13 Frequently Asked Questions on Hair Loss, Hair Transplant & FUE Answered!

Baldness is common, but not everyone really understands the whole story behind it. When you’re planning to get it fixed using hair transplant surgery, you need to ask the right questions. There’s value in understanding your problem and the solution. For that, we got you covered! We answered some of the usual queries that patients like you are asking on hair loss, hair transplant, and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).

4. Is everyone a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?

Often, men who have hair loss beyond class 3 or above on the Norwood Scale are good candidates for a transplant as long as their pattern has stabilized. If hair loss medications are unable to restore a full head of hair, consult a doctor with a special interest in hair transplant to assess if you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant (e.g. donor hair density and rate of progression, family genetics, etc.).

Age is also an important consideration when surgeon’s choose a hair transplant candidate. A person’s pattern of balding can’t always be determined by the age of 25 and so it is best to wait until this time period in order for physicians to have more information about what type or patterns would work well with an individual’s situation.

The ideal candidate for hair restoration surgery must also have healthy hair on the sides and back of the head—the areas from which grafts are taken.

5. Will my transplanted hair eventually fall out?

Transplanted hair, called autografts, will continue to grow naturally as you age. The coverage that hair transplant provides is long-lasting. You may encounter shedding of transplanted hair 2-8 weeks after surgery, but this is normal, and it will eventually grow back. It’s also worth noting that like the rest of your hair follicles, the transplanted ones have a lifespan.

6. Can sun exposure harm my hair transplant results?

Sun does not give direct damage to the follicles provided that you don’t bake in the sun after a hair transplant. Going out and doing casual activities are okay.

Strong sun exposure doesn’t really kill the follicles underneath the skin. But 11 days after surgery, your scalp can still be fragile to sunburn. You can put on a cap or an umbrella to protect your sensitive skin in the early period after surgery. Some doctors even suggest avoiding artificial tanning sessions for at least 60 days after the hair transplant.

Source: National Library of Medicine

7. Are there any complications from surgery?

It’s important to remember that there is always some risk when undergoing any type of surgical procedure, but hair transplant poses minimal complications. If you do have an issue after your treatment, you’re more likely to experience minor bleeding or infection than anything else. It helps that you discuss these concerns with your surgeon beforehand, so you will know how best to minimise or avoid the risks.

FUE Hair Transplant

8. How long will a FUE procedure take?

FUE (follicular unit extraction) is often done in either 6-12 hour sessions over the course of 1-2 days, depending on the number of grafts and technique you choose. It can be completed as an outpatient procedure with no need for hospitalization.

9. How does FUE promise a discreet result than FUT?

The fact that FUE is a minimally invasive approach is a start. It forgoes any incision to remove a strip of scalp that contains the donor grafts. So you are not left with a jarring scar at the back of your head which is visible if you wear your hair short.

FUE even comes in different forms, which further improves your chances of creating discreet results. It is known that FUE involves shaving, which can be off-putting for some patients, especially those who want to keep their hair transplant journey on the down-low. Fortunately, some practices today provide a partially shaved and non-shaved technique, so you can come in on a Friday and get back to work on Monday without anyone knowing you had anything done.

10. How long does it take for grafts to set in?

It approximately takes 14 days for newly implanted hair grafts to become secure after a hair transplant. This is important to consider for your transplant aftercare, recovery, your return to work and your lifestyle.

11. Can an FUE hair transplant fail?

FUE is not foolproof and that’s why you must entrust it to someone who specialises in this particular technique. Some common causes of failed FUE include, post-operative infection, poor technique, or an approach that is not customised to a patient’s unique facial contours, or poor self-care of the grafts by the patient in the immediate post-op period before the growth potential is secured.

12. Why do some FUE hair transplant results look bad?

The common reason behind poor results is when an inexperienced hair surgeon or technician over-harvest the same area of the scalp during an FUE procedure, leaving suboptimal amounts of hair in the donor sites. Poor planning and an unnatural hairline and density are also reasons for poor satisfaction post-op.

13. What is an important consideration if you are to undergo an FUE hair transplant?

Choosing the right doctor is a crucial step for anyone considering an FUE hair transplant. It is very important that the grafts are harvested, handled, and implanted in the proper way. Good yield is possible when the procedure is done by a hair transplant doctor that is trained and experienced in FUE so that the results look natural and effective. It is important to reiterate that donor hairs/follicles are finite/limited, so choose a good surgeon. Invest your follicles wisely.

We hope that this was able to shed light on some of your concerns. You can also get more answers in one of our previous blogs, or you can always book a no-obligation consultation so we can talk about your concerns at length. You can call us at +65 6235 0010 for an appointment with Dr Tyng Tan.