Hair Transplant Consultation: 10 Questions to Ask Your Hair Transplant Doctor

17 Mar Hair Transplant Consultation: 10 Questions to Ask Your Hair Transplant Doctor

If you are considering a hair transplant, to help you prepare, here are some essential items we will cover during your first hair transplant consultation.

1. Which type of hair transplant am I suited for? FUT or FUE?

This will be assessed with you at your consultation, along with the following:

• Type and density of hair at the donor site
• Where the hair is to be transplanted to
• The direction of your present hair growth in the transplant area for natural results
• How many grafts will be required to achieve the intended result

There are advantages and disadvantages to both FUE and FUT. These differences will be explained at consultation specific to your hair loss pattern.

2. What do I need to do before my hair procedure?

At your consultation you will be provided comprehensive information in hard copy for your reference in the lead up to your procedure, should you proceed. This includes a pre-procedure checklist. One of our team will check that the items on the checklist have been completed, one week before your procedure. This can be done by telephone or at our offices in person.

3. What can I expect during my hair procedure?

There are two parts to your procedure.

• Harvesting the donor grafts
• Planting the grafts

A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area from where grafts are harvested, and to where the grafts are to be planted. You will also be provided with some tablet medications to allow you to be relaxed and comfortable throughout the time these processes are occurring.

4. How much recovery time will I need?

You will need seven (7) days without strenuous activity, avoiding hot environments or any outdoor activity. Essentially, patients should be resting at home for seven days. After a week you can return to your normal exercise routine and lifestyle.

5. How long will it take to see the results of my hair procedure?

Results are fully known at twelve (12) months, or earlier (see below ‘PRP’). This is because the hair grafts go into a ‘hibernation’ period. Immediately after the procedure, you will notice ‘stubble’ that are the hairs within the grafted follicles. In the ordinary course of events, these hairs disappear in 2-3 weeks and the new growth will be fine hair (vellus type) at four (4) months post-hair transplant. As you get progressive haircuts, the mature hair shaft will emerge over the next eight (8) months.

6. How can I get my result earlier?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) can often stimulate early growth and many patients adding this to their procedure observe that the hairs within the grafts continue to grow instead of going into the four (4) month ‘hibernation’ period.

7. What is PRP?

PRP is obtained by taking 100mls of the patient’s own blood which is processed to separate cells called ‘platelets’. Platelets contain growth factors that act as a type of ‘hair fertiliser’. PRP is used at the end of the procedure around the graft site. This methodology is used in many procedures including dental and orthopaedic procedures. As a result, growth begins within a short time after your procedure, usually resulting in a quicker outcome.

8. Will I need another hair procedure?

To properly manage your expectations, it is important to ask your doctor whether you will need an additional hair transplant in future.

You may need another hair transplant in the future if you continue to lose more hair. Often this may be 3-5 years later, but in some cases of rapid progression, it may be required earlier. Undergoing another hair procedure can help improve the volume and fullness of your hair. Your doctor will discuss this with you during your follow-up

9. Is the hair procedure painful?

To help you prepare for your hair transplant, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor what to expect regarding pain. Pain levels can vary between patients; however, Dr Molton will use a local anaesthetic to numb your scalp during the procedure. Following your transplant, he will also recommend pain medication to control any discomfort you may experience, although this is normally confined to the first two or three days after the procedure and is not regarded as severe.

10. What are the risks and complications associated with the hair procedure?

During your consultation, Dr Molton will discuss the following risks and complications with you:

• Allergic reactions to medications
• Bleeding
• Failure of the skin grafts
• Delayed wound healing
• Infection
• Pain at the incision site
• Sensory changes of the skin
• Scarring

For more details & options, please visit our main hair transplant page, or contact us to book an appointment with Dr Molton at our Adelaide clinic.