Hair transplantation
Operation Description
Hair transplantation, or hair grafting, involves transplanting hair follicles from a donor region with sufficient hair to areas of the scalp experiencing hair loss or thinning. The donor region is typically the occipital part of the head, where hair is denser and thicker. If a patient lacks enough hair in this area, follicles can be extracted from other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, chest, or back.
FUE Hair Transplantation Method
The method used for hair transplantation at Colić Hospital is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). It entails separating individual hair follicles and transplanting them. What distinguishes the FUE method from others is that entire follicular units (transplants, grafts) are transplanted from the donor region. These units generally contain 1 to 4 hairs along with blood vessels, glands, muscles, and protective fatty tissue. This ensures that the transplanted follicles receive circulation and tissues necessary for their functionality and development, promoting the growth of new hair.
If you are interested in hair transplantation, schedule a consultation at Colić Hospital at +38169 3699801. One of our expert doctors specialized in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery will discuss the procedure details with you and assess whether you are a candidate for hair transplantation.
Candidates
Candidates for hair transplantation are individuals experiencing noticeable hair thinning or loss persisting for some time, with other methods proving ineffective. Ideal candidates may include:
- Individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss due to stress or trauma.
- Individuals with androgenetic alopecia-related hair loss.
- Those whose hair has thinned or fallen out due to specific health conditions or medication use.
- Men with genetic male-pattern baldness.
- Women with genetic female-pattern baldness.
- Women whose hair remains thin after childbirth or menopause.
- Individuals with a sufficient quantity of hair in donor regions for transplantation.
Preparation
Before hair transplantation, it is advised to take a break from intensive physical activity for 7 to 10 days. Two weeks before the operation, it is recommended to stop taking aspirin and herbal supplements that may affect blood coagulation, ensuring that small wounds resulting from transplantation heal faster.
During consultations, the doctor will assess whether there is a sufficient quantity of healthy follicles in the donor region and determine where the hair will be transplanted. Additionally, the doctor will discuss the distribution of transplanted follicles and the final appearance of the hair regarding your expectations.
Operation time
On the day of transplantation, the patient's hair is trimmed to a length of 1 to 2 mm. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia administered throughout the donor region to minimize any discomfort. Using a special microneedle, hair follicles are extracted from the donor region intact, without damage or scarring. As each follicle is extracted, it is placed in a special solution to maintain its functionality until transplantation. The duration of this part of the procedure depends on the quantity of hair to be transplanted but usually takes 1-2 hours.
Once all follicles are extracted, the transplantation into the desired scalp region begins. Local anesthesia is also used for this part, starting with the creation of tiny incisions. The doctor precisely determines the depth and angle for each follicle and their arrangement to achieve natural-looking results, ensuring each hair grows properly and in proportionate lengths. The transplantation of follicular units into the incisions takes about 30 minutes, depending on the quantity of transplanted hair.
Recovery
After the transplantation, the scalp is covered with antibiotic ointment, and gauze is applied to the donor region. The patient goes home and returns the next day for bandage removal. The next check-up is after 7 days, with the final one at 14 days. Intensive physical activity and excessive sun exposure are not recommended for the next 10 to 14 days.
The hair is washed every day during the first 10 days post-transplantation, exclusively with the shampoo provided by the hospital.
After some time following the transplantation, the transplanted hair will fall out. This is an expected part of the process, and new hair growth usually begins after 3 to 6 months, with significant visible growth around 9 months post-transplantation.
Safety precautions
Common side effects that may occur after hair transplantation include scalp sensitivity, slight tightness, or tingling. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Serious complications are extremely rare because the procedure is quite safe when performed by experienced doctors. A more severe complication could be scalp infection, which occurs only if the patient does not follow the preoperative and postoperative instructions from the doctor.
Price
The cost of hair transplantation at Colić Hospital ranges from €1000 to €3000. The exact price depends on the quantity of follicular units that need to be transplanted. The services included in the cost of hair transplantation are:
- Preoperative examination by an anesthesiologist.
- The surgery itself.
- A short hospital stay.
- Necessary medications and other hair products.
- Postoperative check-ups and dressings.
Services not included in the procedure cost are the initial consultation with the doctor, blood and EKG tests, consultations with specialists outside the hospital, pre-admission costs, telephone expenses, and medications the patient takes at home before or after the procedure.
Refer to the exact price list for all services provided by Colić Hospital.
