Hair transplant surgery — sometimes called hair restoration — is an outpatient procedure that relocates your own hair follicles to the thinning areas of your scalp. For anyone weighing up the surgery, knowing what actually happens on the day takes much of the anxiety out of the decision.
This short overview, based on a video from the practice of Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — covers the basics of the procedure.
An outpatient procedure with lasting results
The results of hair transplantation are visually long-lasting and are considered permanent. Because your own follicles are used, the outcome looks and behaves like your natural hair.
You usually have the procedure in the doctor's office — there is no hospital stay involved. First, the surgeon cleans your scalp and injects a numbing medication into the back of your head, where the donor hair is typically taken from.
Two main methods: FUSS and FUE
Your doctor will choose one of two methods of transplantation:
- Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS): grafts are obtained from a strip of donor scalp.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): follicular units are extracted individually.
Which method suits you depends on your case, and is a decision your surgeon makes with you during consultation.
What does it feel like?
Although the procedure is very convenient, it is still a surgical procedure, and some discomfort can be expected as a result. Before the procedure, the patient receives a local anesthetic, and may feel a slight tingling sensation. Beyond that, patients remain awake and comfortable through the session.
The bottom line
A hair transplant is a same-day, office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia, using either the FUSS or FUE method, with results that are considered permanent. The right method, candidacy and expectations are best settled in a face-to-face consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hair transplant permanent?
The results of hair transplantation are visually long-lasting and are considered permanent, since your own hair follicles are relocated.
Where is a hair transplant performed?
It is an outpatient procedure usually done in the doctor's office — no hospital stay is needed.
What are the two methods of hair transplantation?
Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The surgeon chooses the method suited to your case.
Does a hair transplant hurt?
A local anesthetic is given before the procedure, so patients may feel only a slight tingling sensation, though some discomfort can be expected as with any surgery.
