Everything You Need to Know About Hair Transplantation: A to Z Comprehensive Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Transplantation: A to Z Comprehensive Guide

Contents

• What is Hair Transplantation?
• Causes of Hair Loss
• Hair Transplantation Techniques
• Suitable Candidates for Hair Transplantation
• Pre-Hair Transplant Preparation
• The Hair Transplant Procedure Process
• Post-Hair Transplant Care
• Healing Process and Timeline
• Possible Side Effects and Risks
• Hair Transplant Cost
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy hair follicles, taken from a donor area—usually the nape and sides of the scalp—to areas experiencing hair loss. This procedure offers a natural-looking and permanent solution for individuals experiencing permanent hair loss.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50% of men and 25% of women experience significant hair loss in their lifetime. Hair transplantation is considered one of the most effective and permanent solutions to this common problem.

Causes of Hair Loss

The primary causes of hair loss that lead to the need for a hair transplant include:

1. Genetic Factors: Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness) is the most common cause.
2. Hormonal Changes: Thyroid disorders, menopause, post-pregnancy changes.
3. Medical Conditions: Alopecia areata, lupus, thyroid diseases.
4. Medications and Treatments: Chemotherapy, some antidepressants, blood thinners.
5. Stress and Trauma: Hair loss following physical or emotional trauma.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, zinc, biotin, or protein.
7. Hair and Scalp Diseases: Fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis.

Hair Transplantation Techniques

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

The FUE technique is preferred in approximately 65% of hair transplant operations worldwide. In this technique:

• Hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area.
• Special micro-punch tools (0.7-1.0 mm in diameter) are used.
• Grafts are placed into channels previously opened in the recipient area.

Advantages of the FUE Technique:

• Lower cost (compared to DHI).
• Applicability to large areas.
• Shorter operation time.
• Minimal scarring.

Disadvantages of the FUE Technique:

• Two-step process (channel opening and placement are separate).
• Longer healing time compared to DHI.
• More tissue trauma.

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)

The DHI technique is a modern method where grafts are directly implanted into the scalp using special Choi implanter pens.

Advantages of the DHI Technique:

• One-step process (channel opening and placement are done simultaneously).
• Shorter healing time.
• High precision and natural appearance.
• Less trauma.
• Higher graft survival rate.

Disadvantages of the DHI Technique:

• Higher cost.
• Limited application area (difficult to apply to very large areas).
• Longer operation time.

Sapphire FUE

An enhanced version of traditional FUE, Sapphire FUE:

• Uses sapphire-tipped microsurgical tools.
• Makes more precise incisions.
• Provides faster healing.
• Allows for higher density transplantation.

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

An older technique that is now less commonly used, FUT:

• A strip of skin is removed from the nape area.
• The strip is dissected into follicular units in a laboratory setting.
• It is placed in the recipient area.
• Leaves a linear scar in the donor area.

Suitable Candidates for Hair Transplantation

Ideal candidates for hair transplantation generally have the following characteristics:

• Age: Generally over 25 (when the hair loss pattern has stabilized).
• Degree of Hair Loss: Men between 3-7 on the Norwood scale, women between 1-3 on the Ludwig scale.
• Donor Area Quality: Sufficient quantity and quality of donor hair.
• General Health: Good overall health with no conditions that would impede surgery.
• Realistic Expectations: Realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

Hair transplantation is not recommended in the following cases:

• Active autoimmune diseases.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Serious heart conditions.
• Blood clotting disorders.
• A tendency to form keloid scars.
• Young individuals with ongoing active hair loss.

Pre-Hair Transplant Preparation

Consultation Process

• Assessment of the hair loss pattern.
• Analysis of the donor area.
• Determination of the required number of grafts.
• Selection of the appropriate technique.
• Hairline design.
• Clarification of expectations.

2 Weeks Before the Procedure

• Reduce or completely stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Stop using blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.).
• Avoid hair dyeing procedures.
• You can start taking multivitamin supplements (with a doctor’s recommendation).

3 Days Before the Procedure

• Reduce caffeine consumption.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid products that irritate the hair and scalp.

On the Day of the Procedure

• Wear comfortable clothing (a button-front shirt is preferred).
• Have a light breakfast.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medication.
• Wash your hair (but do not use any hair products).
• Arrive at the clinic on time.

The Hair Transplant Procedure Process

1. Preparation Phase

• The hairline is finalized and drawn.
• The donor and recipient areas are cleaned.
• Pre-transplant photos are taken.
• Local anesthesia is administered (for a painless procedure).

2. Graft Extraction

• In the FUE technique: Follicles are extracted one by one with micro-punch tools.
• In the DHI technique: Grafts are collected similarly but are loaded into implanter pens.
• The extracted grafts are preserved in a special solution.

