Timeline of a Hair Transplant

Do you know the steps of a transplant? Do you ever wonder how long it will take before you start seeing the new growth? Most people interested in a hair transplants tend to ask these questions when they first start doing research. Hair transplants have been performed in the U.S. since the 1950’s, and since then many new methods of transplanting have been introduced. Thanks to these new breakthroughs, modern hair transplantation can achieve a natural appearance by mimicking nature hair for hair.

At an initial consultation, the patient’s scalp is analyzed. Then his or her preferences and expectations are discussed (e.g., single vs. multiple sessions), as are what results might reasonably be expected given the patient’s current condition. Some patients need more than one procedure for full coverage while others may require only one. Beginning several days prior to surgery, it is recommended that the patient refrain from any medication that might result in intraoperative bleeding and ultimately result in a poor take of the grafts. Alcohol and smoking can also contribute to poor graft survival, so it’s highly recommended to avoid these as well.

Transplants are performed on an outpatient basis, and mild sedation and local anesthesia injections are used. The scalp is shampooed and treated with an antibacterial agent prior to the procedure. A physician then moves hairs from an area of thick growth to bald areas. Permanent hairs are harvested from the back and sides (donor areas) of the head. It’s important to keep in mind that removal does not negatively impact the donor area. The transplanted hairs are cut very short before the procedure. The hair seed and short hairs are then placed in the concerned areas. A suture is used to close the donor site. Sutures are removed no sooner than 14 days after the transplant. Within a few weeks, the short hairs (that are from the hair seeds) will fall out, and the donor seed will begin growing “new hairs.”

“New hairs” will begin to show within 3-5 months of the procedure. At about 6-9 months, a patient should have attained 60% of his or her new growth.