Frequently Asked Questions
Below you can find the answers to the questions we get asked the most by our patients.
What is a hair transplant and how does it work?
A hair transplant involves the extraction of healthy hair follicles from a donor site (normally the back and sides of your head). These are then implanted into the area you are experiencing hair loss.
During your recovery, the implanted hairs will fall out, but the follicles will remain — promoting hair growth in that area.
Who is a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?
Different factors will affect whether or not you’re a good candidate for hair loss surgery.
These factors include:
- How much hair you have lost
- How much hair you have that can be transplanted
- Your age
- Whether you will experience further hair loss after the procedure
- Your desired results
- Whether you are taking hair loss prevention medications
If you are unsure whether you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant, speak to our friendly team today.
What are the different techniques used in hair transplantation?
There are two types of hair transplant; follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit excision (FUE). An FUT removes small, thin strips from your scalp for transplantation, whereas, an FUE removes the individual hair follicles.
At The Treatment Rooms London, we offer FUE hair transplants to ensure our patients receive the best possible results with reduced visible scarring and faster recovery.
How long does a hair transplant procedure usually take?
The complete hair transplant procedure can take four hours or longer. However, this will vary from person to person depending on your individual needs and circumstances.
Why am I so itchy after getting a hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, you may find that your scalp feels itchy — this is completely normal. An itchy scalp is simply a sign that it is healing after the procedure. The itchy sensation will eventually resolve on its own.
When your scalp begins to repair itself, it releases what’s called histamines, which make it feel scratchy or itchy. It’s important not to scratch your scalp as this could harm your recovery and affect the newly implanted hair follicles.
Can I wash my hair after getting a hair transplant?
After your hair transplant, you will need to avoid washing your hair for five days. This can help promote healing, as washing it sooner could hinder the transplant’s success.
Discover more about washing your hair after a hair transplant.
Is hair transplant surgery painful?
Before your transplant begins, you will be given a local anaesthetic to ensure you won’t feel any pain throughout the procedure.
We also offer you pain relief medication to help with any further discomfort you may feel. At The Treatment Rooms London, we do our very best to make sure you feel comfortable and have as little pain as possible.
During your recovery, you might feel a slight tenderness but there won’t be any excruciating pain. Any discomfort can also be easily managed with pain relief medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
What is the recovery process like after a hair transplant?
After your hair transplant, we will provide you with all the aftercare advice you need to ensure your recovery gives the best results possible.
You’ll need to wear a bandage for around 24 hours and will need to avoid washing your hair for 5 days. When you do wash your hair, you’ll also need to simply let it air dry, rather than rubbing it dry with a towel or using a hair dryer.
If you go outside, you should also wear a hat to protect your sensitive scalp from the sun.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with hair transplant surgery?
As with all surgical procedures, there are certain risks and complications associated.
Some risks and complications associated with a hair transplant can include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- The transplant not taking and falling out
At The Treatment Rooms London, we make sure to provide the best service possible in order to mitigate any potential risks and complications. Following our aftercare guidance will also help reduce your likelihood of complications after the surgery.
How long does it take to see the final results of a hair transplant?
The results of a hair transplant aren’t immediate and will require patience. For the full results of your hair transplant to be apparent, it can take up to 12 or 18 months.
You may notice some shedding before this period. However, it’s important not to feel let down by your results before you have allowed enough time for your hair to grow back.
Can the transplanted hair be styled and treated like natural hair?
Yes. Your transplanted hair will be your natural hair, so it can be cut, styled and dyed once you are out of your recovery phase. This also means you will need to take good care of your transplanted hair by using the right products.
Heat protectors, good shampoos and conditioners, and hair masks are important to use when maintaining the health of your hair — whether it’s transplanted or not.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a hair transplant for hair restoration?
Hair transplants offer a permanent, surgical solution to hair loss, but non-surgical alternatives are also important to consider to prevent ongoing native hair loss of the non-transplanted hair. The best way to know which method is right for you is to speak with a hair loss specialist like our team at The Treatment Rooms London. We will be able to advise you on which treatment will be the best option to restore your hair based on your specific needs.
How much does a hair transplant typically cost?
The cost of a hair transplant varies and can range from £4,000 to £10,000 or more.
The cost of a hair transplant will depend on how many grafts you need. At The Treatment Rooms London, our grafts cost £5–£6 each, with a starting price of £3000.
We also offer finance plans so you can start your hair restoration journey and spread the cost of the procedure over a payment plan.
Are the results of a hair transplant permanent?
