Hair Transplant FAQs

Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant?
A good candidate usually has permanent pattern hair loss, enough healthy donor hair on the back or sides of the scalp, and realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. The first step is determining what is causing your hair loss. Not every type of hair loss should be treated with a transplant.
The transplanted hairs are taken from areas of the scalp that are more resistant to pattern hair loss, so the results are generally long-lasting. A transplant does not stop your existing, non-transplanted hair from continuing to thin. That is why long-term planning matters.
That is the goal. Natural results depend heavily on the design of the hairline and the angle, direction and placement of each graft. The goal should not be to create a “perfect” hairline. It should be to create one that looks like it naturally belongs to you.

FUE removes individual follicular units from the donor area one at a time. It leaves many very small dot-like scars rather than one linear scar.

FUT removes a thin strip of donor tissue, which is then divided into individual grafts. It leaves a linear scar that is normally hidden by the surrounding hair.
Both techniques can produce natural results. The better option depends on your donor hair, hairstyle, number of grafts needed and long-term treatment plan.

Yes. Every hair transplant creates some degree of scarring. FUE typically leaves tiny scattered scars in the donor area. FUT leaves a thin linear scar. The goal is to make the scarring as difficult to see as possible once the area heals.
There is no standard number. It depends on how much area needs to be restored, your existing density, hair thickness, donor supply, the result you want and how much donor hair should be preserved for the future. Your graft estimate is determined during your consultation.
That is one of the most important things we evaluate. A hair transplant redistributes the hair you already have—it does not create new hair. We need to determine how much donor hair can safely be moved without making the donor area look thin.

Cost depends mainly on the number of grafts required and whether FUE or FUT is used.
A typical procedure of approximately 2,000 grafts currently ranges from about $10,000 to $15,000.
Your exact cost will be provided after your consultation and treatment plan.

Yes. Financing is available through CareCredit for qualified patients.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort. The scalp is numbed with local anesthetic before the transplant. The injections used to numb the scalp can cause brief discomfort, but once the area is numb, most patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Some soreness or tightness afterward is normal and usually improves quickly.
Not necessarily. Whether shaving is needed depends on the procedure, the number of grafts and your hairstyle. FUE commonly requires trimming or shaving part of the donor area, while FUT can often be performed without shaving a large area. We will explain exactly what would be required before your procedure.
Most hair transplants take several hours, and larger procedures can take most of the day. The exact time depends on the technique and the number of grafts being transplanted.
Many patients can return to work within a few days. You may have some swelling for several days and redness in the transplanted area for approximately one to two weeks. If you want the procedure to be less noticeable socially, you may choose to take additional time off.
Light activity can usually resume fairly quickly, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided while the grafts and donor area are healing. Most patients can gradually return to normal exercise within a few weeks. We will give you specific instructions based on your procedure and healing.
Usually, yes—and that is normal. The transplanted hairs commonly shed during the first several weeks after surgery. The follicles remain beneath the skin and begin producing new hair as they enter the next growth cycle.

New growth usually begins around 3 to 4 months after surgery.
The hair then gradually becomes longer, thicker and more noticeable. Significant improvement occurs over the following months, with the final result typically developing around 12 to 14 months.

Yes. A transplant moves permanent donor hair into thinning areas, but it does not stop your original hair from continuing to thin. Depending on your type of hair loss, Dr. Rose may recommend medical treatment to help preserve the hair you still have.
Possibly. Some patients achieve what they want with one procedure. Others return later because their natural hair continues to thin, they want additional density, or another area needs treatment. Your donor hair is limited, so every procedure should be planned with future hair loss in mind.
Poor graft growth can occur, although it is not the expected outcome. Results depend on several factors, including the health of the donor hair, surgical technique, graft handling, healing and following your post-operative instructions. No responsible surgeon should guarantee that every transplanted graft will grow.
Hair transplantation is surgery, so there are risks. Temporary swelling, redness, soreness, itching, crusting or numbness can occur. Less common complications include infection, bleeding, noticeable scarring or poor graft growth. Your individual risks will be discussed before surgery.

Dr. Rose will examine your scalp and donor area, review your medical history and determine what is causing your hair loss.

You will discuss:

  • Whether you are a good candidate
  • FUE versus FUT
  • Hairline design
  • The areas that should be treated
  • Estimated graft requirements
  • Your donor hair supply
  • Future hair loss
  • Expected results
  • Recovery
  • Cost

The goal is to determine whether surgery makes sense for you—not simply to sell you a transplant.

Yes. Hair transplant consultations are provided at no cost. Consultations specifically for the medical diagnosis or treatment of hair loss may be billed as a medical visit or submitted to insurance when applicable.
Yes. Your initial consultation can be conducted by Zoom. An in-person evaluation will still be required before your hair transplant surgery.
Dr. Paul Rose is a board-certified dermatologist who has performed hair restoration surgery since 1988. He has published and lectured extensively on hair restoration, previously served as President of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), and served on the Board of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. His approach focuses on creating natural-looking hairlines while preserving the donor hair that may be needed later in life.
You will receive detailed instructions explaining how to wash and care for the transplanted and donor areas. Follow-up care includes post-operative appointments and a next-day shampoo visit. An optional post-operative care kit is also available.
Yes, but it needs to be worn in a way that does not rub or place pressure on the newly transplanted grafts. We will show you how and when to wear one safely before you leave after surgery.

Protect the transplanted area from prolonged direct sunlight while the scalp is healing.
For approximately the first 2 to 3 months, we recommend wearing a hat when you will be outside in direct sun for an extended period.

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