafted hairs grow out in the same direction and if possible are angled such that they provide as much scalp coverage as possible. This requires a wealth of experience and extremely accurate foresight. In addition it is important that donor hairs are not implanted together too densely as this may compromise graft survival. When implanted close to existing hairs, it is also important to match the angle of growth such that the roots of existing hair follicles are not damaged whilst new hairs are being implanted. Poor technique in this regard can result in poor graft survival and possible  further loss of pre-existing hairs. The net result is poor increase in density of hair coverage.

A hair transplant is a meticulous process and can take between 6 to 10 hours depending upon the number of grafts being implanted. In larger cases, often a second sitting is needed the following day. The entire procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and apart from the sting of the anaesthetic at the beginning of the harvesting and implanting phases of the procedure, the treatment is essentially painless. Patients are often able to have a nap during the harvesting process and watch a film in the treatment room during implantation.

It is important to note that a hair transplant cannot recreate the same density of hair that was present before the hair loss process started. Once someone is able to see through to their scalp due to hair loss, they have normally already lost at least 50%.  An average hair transplant consists of between 2000 to 4000 hairs and hence it is clear that a hair transplant is essentially a natural camouflage procedure as opposed to truly restoring original hair density on top. However, this doesn’t mean that fantastic results are not possible if performed by a skilled hair transplant surgeon.

With so many clinics, especially abroad it is important to understand what makes for a good result as opposed to just going to the cheapest clinic. There is a significant amount of skill and artistry involved on the part of the hair transplant surgeon in order to achieve a good cosmetic result.

All supplements, as well as minoxidil and Finasteride should be stopped at least 1 week prior to your procedure. Afterwards, the aftercare instructions should be strictly adhered to. Smoking and excessive alcohol use before and/or after a hair transplantation can significantly hamper the final results. In addition maintenance treatments in the form of regular yearly plasma sessions and weekly Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can sometimes helps to achieve good results and keep your transplant looking great. IV Vitamin infusions in the form of our Hair Boost Drip are also available to help keep your supplement levels up and improve hair quality.