Hair transplantation has become one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries in the world. To help you understand what to expect, here’s a step-by-step guide: from landing at the airport, to the transplant procedure, post-operative care, and your return home.
1. Arrival at the airport
Once you land, our clinic usually arranges a private driver or shuttle service to pick you up. This helps reduce stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the country or the language.
- Welcome : A representative will usually be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a sign or placard with your name on it.
- Hotel transportation : You will be taken to your booked hotel, often included in the treatment package.
- First impressions : Our clinic collaborates with nearby 4 or 5-star hotels, ensuring comfort and convenience.
2. Check-in at the hotel
Upon arrival at the hotel:
- Welcome briefing : Our clinic will provide you with an information pack in your room with schedules, clinic brochures, and contact information.
- Rest and hydration : It is recommended that you rest after your flight, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol and smoking to prepare your body for surgery.
- Evening preparation : Patients are often advised to sleep well, as there will be medical visits and procedures scheduled the next day.
3. First visit to the clinic
The next morning, a driver or clinic staff member will pick you up at your hotel.
Clinical phases:
- Registration and consent : You fill out forms, provide your medical history, and sign consent documents.
- Preoperative tests : Blood tests and sometimes an ECG are performed to check medical suitability for surgery.
- Visit with the surgeon:
- The hairline is drawn and modified until you are satisfied.
- The number of grafts (follicular units) needed is discussed.
- The donor area (usually the back of the head) is evaluated.
- Photography : Photos are taken before surgery for medical records and comparison.
- The day of surgery : step-by-step procedure
Hair transplant procedures typically last 6 to 9 hours, depending on the number of grafts.
Preparation
- The donor area is shaved or trimmed.
- Local anesthesia is applied (general anesthesia is not required).
- The patient is comfortably seated or lying down during the procedure.
1. Extraction of the grafts
Two main techniques are used:
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual follicles are extracted using a micro-punch instrument.
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): Similar to FUE, but implants the follicles directly using a pen-shaped device.
2. Opening the channel
Small incisions are made in the recipient area where the new follicles will be implanted. This phase defines the angle, density, and natural appearance of the hair.
3. Plant
The extracted follicles are carefully placed in the recipient area following the natural direction of hair growth.
4. Completion and dressing
- The donor area is bandaged.
- The recipient area is left exposed but treated with protective sprays.
- Painkillers and antibiotics are provided.
5. Post-operative care in the hotel
After the procedure, you’ll usually be taken back to your hotel to rest. The first night is crucial:
- Sleeping position : Patients are asked to sleep with their head elevated to avoid swelling.
- Medications : Antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-swelling tablets are provided. • Post-operative kit: Includes special shampoo, foaming spray, neck pillow, and post-operative care instructions.
6. Check the next day
The next morning, we return to the clinic for:
- Bandage Removal : The donor area dressing is changed or removed.
- First hair wash : The staff shows you how to gently wash your hair with special foam and shampoo.
- Final Instructions : Patients receive instructions on washing for the next 10-14 days, what to avoid, and when normal activities can be resumed.
7. Free time and recovery period
Our clinic offers patients free time after surgery. Depending on their comfort level, they can:
- Rest in the hotel.
- Take short guided tours of the city (avoiding direct sunlight, dust, and intense activity).
- Continue washing hair daily as directed.
8. Departure and transfer to the airport
At the end of the treatment (usually 2-3 days after arrival):
- A driver will take you back to the airport. • The clinic provides medical reports, photos, and contact information for online follow-up consultations.
- Recovery time after returning home
- Week 1–2: Scabs fall off, redness fades.
- Month 1–3: Shedding phase (newly transplanted hair may fall out, normal process).
- Month 4–6: Beginning of visible new growth.
- Month 9–12: significant results, increased density.
- Month 12–18: Final result
