Hair Transplants: What to ExpectWritten by Mary Anne DunkinMedically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on Like good health and youth, most of us take our locks for granted — that is, until they’re gone. For many people, a hair transplant can help bring back what looks like a full — or at least a fuller — head of hair.If thinning up top or going bald really bothers you, the procedure can be one way to feel more confident about your looks. But first talk with your doctor about what you can expect during and after the surgery.What Is a Hair Transplant?ShareHair grafts – Hair Grafts are tiny pieces of scalp containing one or two hairs are harvested for a healthy part of the head (usually the back of the head) and transplanted to a bald area of the scalp. Often referred to as hair plugs.
Expectations and RecoveryAfter the surgery, your scalp may be very tender. You may need to take pain medications for several days. Your surgeon will have you wear bandages over your scalp for at least a day or two. They may also prescribe an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug for you to take for several days. Most people are able to return to work 2 to 5 days after the operation.Within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, the transplanted hair will fall out, but you should start to notice new growth within a few months. Most people will see 60% of new hair growth after 6 to 9 months. Some surgeons prescribe the hair-growing drug minoxidil (Rogaine) to improve hair growth after transplantation, but it’s not clear how well it works.
