Hair transplantation

At a glance

• Treatment type: Scalp hair-restoration surgery for areas with thinning or baldness. NHS · ASPS
• How hair is harvested: FUT removes a strip of scalp and divides it into grafts; FUE removes grafts individually. The approaches leave different scar patterns. NHS
• What this guide covers: Evaluation, the broad procedure, recovery, risks and how to read a written quote.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is surgery that moves hair-bearing grafts from a donor area of the scalp to an area with thinning or baldness. NHS · ASPS

Hair loss has different causes. NHS patient guidance says transplantation is generally considered for permanent, inherited hair loss and is not usually suitable for other types such as alopecia areata. The AAD says an assessment considers whether there is enough healthy donor hair and whether the thinning area can grow transplanted hair. These sources describe general patient information, not an individual eligibility decision. NHS · AAD

FUE and FUT: how harvesting differs

FUE and FUT describe how grafts are removed from the donor area; the names alone do not show which approach is suitable for a particular person. Surgical details can vary by team, so ask the clinician to identify the planned method and donor area. ISHRS: FUE · ISHRS: FUT

• FUT, or the strip method: NHS guidance describes removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back of the head, dividing it into grafts, and closing the donor site with stitches. It says the resulting linear scar may be visible with very short hair. NHS
• FUE: NHS and ISHRS patient information describe taking follicular units individually from the donor area. The NHS says FUE leaves multiple small scars, and ISHRS notes that it is not scar-free. NHS · ISHRS

Evaluation and the procedure

The AAD says a dermatologist’s assessment may include a scalp examination and, when the cause of hair loss is unclear, a scalp biopsy. The assessment may cover available donor hair, the area to be treated and realistic goals; the AAD notes that a full head of hair may not be realistic for every patient. AAD

Patient sources describe anesthesia in different settings: the AAD says many patients remain awake while the scalp is numbed, with some taking a mild sedative; NHS guidance describes local anesthesia and sedation as usual in the UK. Confirm who will perform each part of the operation, the anesthesia plan and the follow-up arrangements in writing. AAD · NHS

Results and recovery

NHS guidance advises protecting grafts carefully during the first two weeks. A tight, achy or swollen scalp and temporary scabbing are possible side effects. Follow the instructions supplied by the treating team for the specific procedure. NHS · ISHRS: FUE recovery

Patient sources give different timelines for visible growth: the AAD says most patients see results in six to nine months, while some take 12 months; the NHS says new hair usually starts around four months and full results may take 10 to 18 months. These estimates are not a single timetable for every patient; follow-up helps the treating team assess progress. AAD · NHS

Risks and limitations

The NHS lists possible complications including bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction to anaesthetic, a graft that does not take and a noticeable scar; its page does not provide an individual or clinic-specific probability. ISHRS identifies overharvesting as a possible FUE concern that can affect the donor area’s appearance. The AAD notes that thinning can continue around the transplant. NHS · ISHRS · AAD

Cost and written quotes

This article does not provide a U.S. average or an individual quote. The NHS discusses UK prices and says cost depends on the amount of hair loss, procedure type and clinic/team quality; that information describes the UK market and should not be applied to U.S. prices. NHS

For a U.S. quote, ask the provider to state the planned technique, treatment area, graft estimate and what the total includes, such as anesthesia, facility, medications and follow-up. These details help clarify the scope of an offer; they do not imply that providers use a common pricing unit.

If you are considering treatment abroad

The CDC’s medical-travel guidance is general and not specific to hair transplantation. Before traveling, confirm who can answer postoperative questions after you return home, how urgent concerns will be handled and how you will receive your surgical and medication records. See the medical-travel preparation guide. CDC

This article organizes public sources and has not received clinical review. It does not assess individual suitability or recommend a provider.