Hair transplantation surgery

Basic information

Hair is an important part of our appearance.The normal life cycle of hair consists of three phases. The first phase is the anagen phase (growth), which lasts 2–6 years.The next is the catagen phase (non-growth), which lasts 2–6 weeks. During this phase, the hair begins to detach from the follicle.The final phase is the telogen phase (shedding), which lasts 3–4 months. During this phase, the hair is pushed out by a new anagen hair beginning to grow.

Hair growth and development take place inside a protective skin structure called a follicle. The average person has approximately 100,000 hairs, although this number varies depending on skin type and structure. Each follicle can produce between one and four hairs. This discovery led to the development of a new hair transplant technique called Follicular Hair Regrowth (F.H.R.).

The new modern and more advanced FUE hair transplant technique is nearly painless. The patient can remain seated most of the day, listen to music, watch TV, and even eat during breaks. The procedure typically lasts 6–10 hours.

Immediately after the transplant, the treated areas at the front and back of the head appear red and dotted. This redness gradually subsides, usually significantly within 10–14 days. After two weeks, gentle massage with shampoo can be started to remove any remaining dots. Hats should not be worn during the first two weeks while the grafts are still in the attachment phase. To harvest grafts from the back of the head using the FUE technique, the area must be shaved to about 2 mm in length. Most patients choose to shave the entire head to achieve a uniform look, similar to a buzz cut. Within two weeks, hair begins to look more normal again.

Bandaging after the procedure is not necessary. Hair regrowth is typically noticed within 8–16 weeks. The final result is visible 12–14 months after the transplant.

The cost of a hair transplant is based on the number of grafts transplanted. Pricing is estimated during the consultation.

Hair loss and baldness

On average, people lose 100–150 hairs per day. Normally, most hairs grow back from healthy, undamaged follicles. However, hair loss can sometimes accelerate.
Hair loss and baldness can result from various factors:

• scalp bacteria
• stress
• poor nutrition
• genetics (in both men and women)
• hormonal imbalance

In many cases, multiple factors contribute to hair loss. Research shows that the dominant cause of hair loss is hereditary—genes account for 95% of cases in both men and women.

Hair transplant

There are modern solutions to hair loss problems.

Hair transplantation using follicular unit extraction is the most advanced hair restoration procedure available today, replacing outdated micrograft techniques. The new method requires a team of two doctors and eight nurses.
Follicular units are separated under a microscope. This new technique avoids damaging the follicles and allows for about 30% more grafts from the same donor area compared to older methods.

The modern transplant method is nearly painless. The patient remains in a seated position, can listen to music, watch TV, and eat during the procedure, which lasts 4–6 hours. Bandaging is unnecessary, and the patient appears much the same leaving the clinic as when they arrived. Hair regrowth typically begins around 16 weeks post-transplant.

Treatments for hair loss

Cityklinikka offers several treatments for hair loss, including:

• hair transplant surgery
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) scalp treatments
• injection therapies

Non-surgical injection treatments such as PRP and mesotherapy can help with hair loss but are not effective for regrowing hair on already bald areas.

If hair loss is advanced or partial baldness is present, hair transplant surgery typically provides the best results.

Hair transplant procedure

Cityklinikka uses modern FUE technique for hair transplantation. The procedure is painless, recovery is quick, and no visible scarring remains.

Before the procedure

Before surgery, a consultation will be arranged to discuss expectations, review current hair condition and health, and explain the procedure. The date of the procedure will also be scheduled.

It’s advisable to maintain physical health and, if you smoke, to pause smoking before and after the procedure. For optimal healing and results, avoid smoking for at least four weeks before and after the transplant. Arrange for transportation on surgery day, as medication given during the procedure prevents driving afterward.

Be sure to learn as much as possible about the procedure in advance.

On surgery day

Upon arrival at Cityklinikka, the process is reviewed, and a procedural map is drawn on the scalp to determine graft placement. You’ll then sit in a comfortable chair for the procedure.

The scalp is cleaned, and hair at the back of the head is trimmed very short. The transplant is performed under local anesthesia. Only the initial injection may be slightly painful. You’ll receive calming medication as needed, and your comfort is prioritized throughout.

Hair follicles (1–4 hairs per unit) are extracted individually from the donor area using a round scalpel (0.8–1.0 mm in diameter). No cutting is involved. These micrografts are examined and prepared under a microscope before being implanted one by one into the recipient area. Tiny incisions are made, and grafts are immediately placed. Proper technique ensures a natural-looking result by avoiding follicle damage and positioning the grafts at the correct angle and depth.

After all grafts are in place, the scalp is cleaned, the result is reviewed, and any final corrections are made.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis—you return home the same day.

After the procedure

Swelling in the scalp area may occur, especially with larger procedures. Arnizen products can help reduce swelling. If swelling is significant, rest at home for a few days. If there’s little to no swelling, you can typically return to work the next day. However, physical activity (exercise, lifting heavy objects) should be avoided for three weeks. If your job involves physical labor, a one-week sick leave is recommended.

Scabbing in the treated areas is common and resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Three days post-procedure, you may rinse your hair with water, but avoid touching the grafted areas. It takes two weeks for the grafts to anchor, and touching can interfere. Shampoo washing should not be done until two weeks after surgery.
Around three weeks after the procedure, the grafted hairs often fall out—this is normal. The follicles enter a resting phase before beginning new growth in a few months. Preliminary results are visible at 6–8 months, and full results at 12–14 months.

Recovery varies by individual, so it’s important to listen to your body and adapt accordingly. Light walking is recommended in the early weeks. All types of physical activity can typically resume after three months. Sun protection is essential.

You will receive Cityklinikka’s contact information after the procedure and can call the performing surgeon at any time.

Stem cell treatment

All hair transplants at Cityklinikka include stem cell treatment. This has been shown to significantly improve outcomes.

Stem cell therapy:

• prevents hair loss
• increases hair count in existing follicles
• activates weakened follicles to begin producing new hair