3. Recipient Area Preparation

• In the FUE technique: Micro-channels are opened in accordance with the natural direction of hair growth.
• In the DHI technique: Channel opening and placement are done simultaneously.

4. Graft Implantation

• Grafts are placed according to the natural angle and direction of hair growth.
• Single-hair grafts are placed at the front hairline, while multi-hair grafts are placed further back.
• The procedure can last 4-8 hours, depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted.

Post-Hair Transplant Care

First 24 Hours

• Keep the head elevated (sleep with support from pillows).
• Avoid physical activity.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not consume alcohol or smoke.
• Use the prescribed pain relievers regularly.

First Week

• Follow the special washing protocol (usually starting 48-72 hours after the procedure).
• Use the provided special shampoo and lotions.
• Protect from direct sunlight.
• Do not wear accessories like hats or beanies.
• Avoid sports and heavy physical activities.

2-4 Weeks

• You can switch to a normal shampoo (with doctor’s recommendation).
• Light exercises like walking can be done.
• Stay away from places like saunas, Turkish baths, and swimming pools.
• Avoid hair dyeing.
• Do not scratch the scalp during the crusting and shedding process.

1-3 Months

• Moderate physical activities can be resumed.
• Hair dyeing can be done (with doctor’s approval).
• Hair styling products can be used.
• Do not panic during the shock loss period (this is a normal process).

Healing Process and Timeline

A typical healing and growth process after hair transplantation proceeds as follows:

1-3 Days: Initial healing period, mild swelling and redness may be observed

5-7 Days: Crusting begins, redness in the donor area decreases

10-14 days: Crusts begin to fall off, the recipient area looks more normal

2-4 Weeks: Shock shedding begins (most of the transplanted hair falls out, don’t worry!)

3-4 months: First hair growth begins, thin and weak strands appear

5-6 months: Hair growth accelerates, thickening begins

6-9 months: Significant growth and increased density are observed

12-18 Months: Full and final result appears, hair reaches mature thickness

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Although hair transplantation is generally a safe procedure, some possible side effects and risks include:

Common and Temporary Side Effects:

• Swelling and redness (lasts 3-7 days)
• Itching in the donor and recipient area
• Feeling of numbness (may last for several weeks)
• Shock loss (temporary)
• Crusting and dandruff

Rare Risks:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Scar formation
• Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle)
• Graft death (failed attachment)
• Anesthesia-related reactions
• Asymmetric growth

Hair Transplant Cost

The cost of hair transplantation varies depending on the following factors:

• Technique Used: DHI is usually more expensive than FUE.
• Number of Grafts to Transplant: More grafts, higher cost.
• Location and Prestige of the Clinic: The choice of city and clinic affects the price.
• Doctor’s Experience: Experienced specialists charge higher fees.
• Additional Services: PRP treatment, drug treatments, control sessions.

Average hair transplant prices in Turkey as of 2025:

• FUE Technique: 1500-3500 Euro
• DHI Technique: 2000-4500 Euro
• Sapphire FUE: 1800-4000 Euro

These prices are 60-70% more economical compared to similar quality procedures in Europe and North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hair transplantation painful?

Thanks to local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. There may be a slight feeling of discomfort after the procedure, but this is usually controlled with prescribed painkillers.

Are hair transplant results permanent?

Yes, the transplanted hair is permanent as it is taken from a donor area that is genetically resistant to hair loss. However, there may be changes in hair density due to the natural aging process.

When can I return to my normal life after hair transplantation?

Most patients can return to work within 3-5 days. However, it is recommended to wait 2-3 weeks for a full return to physical activities.

Will the transplanted hair look natural?

Hair transplants performed with modern techniques give extremely natural results by following the natural growth angle and direction of the hair. In procedures performed by an experienced specialist, it is almost impossible to distinguish the transplanted hair from natural hair.

Can I color my hair after hair transplantation?

It is recommended to avoid coloring for at least 1 month after the procedure. At the end of this period, hair coloring procedures can be performed with the approval of your doctor.

Do I have to cut my hair completely during hair transplantation?

In FUE and DHI techniques, it is usually sufficient to shorten the donor area only. In some clinics, an “unshaven hair transplantation” option is also offered, but this technique may not be suitable for all cases.

How long does hair transplantation take?

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted. An average hair transplantation procedure is completed between 4-8 hours.

Is shock loss normal after hair transplantation?

Yes, the shock loss that starts 2-4 weeks after the procedure is a completely normal process. During this period, most of the transplanted hair falls out, but the roots remain alive and start to grow again after 3-4 months.

When will I start to see results after hair transplantation?

The first visible results are usually visible after 5-6 months. The full and final result occurs within 12-18 months.

Do I need to use medication after hair transplantation?

It may be different for each patient. In some cases, your doctor may recommend anti-hair loss medications such as finasteride or minoxidil, especially for the preservation of existing hair.