Hair Transplant Process: This Is How the Procedure Works Step by Step

Hair loss makes life more difficult for many people, but fortunately, there is now an effective, aesthetic, and permanent solution: hair transplantation. If you're interested in how the hair transplant process works and want a detailed overview, you're in the right place! Learn what to expect from the consultation to the day of the hair transplant and the postoperative period. At PHAEYDE Clinic, we perform hair transplants for both men and women, and in this article, we will explain how long-hair transplants differ and how they are performed.

Before the Procedure – Consultation and Examination

The first step before a hair transplant can be a personal consultation and hair examination. The PHAEYDE hair transplant clinic uses a personalized approach to ensure patients receive the best care. Customers living in or near Bratislava often choose to have an in-person consultation at the clinic. During this, a hair transplant specialist assesses the extent of hair loss, examines the scalp, and determines whether the donor area – the back of the head and above the ears – is suitable for graft extraction, i.e., whether it has enough grafts to perform the procedure. The required number of grafts to achieve the desired result is also determined.

Patients can choose between the FUE method or the award-winning SHE (Single Hair Extraction) method, which ensure scar-free healing and natural results.

If someone cannot attend the consultation in person, they can send a description and high-quality photos from multiple angles (front, top, and back). Our experienced consultants usually review the photos within 24 hours, and we send a detailed expert opinion and price quote within two business days.

Hair Transplant Process: What You Should Know About the Procedure

Hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, making it completely painless. The procedure consists of two main phases: graft extraction and implantation. Depending on the size of the transplant area and the degree of baldness, the procedure can take one or even two days.

1. Arrival at the Clinic (7:30–8:00)

We expect our patients for hair transplantation at PHAEYDE Clinic at 7:30 AM on the day of the procedure.

Upon arrival, a preoperative consultation is conducted. A clinic consultant explains the procedure and defines and marks the transplant area. The payment is then made. The client is seated in their private resting room, where they can relax during breaks. A preoperative medical checkup follows.

2. Hairline Planning and Hair Trimming (8:00–8:20)

If the specialist confirms the scalp is suitable, the next step is shaving the hair to 1 mm. The doctor then defines the transplant area and draws the new hairline. At PHAEYDE Clinic, great emphasis is placed on creating a natural hairline that suits the face shape.

In the case of  hair transplant for women, the procedure can be done with long hair. However, the donor area must always be shaved to 1 mm. We can cut the hair to create an 8x10 cm window at the back of the head, which longer hair around it can cover. Another method is shaving from the bottom (neck) up to the ear line, allowing the longer hair to cover the donor area from above.

3. Graft Extraction from the Donor Area (8:30–11:00)

The precise extraction of grafts (follicular units) from the donor area (back of the head and above the ears) begins in the morning. These hairs are resistant to DHT, the hormone responsible for baldness, and thus remain long-term in the implanted area. The required number of grafts is carefully extracted using microsurgical tools and stored in a sterile solution until implantation.

Transplantáciu vlasov vykonávajú naši lekári v lokálnej anestézii, tým pádom je zákrok úplne bezbolestný. Po dôkladnom umŕtvení pokožky sa štepy extrahujú jeden po druhom pomocou extra tenkej dutej ihly.

Our doctors perform the transplant under local anesthesia, making it completely painless. After numbing the scalp, grafts are extracted one by one using a very thin hollow needle.

While FUE uses needles with a diameter of about 1–1.2 mm, the  SHE hair transplant methoduses needles of just 0.5–0.8 mm. This ensures that minimal skin tissue is removed, healing is faster, and the scalp remains scar-free.

During this phase, the patient lies on their stomach and relaxes. We take breaks approximately every two hours (or as needed) so both patient and doctor can rest. This ensures focus and comfort throughout the procedure.

4. Graft Implantation into the Target Area (11:00–13:00)

The next step is implanting the extracted grafts into the target area. Small recipient sites are created in the scalp using an extra thin-bladed scalpel matching the diameter of the extraction needle. The grafts are then inserted one by one at the correct depth, angle, and direction to ensure a natural look, especially at the hairline and crown.

Lunch Break (Between 12:00–13:30)

Around noon, there is a lunch break, which is included in the price. Clients can choose from a lunch menu or the à la carte menu. During this break, our experienced consultant summarizes important post-op care instructions. Clients receive a care package with all necessary products for scalp care.

4. Graft Implantation into the Target Area (13:00–16:00)

In the afternoon, the procedure is completed. Depending on the number of implanted grafts, the procedure usually ends between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. The exact time is communicated during the lunch break.

After the Hair Transplant – What to Expect?

It is important to note that the implanted hairs will fall out after the procedure. Based on our experience and patient feedback, this typically happens between day 10 and 30 post-op. This is a completely natural part of the process, as the hairs are traumatized during transplantation. However, the follicles remain intact under the skin and enter a resting phase.

New hair growth begins around 4–6 months after the procedure, and the final result is visible after 10–12 months.

There are no mandatory checkups in the weeks after the surgery, but if PHAEYDE patients have any questions, the clinic staff is always ready to help. We contact our clients by phone 10 months after the procedure to learn how satisfied they are with the final result.

Hair transplant before-after: Norbert

Entrust Your Hair Transplant to Us!

At our clinic, we contractually guarantee that the transplanted hairs will grow. The procedure is carried out in a discreet and comfortable environment with the help of recognized experts. With more than 17 years of experience, excellent reviews, affordable prices, and a painless procedure, you’re in good hands. For more information and articles about hair transplantation, visit our  Hair Transplant Blog, where you’ll find up-to-date insights.

If you're looking for a high-quality hair transplant, choose PHAEYDE Clinic – where every patient receives maximum attention and care! Top-quality hair transplantation this year only at PHAEYDE Clinic!