Hair Transplant Process

The Consultation

At The Cole Clinic we pride ourselves on the world class personal and professional attention you receive during your hair transplant surgical procedure. The professional team of nurses and medical staff will greet you and assist you in completing your medical and hair loss history. Dr. Cole will then evaluate your health status, degree of hair loss, risk of further balding, and other possible causes for your hair loss.

Dr. Cole will then meet with you for a personal 20-30 minute consultation, paying close attention to your individual appearance goals. He then combines these goals to develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve your appearance goals. Dr. Cole’s knowledge, experience and artistry offer the patient one of the most state-of-the-art hair transplant procedures in the world.

Often the recommended treatment plan will include the use of medications before proceeding with a hair transplant, or in combination. Dr. Cole’s attention to detail in creating a treatment plan ensures a completely natural looking result.*

During the surgical hair transplant consultation the doctor will make recommendations for the number of grafts, where the hairline should be placed, the number of hair transplant procedures possible, your hair type and degree of coverage to be expected with each session. As well the number of sessions likely required to meet your goals, and costs will be discussed. Finally, the consultation process will also address will how hair colouring, hair styling, and medication may help to enhance and maintain your final result.*

^{*Individual results may vary – see Disclaimer for more information.}

The Procedure

On the day of your hair transplant procedure, you will meet with Dr. Cole and review the details of the surgery and discuss any concerns you may have. He will sketch the hairline on your scalp and discuss it with you using a mirror to ensure your goals are clearly understood.

Dr. Cole will then begin and remove the donor tissue from the back and sides of the scalp once it has been numbed with a local anesthetic. This tissue will be cut into follicular units by his nursing staff. He will close the donor site with sutures that will be removed 7-14 days later. The recipient area of the scalp will then be numbed and it is at this time that Dr. Cole’s uses his skill and artistry to redistribute the hair follicles.

Small slits are placed in the front hair-line, grafts will be placed in a planned, but random pattern to make the hairline appear very natural. The graft insertion process typically lasts 1-3 hours. There is no discomfort during the procedure, minor discomfort may occur when local anesthetic is being administered.*

During the hair transplant procedure you may watch a movie, listen to your iPod, engage in conversation, or just relax (and yes even nap). You will be encouraged to get up frequently throughout the session for stretches, walks to the bathroom, and be offered snacks.

Once all the grafts are inserted, a dressing will be applied to your scalp, and a toque (knitted cap) bandana will be placed over this for your return home. You will be given the medications you will need, and be asked to return the next day for your shampoo and aftercare instruction.

Next Day Shampoo

The day after the procedure, a member of the Cole Clinic medical team removes your dressing, washes your hair, and gives instruction on caring for transplanted hair and your scalp during the next several days. Many patients will wear an adjustable ball or golf cap or a scarf during this healing time.

You will return for Suture Removal 
7 – 14 days after your hair transplant procedure.

After Care

24 hours after your surgery, small crusts will form on each graft. These will heal and fall off within 7-14 days. It is important that you do NO strenuous lifting, bending or straining for the first 3-4 days. Activities can be resumed gradually. Many patients return to work within 3-4 days.

The grafted hairs will fall out after 1-3 weeks, and then start to grow again 2-3 months later, and will continue to grow for your lifetime. The Cole Clinic team will continue to monitor your progress.

^{*Individual results may vary – see Disclaimer for more information.}