Hair Transplantation is a surgical process that involves removal of hair follicles from any site in the body and planting them on the hairless portion. This process is also used in transplanting hair in lashes and brows. The results are permanent and follicular clusters of hair are transplanted. This process is called Follicular Hair Transplantation (FUT) which can be done in two ways, strip harvesting and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

In strip harvesting, skin strips with good hair growth are planted on balding areas and in follicular unit extraction hair clusters with their roots are manually removed and planted at the hairless site.

Strip harvesting leaves a small scar at the donor site and full recovery is expected within two weeks.

FUE can be done in a single or several settings. It is a manual and time consuming process but gives natural results and minimal scars. Sometimes, robotics is used to reduce the time and simplified the process. 

Commonly hair follicles from the back of the head are removed and relocated to the balding areas.

Before the surgery starts, the hair in the donor area are trimmed and local anesthesia is given.

A small piece of scalp containing healthy hair follicles is then removed surgically and the donor area is sutured.  The sutures in the donor area are well hidden and are removed 2 weeks after.

Microscopes are then used to view the donor tissue for dissecting and preparing follicular units hair grafts.

The balding recipient area is given local analgesia and cleaned for the surgery.  

Follicular Unit Grafts are placed in the tiny incisions that are made in an irregular pattern in the recipient area.

Hair transplant is a minimal invasive procedure and could be repeated on outpatient basis. Mostly patients are allowed to shampoo after two - three days although the scalp needs to be protected from sun and infections for a while after the surgery. Antibiotics and cream are provided for a few days.