Hair Transplants : FAQs

Do WOMEN get hair tranplants?
Yes. Many women make excellent patients, providing they have adequate donor area in the back or sides of their scalp. The final result can be styled, coloured or permed as many women like to do. Women may also consider the use of minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) to help maintain and possibly enhance their existing hair growth. Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is not effective for women and should never be taken by women.

When will the transplanted hair begin to grow?
The transplanted hair will initially fall out a few weeks after the procedure and will begin to grow normally about 3 months after the procedure. The hair will continue to grow normally after that, for a lifetime.

Will any one be able to tell I’ve had the procedure?
Likely the only people who can tell you have had a hair transplant are just the people you’ve told. The existing hair will cover the donor area at the back of the head. The area receiving grafts will initially be covered in small scabs or crusts, which will fall off within 7-10 days.

How much discomfort will I feel?
The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic. You will experience some freezing injections to the scalp (similar to that experienced at the dentist) at the beginning of your procedure, which will take 1-2 minutes. Your scalp will then be numb and you will be very comfortable.

Is my new hair like my own naturally growing hair?
Transplanted hair is your own naturally growing hair. You may go swimming, play sports, wash it, perm it, colour it or style it any way you wish.

Do I need to care for the transplanted hair differently?
Once healing is complete, the transplanted hair needs no different care than you would normally give your hair.

Who will be performing the transplant procedure?
Dr. Cole performs all procedures with his fully trained nursing staff to assist him.

What should I expect following the procedure?
There will be a dressing applied to your scalp which will be concealed underneath a bandana or toque (knitted cap). The next morning you will come back into the office and have the dressing removed and your hair washed. Strenuous activities such as lifting, bending, and straining should be avoided for 3-5 days to minimize any risk of bleeding in the scalp that may dislodge grafts. Sutures in the donor area will be removed 7-14 days after the procedure.

What medication will I need?
You will be given an antibiotic to minimize the risks of infection, prednisone to prevent facial swelling, and optional sleeping and discomfort medication to ensure your comfort for the first couple of nights. These medications will be provided for you on your procedure day.

Are there age restrictions to qualify for a hair transplant?
No one is too old for a hair transplant if you are in reasonably good health. At The Cole Clinic, the oldest patients are in their 80’s and the youngest patient was 6 years old. As soon as hair begins thinning, a person may be a candidate for a transplant. Younger patients under 25 often have overly high expectations of achieving high hair density with low hairlines. With proper education and counseling, even these younger candidates can make excellent patients. Younger male patients should consider starting on Finasteride (brand name Propecia) as an excellent alternative or addition to a hair transplantation.