Can women get a hair transplant?
Yes, of course. Hair loss affects approximately 50% to 65% of men and around 40% to 45% of women during their lifetime. In selected female patients, especially those with suitable patterns of hair loss, hair transplant surgery can also be performed. In fact, at our clinic, roughly 10% of patients admitted for hair transplant surgery are women.
Are you a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
This is decided individually for each patient, because hair transplant surgery is an aesthetic procedure and everyone’s expectations and vision of how they want to look are different. However, there is a widely accepted general rule: to be considered a suitable candidate, hair loss should usually be at least Norwood scale stage 2 or above.
Are you awake during hair transplant surgery?
Yes, patients are normally awake during hair transplant surgery. In some cases, mild sedation may be used, but we generally do not recommend general anesthesia because this is a cosmetic and usually well-tolerated procedure. In most cases, medication to reduce anxiety before surgery is enough to keep the patient comfortable throughout the day. Many patients assume it is a major operation, but in reality it is a manageable and tolerable process.
Can hair transplant cause death?
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, and like all surgeries, it carries some risks. However, these risks are very low. Rare complications may occur if a patient has an allergy or severe reaction to local anesthetics or other medications used during the procedure. If the surgery is performed by a qualified medical team in a properly equipped clinic, such complications can usually be recognized and managed quickly. In rare cases, excessive bleeding or a medical reaction may also occur, which is why we strongly recommend having the procedure in a reputable clinic with emergency equipment and trained staff. At Smile Hair Clinic, our team holds regularly renewed emergency response certifications, and patients are monitored throughout the procedure.
Can I choose my hairline’s look?
On the day of the operation, the doctor will examine you, provide a consultation, and discuss the hairline and treatment areas with you. So yes, your preferences are important. This is an aesthetic procedure, which means your expectations should absolutely be considered. At the same time, it is also important to listen to your doctor’s advice, because the most suitable hairline is the one that looks natural and fits your facial structure. If the hairline you want is appropriate for you, we can of course proceed accordingly.
Can I drink alcohol before hair transplant?
We advise patients not to drink alcohol for at least a few days before surgery, ideally 3 to 5 days. Alcohol can affect the vascular system and may increase bleeding during the procedure. Avoiding alcohol helps create better surgical conditions on the day of the operation.
How can you get a consultation before hair transplant surgery?
First, you need to get in touch with our clinic and send us the preliminary photos we request. This allows us to make an initial evaluation of your case. After that, we can schedule either an online consultation or a face-to-face consultation.
How long does an eyebrow transplant take?
An eyebrow transplant usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.
How long does the consultation last online, face to face in the clinic, or before the surgery?
The length of the consultation depends on the patient’s individual needs, the number of questions they have, and the complexity of the case. For that reason, there is no exact standard duration. On average, face-to-face consultations in the clinic last around 20 to 40 minutes. Online consultations may take a little longer, as patients who contact us remotely usually want detailed answers to all their questions. Before surgery, we also perform a pre-operative consultation, which generally lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, or longer if needed.
How many grafts are needed for a full head?
This varies depending on the size of the scalp and the characteristics of the donor area. For example, in some patients, 5,000 grafts may cover only 60% of the scalp because the head is larger, while in others, 4,000 grafts may be enough for nearly full coverage. That is why the most important factor is the density and capacity of the donor area. A higher graft number does not automatically guarantee a better result.
How many grafts are needed for patients’ full coverage on the recipient side?
The required number of grafts is calculated before surgery. We assess the size of the frontal area, mid-scalp, and crown, then calculate the graft need based on the appropriate density, the patient’s hair thickness, and the ratio of single to multiple-hair grafts. On average, a patient may need up to 10,000 to 13,000 grafts in total for full density. However, in hair transplantation, this is usually not possible in a single session. For that reason, we generally work progressively, starting from the front and moving toward the crown over one or more sessions to achieve the best possible density.
Is a hair transplant noticeable?
A good hair transplant should not be noticeable. Our goal is always to create a natural look with the highest appropriate density. If other people can immediately tell that someone has had a hair transplant, that usually indicates an unnatural result.
Is it necessary to have a haircut or shave during hair transplant surgery?
In most cases, some level of shaving is required during hair transplant surgery. This allows the surgical team to see the angles more clearly and work more precisely in both the donor and recipient areas. The extent of shaving depends on the technique being used and the individual treatment plan.
Should you cut or have a haircut before hair transplant surgery?
We usually ask patients not to cut their hair before they arrive at the clinic. This helps us assess the affected areas more accurately and plan the procedure properly. If a haircut or shaving is needed, we prefer to perform it here ourselves.
What can you do if you are scared to have hair transplant surgery?
First of all, make sure you know the clinic, the doctor, and the team you are trusting with your procedure. The relationship between the patient and the doctor is one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable and confident. Speak with the doctor, ask all the necessary questions, and make sure you feel secure in your decision. If you feel very anxious before surgery, we can also provide supportive medication to help you relax.
What do you do to protect existing hairs during hair transplant?
Our surgeons use magnification to examine the scalp clearly and identify the existing hairs precisely. This helps us make incisions carefully without damaging the existing roots. Protecting the native hair is very important, because harming those hairs would reduce the overall benefit of the procedure.
What if you are too nervous or anxious before the surgery?
If you feel nervous, uncomfortable, or anxious before surgery, we can provide additional medication to help relieve your anxiety and make you feel more comfortable.
What is the optimal donor area?
The optimal donor area is usually the back of the head. We also refer to this area as the safe donor zone because the hair follicles there are generally more resistant to the effects of DHT. For this reason, after extraction and implantation, these grafts are more likely to remain permanent.