Hair Transplant Planning and Procedure

Explore hair transplant planning stages and procedural steps performed by experienced specialists.

Hair Transplant Planning and Procedure

Explore hair transplant planning stages and procedural steps performed by experienced specialists.

Beginning your hair restoration journey? Understand the planning stages, including graft needs, hairline mapping, and detailed FUE/FUT procedure steps at LIV Hospital.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Planning and Procedure

Deciding to move forward with a hair transplant is a significant step toward restoring your hair and confidence. At LIV Hospital, we make sure you are fully informed and comfortable with every part of the process. From your initial consultation to the final procedure, our focus is on creating natural-looking results that are tailored specifically to you. This detailed guide walks you through the planning, procedural steps, and what you can expect along the way.

Designing Your Natural Hairline

A successful hair transplant starts with a well-designed hairline. Our specialists work with you to create a hairline that looks completely natural and complements your facial features. We consider several factors, including your age, facial structure, the original pattern of your hair loss, and your personal goals. The goal is to design a hairline that not only looks great now but will also continue to look natural as you age.

Icon LIV Hospital

Determining the Necessary Graft Count

hair transplant

The number of hair grafts you need is unique to your situation. A graft is a tiny piece of scalp containing one or more hair follicles. During your consultation, we carefully evaluate the extent of your hair loss and the density of your donor area, typically the back and sides of your head. 

This assessment helps us calculate the exact number of grafts required to achieve your desired coverage and thickness.

Several key factors influence the graft count:

    • Area of Baldness: The larger the thinning or bald area, the more grafts will be needed to fill it in.
    • Desired Density: Some patients want very thick coverage, while others prefer a more subtle restoration. We discuss your expectations to determine the right density for you.
    • Donor Hair Quality: The thickness, color, and texture of your donor hair affect how many grafts are available and how well they will cover the recipient area.
    • Future Hair Loss: We consider potential future hair loss to ensure the results remain balanced and natural over time.
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Preparation Steps Before Surgery

adult male having balding problems yt thumbnail 1280 720 LIV Hospital

Proper preparation is essential for a smooth procedure and optimal results. Our team will provide you with a detailed list of instructions to follow in the weeks and days leading up to your surgery. 

Following these guidelines helps minimize risks and prepares your body for a successful transplant and recovery.

Key preparation steps often include:

    • Medication Adjustments: You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or aspirin, about a week before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
    • Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: We advise patients to stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least one week before the procedure, as these can interfere with blood flow and healing.
    • No Haircuts: Avoid cutting your hair in the donor area before surgery. Longer hair helps conceal the extraction sites immediately after the procedure.
    • Arrange for a Ride Home: Since you will receive a local anesthetic and possibly a mild sedative, you will not be able to drive yourself home after the surgery.

FUE vs. FUT Techniques Explained

LIV Hospital offers the most advanced hair transplant techniques to meet diverse patient needs. The two primary methods are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). The best method for you depends on your specific pattern of hair loss, the quality of your donor hair, and your lifestyle.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In the FUE method, individual hair follicles are extracted one by one directly from the donor area using a specialized micro-punch tool. This technique leaves tiny, dot-like scars that are virtually invisible, making it an excellent option for patients who prefer to wear their hair very short.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

The FUT method, also known as the “strip method,” involves removing a small strip of tissue from the donor area. Our technicians then carefully dissect this strip under a microscope to separate individual follicular units. FUT can be a good choice for patients who require a large number of grafts in a single session.

bold man going through follicular unit extraction process x banner 1500 500 LIV Hospital

Steps of the Transplant Procedure

On the day of your hair transplant, our team will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but will not feel any pain. The entire process is meticulously planned and executed to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

The procedure generally follows these steps:

  1. Final Preparation: Your surgeon will review the plan with you one last time and mark the hairline. Your donor area will be trimmed and prepared for extraction.
  2. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to your scalp to completely numb both the donor and recipient areas.
  3. Graft Extraction: Depending on whether you are having FUE or FUT, the surgeon will carefully extract the necessary hair follicles from the donor area.
  4. Graft Preparation: The extracted grafts are prepared and sorted by our skilled technicians under high-powered microscopes to ensure they are healthy and ready for implantation.
  5. Implantation: The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the recipient area that match the natural direction and angle of your hair growth. Each graft is then carefully placed into these incisions.

Immediate Post-Op Expectations

Right after your surgery is complete, our medical team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. It is normal to experience some mild swelling, redness, and tenderness in both the donor and recipient areas. These symptoms are temporary and typically subside within a few days.

You will be given a special spray to keep the scalp moist and a kit with everything you need for the first few days. We advise taking it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours. Most patients feel well enough to return to non-strenuous work and daily activities within a couple of days..

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many grafts are needed, and how is the final hairline designed?

The number of grafts depends on your degree of hair loss, the desired density, and the quality of your donor area. This is determined during your consultation. Your hairline is designed collaboratively with your surgeon, considering your facial structure, age, and aesthetic goals to ensure a natural-looking result.

The choice between FUE and FUT depends on factors like the number of grafts needed, your desired hairstyle, and your scalp characteristics. FUE is ideal for those who want to avoid a linear scar, while FUT may be better for covering larger areas in one session. Your surgeon will recommend the best method for you.

You will need to avoid blood-thinning medications, aspirin, certain vitamins, and herbal supplements for about a week before surgery. We also require you to stop smoking and consuming alcohol, as they can impair healing. A complete list will be provided during your pre-op consultation.

You will not feel pain during the procedure because it is performed under local anesthesia. The main steps on surgery day include final hairline design, administering anesthesia, extracting the grafts from the donor area, and meticulously implanting them into the thinning or bald areas.

Initial recovery takes about a week, with most swelling and redness resolving. The transplanted hairs will shed in the first 2-4 weeks, which is normal. New, permanent hair growth typically begins around 3-4 months after the procedure, with more significant results visible between 6-9 months and full results appearing at 12-18 months.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana