transplant technique
specialist surgeons
(CQC) Regulated
1 hour
Hair Transplant Surgery
Struggling with hair loss? Don’t just accept it. Speak to our friendly team of hair transplant experts at our clinics to discover how we can help you
Hair transplant surgery provides a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to male pattern baldness. Hair follicles from areas of the scalp that still have hair are transferred via a simple surgical procedure to areas that are thinning or bald, resulting in a full head of hair.
By choosing Harley Medical you are assured of the best care and procedures from one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery providers. We want to provide our clients with the best results possible, to do this we seek to understand what is causing the hair loss. We use a DNA profile to understand the reasons and then provide a specialist treatment plan to address the underlying condition.
Arranging a consultation with one of our team couldn’t be easier, simply get in touch and one of our friendly advisors will contact you to arrange a face to face no commitment consultation.
Hair Transplant at Harley Medical
There are two methods our surgeons use to achieve hair restoration. Both use ‘donor hair’ follicles extracted from your own scalp, under a local anaesthetic.
FOLLICULAR UNIT TRANSPLANTATION
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves a surgeon extracting the donor hair as a strip of follicles. The extracted follicles are then replaced in the desired area, the donor site is then closed using sutures.
FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION
The second option is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). In this method, the follicles are removed from the donor area one by one, and then implanted in the desired area individually.
Both methods are carried out in a clinical environment, by a team of experts who will ensure you are kept as safe and comfortable as possible.
What to expect from the Procedure
Consultation
Before we book you in for a Hair Transplant Surgery, you will meet with the Hair Transplant Coordinator. They will discuss the journey, answer any initial questions you may have and take the swabs for the Fagron TrichoTest™ Profiling. Once the results are received we will invite you to a consultation with a Surgeon.
During the consultation, the surgeon will:
- Determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery by carrying out a TrichoTest™
- Discuss the procedure itself; what will happen during the operation.
- Discuss your expectations of the Surgery and what kind of results you are likely to achieve.
What is a Fagron TrichoTest™?
Fagron TrichoTest is a genetic test and software solution developed to support healthcare professionals in personalising treatment for hair loss. It combines the analysis of genetic variations, lifestyle factors and literature related to hair loss treatment. It suggests individualised treatment options through topical, oral or surgical solutions.
How does Fagron TrichoTest™ work?
TrichoTest™ analyses 3 polymorphisms within 16 DNA mutations (SNPs), analysing a total of 48 genetic variations. Detecting SNPs facilitates the understanding of specific characteristics of the metabolism of a patient that are related to hair loss. All SNPs used in TrichoTest have been scientifically validated from population studies presenting a significative global incidence.
What is the process?
The quantity of DNA required for the analysis is obtained with an oral swab, it is a simple procedure that can be carried out in a clinician's office.
You will be asked to fill out a consent form that will allow Fagron Genomics the permission to analyse the DNA sample.
- Visit our Clinic and meet a coordinator who will outline your journey as a patient and begin by taking a mouth swab(s) for the TrichoTest™ profiling.
- Once the results are back you will meet the doctor and you will discuss a treatment plan based on the outcome of the TrichoTest™ Model.
- As a patient you will attend a pre-operation appointment to ensure you are fit and well, then the surgery will be scheduled.
- On the day of the Surgery you will attend a hospital for treatment, the Doctor will undertake the procedure as a day case and you will be able to return home.
After Surgery:
After surgery, it will take some time for your scalp to heal. How long this takes will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of hair you have had transplanted, your age, health and skin type – and how well you follow the aftercare procedure. Below is an overview of what to expect after your surgery:
Immediately after surgery:
You will not be able to drive home after surgery, so you should arrange for a lift. The anaesthetic will start to wear off about eight hours after the procedure and you will begin to experience some mild discomfort. You will probably be prescribed painkillers by your doctor and told to avoid alcohol and operating heavy machinery/driving for 24 hours.
Sleeping:
You might be required to sleep sitting up during the 24 hours after surgery in order to avoid rubbing the treated area, as this could affect the final result.
Caring for your grafts:
You will notice some crusting and scabbing on your scalp in the days and weeks following your treatment. These should begin to fall off after 1-3 three weeks. It’s important that the skin is kept clean and moist during this time, so your surgeon will provide you with personalised aftercare advice with this in mind.
For 48 hours after surgery you should avoid:
- Drinking alcohol
- Bending over to the floor
- Sleeping on the treated area
- Rubbing, scratching or bumping your scalp
- Washing your scalp
For 2 weeks after surgery you should avoid:
- Any strenuous activity or exercise
- Taking aspirin or ibuprofen & products containing these
- Using hair products or cosmetics
- Eating spicy food
12 Months after surgery:
To ensure you are happy with your results, the surgeon will carry out a post-operative review 12 months after treatment, to assess your regrowth.
The Results
The tiny hair that is transplanted during surgery normally falls out within one week. After this, the hair will grow normally from the root and you will begin to see noticeable results from approximately 12 weeks after treatment. If the surgeon is transplanting into a thinning area, this can occasionally cause temporary shedding of some existing nearby hair shafts - but these will regrow.
You might notice that the transplanted hair is slightly frizzy in texture, but the follicles should settle down and start making better quality hair fibre after about 14 months.
Finance Options
Did you know you can get some of the most popular hair transplant treatments from just £19 per month? That’s less than the price of a cup of coffee per day and includes a pack of 4 treatments for underarms.