Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair from the back of the scalp is moved to the bald areas. It can be done in the early stages of hair loss when the hair is just beginning to thin, as well as in the later stages when baldness is more apparent.

Hair Transplantation is a minor office procedure which requires only local anaesthetic. There is initially some discomfort associated with the administration of the anaesthesia, but this is of very short duration. We have developed techniques to reduce this discomfort, and most patients tolerate this brief period very well.

The donor area (the back or sides of the scalp) as well as the recipient area (the bald or thinning area) are made numb with the local anaesthetic. Up until several years ago, round grafts (plugs) were always used throughout the hair transplant process. The desired number of round grafts were removed from the donor area and then transferred to the bald area. Today these larger grafts have been mostly replaced by smaller grafts (follicular units, micro, mini or slit grafts), since these grafts produce a much more natural transition from thinning or baldness to increased hair growth. In most cases where very small grafts are used, this surgery can be accomplished almost undetectable. The hair to be transplanted is trimmed close to the scalp, and the desired amount of donor skin and hair are then removed. This donor site is then sutured closed, generally resulting in a fine scar which is only detectable on close inspection. The donor hair-bearing skin is then divided into very small pieces which contain 1-3 hairs. These grafts are then rapidly inserted into small openings made in the recipient area. Specific recommendations are discussed at a personal consultation.

The number of sessions varies, and will depend on the:

• Area of scalp treated
• Number and size of grafts used
• Density of hair desired by the patient
• Individual characteristics such as coarseness or fineness of hair
• Current stage of hair loss and future rate of hair loss
• Timeframe in which patient wishes to replace lost hair