What is a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair follicles are relocated to bald or thinning areas of the scalp. Also known as hair restoration or replacement, it’s often chosen by individuals who haven’t had success with other hair loss treatments. It is typically performed by dermatologists (experts in skin conditions) or plastic surgeons (specialists in reconstructive surgery).

How is a hair transplant done?

Healthcare professionals extract small pieces of skin containing healthy hair follicles, known as grafts, from donor areas—usually the back of the scalp, where hair is denser. These grafts are then transplanted to bald areas. After healing, the transplanted skin should continue to grow hair.

What conditions does a hair transplant treat?

Hair loss can stem from various causes and may be temporary or permanent. Hair transplant can help address permanent hair loss caused by:

• Alopecia areata: an autoimmune condition attacking hair follicles.
• Androgenetic alopecia: hereditary or pattern baldness.
• Thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances.
• Traumatic injuries or burns.

Who is a good candidate for hair transplant?

You may be a suitable candidate if:

• You are in good overall health.
• You have realistic expectations.
• There are areas on your scalp with active hair growth.

Procedure Details

What are the types of hair transplant surgery?

Common hair transplant techniques include:

• Grafting
• Scalp reduction
• Flap surgery
• Tissue expansion

How is grafting performed?

Grafting is the most widely used method. Small patches of scalp containing hair are removed. Sometimes, round grafts containing 10–15 hairs are used. These were once called “hair plugs.” Micrografts contain only one or two hairs.

The procedure can take several hours. Patients are usually awake under local anesthesia. Multiple sessions may be required based on the extent of the transplant. The scalp needs time to heal between sessions.

How is scalp reduction performed?

Also called alopecia reduction, this method involves removing bald sections of the scalp and stretching nearby hair-bearing skin to cover the gap. It is mainly used for bald areas on the top or back of the head. Local anesthesia is typically sufficient. It is sometimes combined with grafting.

What is flap surgery?

If you have large bald areas at the front of your scalp, flap surgery may be an option. Done in stages over several weeks, it involves cutting three sides of a donor area while leaving one side attached for blood flow. This tissue is then lifted and moved to the bald area. This procedure requires general anesthesia.

How is tissue expansion done?

Used in cases of scalp deformity or hair loss due to burns, this method involves:

• Inserting a balloon-like device under the hair-bearing scalp.
• Gradually inflating it over weeks to stretch the skin.
• Using the expanded skin to cover bald areas in a second surgery.

General anesthesia is required.

Risks / Benefits

What are the risks of a hair transplant?

As with any surgery, hair transplant has some risks:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Graft or flap failure.
• Infection.
• Scalp numbness.
• Scarring.

What are the side effects?

Temporary side effects may occur in both the donor and transplant areas, such as:

• Scabbing or crusting,
• Itching,
• Numbness,
• Pain or throbbing,
• Swelling,
• Tightness.

What are the benefits of a hair transplant?

• Denser hair in areas with hair loss.
• Improved self-confidence.
• A long-term solution to hair thinning.

Recovery and Outlook

What is the recovery process after a hair transplant?

Most procedures are outpatient, and patients go home the same day. Recovery depends on the transplant type:

• Day 1: Bandages removed.
• Day 2: Hair washing begins.
• Days 3–5: Light activities resume.
• Day 10: Stitches removed.
• Week 3: Return to exercise.

How long do the results last?

It may take up to a year to see full results. Transplanted hair may shed initially—this is normal. Hair will grow back. Additional “touch-up” sessions may be required for optimal natural appearance.