Hair transplant results are long-lasting and sometimes even permanent. However, the success of your results will depend on how well you follow the aftercare advice, how you treat your newly grown hair and also whether you consider taking hair loss prevention medication too.
If you don’t look after your hair, you could experience hair loss again. Similarly, certain factors such as age or diagnoses like alopecia areata or universalis can’t be prevented, so you could lose your hair again in the future for these reasons.
Are there any factors that can affect the success of a hair transplant?
Yes. There are lots of factors that can impact the success of your hair transplant.
These factors can include:
- Not following the aftercare advice given to you
- Your body’s response to the transplant — sometimes the grafts do not take
- The skills and experience of the surgeon
- The thickness of your hair
- A poor diet
- Smoking
- Stress
Following our expert aftercare advice can help improve your chances of a successful hair transplant.
Can a hair transplant be performed on women?
Yes, women can have hair transplants however the underlying cause of hair loss must be explored in full before undergoing surgery.
Some women suffer from traction alopecia which can occur when they wear a hairstyle that causes tension on the scalp, leading to hair loss. Female pattern hair loss can also be treated using a hair transplant.
Are there any age restrictions for getting a hair transplant?
Yes. To book a hair transplant, you must be over the age of 18. However, most clinics will also advise you not to have a transplant until you are over the age of 27. This is because your hairline could change between the ages of 18 and 27, causing you to need further treatment as you age.
How many sessions of hair transplant may be required to achieve the desired results?
Hair transplants are designed to be a permanent solution to hair loss, but you may sometimes need a second one. This can be for several reasons, but the main cause tends to be extensive balding requiring 2 sessions of surgery to cover.
Another reason why you might need a second hair transplant is due to hair loss still taking place in transplanted areas because of factors like male pattern baldness, ageing and stress.
Can body hair be used for hair transplantation?
Most of the hair on your body cannot be used for hair transplantation. However, hair from your beard or chest, arm area can be used if you do not have enough donor hair follicles on your head.
If you’re concerned that you do not have enough donor grafts, get in touch with our team for an assessment.
What precautions should be taken before and after a hair transplant?
Before you have your hair transplant, you should:
- Avoid spicy foods
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin as this can cause you to bleed more and lead to potential complications
- Stop smoking or using any products with nicotine the week before — nicotine can restrict your blood vessels and make it harder for the oxygen needed for healing to reach your scalp
Can body hair be used for hair transplantation?
Most of the hair on your body cannot be used for hair transplantation. However, hair from your beard or chest, arm area can be used if you do not have enough donor hair follicles on your head.
If you’re concerned that you do not have enough donor grafts, get in touch with our team for an assessment.
How do I choose a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon or clinic?
Choosing the right surgeon for your transplant is essential. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a surgeon:
- Their qualifications
- Their expertise
- Their results — before and after photos are good for this
- Their communication — you want your surgeon to be available and open to discussion so that you feel comfortable asking them questions
- Their experience
- Testimonials from other patients
Are there any lifestyle changes or limitations after a hair transplant?
After your hair transplant, you will need to make some lifestyle changes during your recovery. However, once you have fully recovered, you should be able to carry on with your everyday activities, this is generally the case once you have reached 2 weeks post surgery
If you’re considering getting a hair transplant, or have any questions about the process, get in touch with The Treatment Rooms London. Our hair loss experts will be happy to help you begin your hair restoration journey.
Sources
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/fue-hair-transplant/is-fue-right-for-me/
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/fue-hair-transplant/how-does-a-hair-transplant-work/
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/fue-hair-transplant/how-does-a-hair-transplant-work/#The-aftercare-and-recovery-process
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/hair-transplant/
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A Simple Process That Will Put Your Fears to Rest
We take every effort to ensure you to feel as comfortable as possible during the entire process. Our philosophy is to give each patient a personalised cosmetic care experience.
1. Free Consultation
We'll explain the full process and perform a digital microscope assessment of your hair. No hard sells whatsoever.
2. One Day
Procedure
We'll explain the full process and perform a digital microscope assessment of your hair. No hard sells whatsoever.
3. Regular
Follow Up
We're always available even after the consultation and operation for any further questions you may have as your new hair grows.
FUE hair transplant surgery at The Treatment Rooms London
The Treatment Rooms London is a CQC registered clinic based on the prestigious Harley Street as well as Putney. Our surgeons perform every single hair transplant making sure your transplanted hair is given the greatest opportunity to grow. This professional service is why patients across the world have trusted us with the long-term care of their hair.
At consultation our surgeons will examine your hair with a microscope and create a hair transplant plan to cater for your needs.
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