Answers to frequently asked questions:

Q) Is there any temporary or permanent hair loss?
A) The procedure does not cause any permanent hair loss. Hair-follicle grafts are placed in tiny slits that are made between existing hairs. A temporary loss of up to 10-15% is common after the transplant as a result of a shock effect, although a few patients can lose much more. However, do not panic as this is temporary and the hair will grow back.

Q) Will there be any side effects to my health?
A) No. This procedure has been done successfully since 1959, with no associated problems. You will need to cut your hair as usual.

Q) Do I need to treat my transplanted hair any differently?
A) The hair that is transplanted is your own hair. It grows as it always has; therefore, the newly transplanted hair needs no special treatment.

Q) Will wearing a hat affect the transplanted hair?
A) No. Wearing a hat does not cause hair loss, and will not affect your transplanted hair in any way.

Q) What about future loss of hair?
A) Your transplanted hair is permanent. It is taken from the back and sides of your head where hair loss does not occur. The natural process of hair loss (non-transplanted) will continue. You should be prepared for the possibility that future hair transplantation may be desired should you lose any further non-transplanted hair. Under normal circumstances, the transplanted hair will never fall out.

Q) Is it possible to transplant hair adjacent to other hair without causing damage?
A) Yes. Your hair grafts are inserted into slits in the scalp. These slits are made in-between existing hairs, and therefore the hair replacement treatments do not cause damage.

Q) Does transplanted hair grow at the same rate as existing hair?
A) Yes. The transplanted hair is your own hair, and will continue to grow at the same rate as it always has.

Q) Are there times when hair follicles do not survive the transplant?
A) Greater than 95% of the transplanted hairs are viable. This means that out of approximately 1000 grafts more than 950 will survive.

Q) Can you transplant hair from other parts of the body?
A) Hairs from other areas of the body retain their unique characteristics that would not be desirable for the scalp. Only occasionally can hair transplantation be done between separate areas of the body (i.e. head to moustache, eyebrows, etc.)

Q) Do I require time off work?
A) We recommend that you do not participate in any strenuous activity for a period of ten days after your hair transplant. In addition, scabs are present on the scalp during this period. For these reasons you may find it suitable to take time off work.

Q) Will my family doctor be familiar with the hair-transplantation procedure?
A) As this is a relatively new procedure in Cape Town, many doctors are unaware of the possibilities for hair restoration available. If your doctor has any questions or concerns they are welcome to contact myself or any one of our many hair restoration surgeons.

My staff and I hope that you will find this website useful in making an informed decision about hair-transplant surgery. If you have any questions, use the form below to submit your question.

You may also visit our feedback page to find out more from our many successful hair transplant surgery clients