Hair loss is a concern for millions worldwide, and for many, a hair transplant is the most reliable way to restore a fuller head of hair. But if you’re new to this journey, you might be wondering—what happens during the first hair transplant procedure?
At Dr. Hanan Dermatology Speciality and Trichology Clinic in Chennai, we guide our patients through every step of the process, ensuring they understand what to expect before, during, and after their first procedure. This blog will explain the entire process in detail, backed by expert insights and real-world patient experiences.
Understanding Hair Transplant Basics
A hair transplant is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves moving healthy hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to areas affected by hair thinning or baldness.
The goal is to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results by using your own hair follicles, which continue to grow after being transplanted.
Common hair transplant methods include:
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual hair follicles are extracted and implanted.
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation/Strip Method): A strip of scalp is removed, and hair follicles are dissected for transplantation.
Related Read: Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Chennai
Who is the Right Candidate for a Hair Transplant?
Before the procedure, your dermatologist will assess:
- Age & hair loss stage
- Donor hair availability
- Overall scalp health
- Medical history
You might be an ideal candidate if you have:
- Male or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
- Hair loss from injury or burns
- Adequate healthy donor hair
First Consultation: The Foundation of Success
The first step in any hair transplant journey is the initial consultation. At Dr. Hanan Clinic, we:
- Conduct a scalp analysis using trichoscopy
- Evaluate your donor area density
- Discuss your hairline design goals
- Explain expected results & timelines
- Provide a personalized treatment plan
This stage is crucial because it sets realistic expectations and ensures you’re medically fit for the surgery.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before your first hair transplant, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Stopping blood-thinning medications (with your doctor’s approval)
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking for at least a week before surgery
- Washing your hair with a mild shampoo on the morning of the procedure
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery
Related Read: Hair Transplant Pain: What Should You Expect?
Step-by-Step: Your First Hair Transplant Procedure
Marking and Hairline Design
Before the surgery begins, your surgeon will take high-resolution photos of your scalp to document the baseline and plan the new hairline. The hairline design process is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a natural look that will still suit your face as you age. The doctor will factor in:
- Your facial proportions
- The natural direction of your hair growth
- The density achievable in one session
- Long-term hair loss patterns
At Dr. Hanan Clinic, we use a customized hairline template based on international standards, ensuring your results are undetectable to the naked eye. This careful planning is why your first hair transplant is so important—it sets the foundation for all future treatments.
Local Anesthesia
Contrary to popular belief, a hair transplant is not painful because we use advanced local anesthesia techniques. The injections are administered using very fine needles, and in some cases, a numbing cream is applied beforehand for added comfort.
The anesthesia ensures that both the donor and recipient sites remain completely numb during the entire surgery. You may feel some pressure or vibration from the surgical tools, but no sharp pain.
Donor Hair Extraction
The donor area—typically the back of the head—is chosen because it has DHT-resistant hair follicles, meaning they are genetically programmed not to fall out.
- FUE Extraction: Each follicle is carefully removed using a micromotor punch tool (0.7–1 mm in diameter) to minimize scarring.
- FUT Extraction: A narrow strip of scalp is taken, and the wound is sutured using advanced closure techniques for minimal scarring.
At our clinic, we use magnification loupes during extraction to ensure each graft is removed intact and healthy, increasing the survival rate and ensuring optimal results for first-time patients.
Graft Preparation
Once the follicles are extracted, they are placed in a cooling solution enriched with growth-preserving agents to maintain vitality. Trained technicians carefully trim and clean each follicular unit under high-powered microscopes.
Proper handling at this stage is crucial—poor graft preparation is one of the leading causes of failed transplants. That’s why at Dr. Hanan Clinic, we follow strict sterile protocols and maintain grafts at optimal temperatures to ensure the highest survival rate possible.
Recipient Site Creation
Creating the recipient sites (tiny incisions where the grafts will be placed) is a highly skilled process that determines how natural your transplant will look.
The surgeon will match the angle, direction, and density of your existing hair to ensure seamless blending. The number of recipient sites created is based on:
- Hairline density goals
- Available donor grafts
- Scalp elasticity
At our clinic, we use custom blades and slit-making tools to create incisions that are just the right size for the grafts—preventing trauma to the surrounding scalp and ensuring quick healing.
Implantation
The final step is placing each follicular unit into the prepared recipient sites. This is done using forceps or implanter pens to ensure precision placement without damaging the follicles.
We prioritize dense packing in the front hairline for an immediate visual impact while maintaining natural density in other areas for a balanced look.
Each graft is positioned to mimic natural hair growth patterns, meaning no one should be able to tell you’ve had a transplant—even up close.
Related Read: Hair Transplant Aftercare Tips: Ensuring Long-Term Results
How Long Does the First Procedure Take?
The duration depends on:
- Number of grafts (usually 2,000–4,000 for first timers)
- Technique used (FUE may take longer than FUT)
On average, a first hair transplant takes 4–8 hours and is done in a single day.
Recovery Timeline for First-Time Patients
- Day 1–2: Mild swelling or redness in the recipient area
- Day 3–5: Formation of small scabs
- Day 7–10: Scabs start falling off naturally
- 1–3 Months: Shedding of transplanted hair (normal phase)
- 4–6 Months: Visible regrowth starts
- 9–12 Months: Final results become apparent
📌 Related Read: Hair Transplant Aftercare Tips: Ensuring Long-Term Results
Possible Side Effects and How to Avoid Them
While generally safe, your first hair transplant may cause:
- Temporary swelling
- Itching or tightness in the scalp
- Shock loss (temporary shedding of existing hair)
To minimize risks:
- Follow post-op instructions
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the scalp
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights
Cost of First Hair Transplant in Chennai
The price depends on:
- Number of grafts
- Technique (FUE vs FUT)
- Surgeon’s expertise
- Clinic’s facilities
On average, hair transplants in Chennai cost ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000 for a first procedure.
Long-Term Maintenance After the First Procedure
A single session may not be enough if your hair loss is progressive. Maintenance treatments may include:
- PRP therapy every 3–6 months
- Minoxidil or finasteride
- Balanced nutrition and stress management
📌 Related Read: PRP Treatment for Hair Loss in Chennai
Final Thoughts
Your first hair transplant procedure can be life-changing—restoring not just your hair but also your self-confidence. At Dr. Hanan Dermatology Speciality and Trichology Clinic, we combine medical expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care to ensure your first experience is safe, comfortable, and delivers natural results.
If you’re considering your first hair transplant, schedule a consultation with our dermatology experts today and take the first step toward a fuller, healthier head of hair.
Book Your Consultation Today!
For Personalised Treatment visit Dr. Hanan Clinic. Feel confident and proud with our expert care.
