Prerequisites
Are there any restrictions or prescriptions after the procedure?
During the 15 days following the procedure, it is best to avoid exposing the scalp to the sun and to avoid intense exertion; wear a hat or cap. Lighter exercise can resume within 7 days after the FUE hair transplant. The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to take during the 5 days following the procedure.
Are there contraindications for diabetic patients or those with blood pressure issues?
Diabetic patients can absolutely undergo a hair transplant; our doctor will simply monitor blood sugar levels during the procedure. Because high blood pressure can cause bleeding and low blood pressure can leave the patient too weak, the doctor will monitor blood pressure before, during and after the procedure.
What complications can occur following the procedure?
There are no complications as such, but the patient may feel weak, experience headaches, mild burning sensations or itching. Local anaesthesia can sometimes cause painless swelling (oedema); only 10% of patients experience this, and it fades naturally after 3 or 4 days.
The Hair
What is hair made of?
Hair is composed of keratin, natural fats and water. These materials form different layers: the cuticle (a thin protective envelope), the cortex (the most resistant part of the hair) and the medullary region in the centre.
How many hairs do we have?
An average human scalp has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs, which works out to roughly 100 to 300 hairs per cm².
What is the hair life cycle?
During the anagen phase (3 to 5 years), the follicle grows. Then comes the catagen phase (1 to 2 weeks) of preparation, and finally the telogen phase, during which the hair rests for 3 to 4 months before falling out. We naturally lose about 100 hairs a day.
What are the different types of alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia (common baldness), alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), traction alopecia, cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding) and anagen syndrome (a hereditary condition).
How fast does hair grow?
On average, human hair grows about 1/3 of a millimetre per day — roughly 10 to 15 cm per year.
How many hairs does a follicle contain?
A follicle can contain between 1 and 6 hairs, with an average of 2.2. A ratio below 2 is considered low.
Do transplanted black and grey hairs have different lifespans?
No, after transplantation these two types of hair will grow naturally and identically.
The Procedure
Are the operating rooms sterile?
The rooms are fully sterile and secure. The instruments used are single-use: punches the size of a blood-draw needle (0.7 to 0.8 mm) and sterile disposable needles, destroyed after each procedure.
Are the doctors and assistants trained in hair transplantation?
A medical degree in general medicine, plastic surgery or dermatology is required. Training alongside renowned specialists includes theoretical and practical tests and a strict evaluation to become a certified FUE hair transplant specialist.
Is the hair transplant painful?
The technique is painless. Performed under local anaesthesia, it keeps the patient conscious and relaxed. The patient can listen to music, watch films during the procedure and enjoy lunch during the break. The procedure lasts between 6 and 8 hours.
Will there be bleeding?
There is very little bleeding.
Does it leave scars?
No — the instruments are so precise and fine that you will not have any scars. The treated area will be slightly red for 3 to 7 days depending on skin type.
How many follicles can be implanted in a single session?
In total, 50% of the grafts from the donor area can be harvested, 25% during the first session. With FUE, up to around 6,000 grafts can be implanted.
Do I have to shave my head before the session?
You do not need to shave everything — only the treated areas (the sides and the back) must be shaved to 2 mm. For a smaller procedure, an invisible shave hidden by your hair is possible.
Can hair be harvested from somewhere other than the back of the head?
Yes — we can harvest hair from the body and the beard (BHT). However, transplanting from one person to another is impossible at the genetic level.
How does a beard transplant work?
The beard transplant is indicated for sparse beards to increase density or fill gaps. The follicles are harvested from the back of the scalp, just as for a hair transplant.
After the Procedure
How long after can I get a haircut?
15 days is enough for a cut, but you will need to wait 45 days for colouring.
How long before I can drink alcohol?
We recommend waiting 5 days, especially since the patient will be on antibiotics.
Can implanted hairs fall out after shampooing?
Between weeks 4 and 8, it is normal for most of the newly placed hairs to fall out, but a new growth cycle begins and after 8 to 12 months the new hairs will be fully developed.
How long before I can return to work?
We recommend taking 5 to 7 days of rest and avoiding going out.
Will the implanted hairs last a lifetime?
The implanted hairs will regrow for the rest of your life. Note, however, that 10% of hairs fall out naturally from age 50 onwards.
What is the success rate?
The success rate is typically above 95%, depending on external factors and individual circumstances.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the individual. On average, 2 to 3 sessions are carried out to achieve optimal, permanent density for life.
Are there other treatments besides the transplant?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections stimulate the stem cells of the hair bulb, reduce shedding and increase density. Mesotherapy (vitamin injections) is also available to deeply nourish the scalp.