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Hair transplantation involves relocating hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp, where hair growth is robust) to balding or thinning areas. The procedure addresses androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), scarring from injuries, and thinning from medical conditions.
There are two primary transplantation techniques:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT/Strip Method): A thin strip of scalp is removed, and hair follicles are separated under a microscope before transplantation. The donor site is stitched, resulting in a linear scar that is usually concealed by surrounding hair.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are extracted using a punch device and transplanted directly. FUE leaves minimal dot scars, which are generally not visible.
Some clinics also use advanced versions such as DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) or the FIT (Follicular Isolation Technique), featuring specialized equipment for increased precision and graft survival.
The Hair Transplant Procedure Step by Step
1. Consultation and Planning: The surgeon examines the patient’s scalp, discusses goals, hairline design, and number of grafts needed.
2. Preparation and Local Anesthesia: Both donor and recipient sites are numbed for a painless experience.
3. Harvesting Hair Follicles: Depending on the chosen method (FUT, FUE, FIT), follicles or strips are carefully obtained from the donor site.
4. Graft Preparation: Under magnification, follicles are isolated and preserved in a special solution to maximize graft survival.
5. Recipient Site Creation: Tiny incisions are made at the balding site, matching the natural hair growth direction for the best aesthetic result.
6. Implantation: Hair grafts are meticulously placed one by one for uniform density and a natural appearance.
7. Aftercare and Recovery: Patients receive dressing changes, PRP or laser treatments, pain management, and instructions on post-operative care.
Candidates and Outcomes
The ideal candidate for hair transplantation is someone with stable, adequate donor hair and realistic expectations. Younger patients and those with progressive hair loss may require staged treatments as hair loss advances.
Results become noticeable after several months, with transplanted hair following natural growth cycles. Most clinics schedule follow-up visits over 12-18 months to assess progress and density, as new hair continues to grow.
Benefits, Risks, and Complications
Benefits:
- Permanent and natural-looking hair growth
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Minimal scarring with current techniques
Risks (though uncommon with experienced surgeons):
- Infection, bleeding, or delayed healing
- Temporary swelling or numbness
- Unnatural hairlines or patchy density (usually correctable)
- Shock loss (temporary shedding that recovers)
Innovations in Hair Transplantation
Modern hair transplant procedures utilize cutting-edge advances:
- Micromotor extraction for FUE/FIT for efficiency and less tissue trauma
- Gold-tipped needles and patented graft solutions to maximize follicle survival
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and laser therapies to accelerate healing and boost graft success
- 3D hairline planning and digital analysis.
Liv Hospital Hair Transplant Services
Liv Hospital offers world-class hair transplantation using safe, innovative, and scientifically proven techniques. Patients benefit from:
- Individualized consultations and hairline design
- Skilled teams using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques (FUT, FUE, DHI, and more)
- Multimodal aftercare, including advanced wound healing, scalp PRP, and follow-up support
- Focus on patient comfort, natural results, and seamless integration with overall health
- Dedicated programs for international patients, including airport transfers and multilingual staff
For those considering hair restoration, Liv Hospital provides expertise, technology, and compassionate care for optimal results. Learn more at the Liv Hospital homepage or directly on their Hair Transplant Clinic page.