On this page
- 1. Welcome and briefing
- 2. Examination and blood tests
- 3. Hairline design
- 4. Preparing the donor area
- 5. Local anaesthesia
- 6. Harvesting (FUE)
- 7. Sorting and storing the grafts
- 8. Lunch break
- 9. Recipient area anaesthesia and channel opening
- 10. Implantation
- 11. Dressing and instructions
- 12. The next day: check-up and first wash
- Frequently asked questions
A hair transplant is made up of consecutive stages, each of which determines part of the result. Haste or carelessness at one stage can undo the care taken in the others. That is why a good team plans the operation as a whole and carries out every step on time and in the right order.
Below we describe a typical hair transplant day from start to finish. Timings can vary depending on the number of grafts and the technique used.
1. Welcome and briefing
The day begins with your welcome at the clinic. The plan discussed during the preliminary consultation is reviewed again, and you can ask any questions you have. You are briefed about the operation and sign the consent form. Nothing is rushed at this stage; having everything clear makes the rest of the day go smoothly.
2. Examination and blood tests
Pre-operative blood tests are carried out and your general health is assessed. Blood pressure and pulse are measured. The donor area is examined closely: hair density, shaft thickness and the exit angle of the follicles are assessed. This information determines how many grafts can be safely harvested.
3. Hairline design
One of the most important stages of a hair transplant is designing the hairline. The line is drawn taking into account your facial proportions, forehead shape, age and how hair loss is likely to progress. A line that is too low and too straight may not suit you as the years go by, so the design considers both today and the future.
The line is reviewed together with you in front of a mirror. Feel free to share your thoughts. We do not move on to the next stage without your approval.
4. Preparing the donor area
The hair in the donor area is trimmed for harvesting. If an unshaven transplant is planned, only a hidden strip is trimmed. The area is then cleaned and disinfected.
5. Local anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is applied to the donor area. You may feel a slight sting and burning sensation in the first minutes; after a few minutes the area is completely numb. Some clinics also use pressure-based (needle-free) applicators. For more on pain management, see our painless hair transplant guide.
6. Harvesting (FUE)
Follicles are harvested one by one with a micro-motor using punches 0.6–0.9 mm in diameter. You lie face down for this stage. Extraction is spread evenly so that no sparse patches are left, and stays within the limits of the safe donor zone. Harvesting can take 2–3 hours depending on the number of grafts.
7. Sorting and storing the grafts
The harvested follicles are sorted under magnification by hair count into single, double, triple and quadruple-hair grafts. Damaged follicles are set aside. Until implantation, the grafts are stored in a suitable solution at a suitable temperature to keep them viable. Keeping the time grafts spend outside the body short is important for how well they take.
8. Lunch break
After harvesting, there is a short break. You can have a light lunch, use the bathroom and rest a little.
9. Recipient area anaesthesia and channel opening
Local anaesthesia is applied to the area to be transplanted. Depending on the technique, one of two routes is followed:
- [Sapphire FUE](/en/sapphire-fue-hair-transplant): Micro-channels are opened with sapphire blades at the planned angle, direction and density.
- [DHI](/en/dhi-hair-transplant): Channels are not opened in advance; the Choi pen creates the channel and releases the graft at the same time.
The angle and direction of the channels follow the natural exit of the existing hair. This is one of the most critical steps for a natural result.
10. Implantation
Single-hair grafts are placed at the front of the hairline and double and triple-hair grafts in the rows behind. This distribution creates a soft, natural transition at the front and volume behind it. Implantation can take 2–4 hours depending on the number of grafts. During this time you lie on your back and can watch a film or listen to music.
11. Dressing and instructions
When the operation is complete, the treated area is checked. The donor area is dressed; the recipient area is usually left uncovered. You are told — and given in writing — which medication to take, how to sleep, what to watch out for in the first days and when your first wash will be. You then return to your hotel.
12. The next day: check-up and first wash
The day after surgery you come back to the clinic for a check-up. The donor dressing is removed, the treated area is checked and your first wash is done. You are shown in practice how to wash your hair at home. For the next steps, see our hair transplant aftercare page.
Frequently asked questions
Am I awake during the operation?
Yes. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia; you are awake but do not feel pain. You can talk, watch a film or listen to music.
Can I take breaks during the operation?
Yes. Besides the lunch break, short breaks can be taken whenever you need them.
Can I go back to the hotel alone after surgery?
As no general anaesthesia is used, this is usually possible; but having a companion makes things easier.
How long does surgery day take?
Usually 6–8 hours, including the examination, design and breaks.
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by a physician after examination. Results vary from person to person.