Questions & Answers

Here are the most frequently asked  questions relating to Hair Loss &  Transplantation, simply click on the question so see the answer, more specific questions may be answered by our patient educators or doctors.

Feel free to call our office at 0800 614853 (International + 44 1924 200918)  or send your question via email.

1. Are there alternatives to surgical hair transplants?
2. Why does my hair fall out in some areas but not in others?
3. Will my new hair eventually fall out?
4. Can I restore my hair to where it was before it started to fall out?
5. Will it be very noticeable after the transplant?
6. How long will it be until I can return to work?
7. How long does the surgery last?
8. When will I notice my new hair growing?
9. How will I know if I am a good candidate for hair transplantation?
10. Is the procedure painful?
11. Is it possible to receive hair from another donor?
12. How does the Theatre booking fee (TBF) work?

Are there alternatives to surgical hair transplants?

It is possible to manage an individual's hair loss condition with approved medications like Minoxidil^® and Finasteride^® when treatment is sought in the early stages of pattern baldness.

The best candidates for these treatments are younger individuals who have not been thinning very long and still have a good amount of hair in the thinning or balding area.

Non-Surgical treatments like Minoxidil^® and Finasteride^® require a lifetime commitment, which means once treatment is stopped, the user loses all of the hair he may have retained or grown during this non-surgical treatment.

Why does my hair fall out in some areas but not in others?

Some hairs contain an enzyme that converts testosterone, the primary male hormone, to dihydro-testosterone (DHT) within the hair follicle itself. Testosterone has very little effect on the hair follicle, but DHT strongly influences the hair to stop growing. Hair in balding areas of the scalp contain a high level of this enzyme, but hair on the sides and the back of the scalp contain little, if any, of this enzyme. This explains why the transplanted hair does not fall out.

Will my new hair eventually fall out?

The transplanted hair will grow as long the hair from where it was taken continues to grow. We "harvest" hairs from areas on the back and sides of the scalp that we feel will never fall out.

Can I restore my hair to where it was before it started to fall out?

The answer unfortunately is no. We can however make the hair look very good in most cases. We cannot create new hair - we can only re-distribute hair from where there is a surplus to the thinner areas. The less the hair loss, the thicker we can make the transplanted areas.

Will it be very noticeable after the transplant?

The donor area will not be noticeable after treatment providing your hair is kept at a length of approx 1 inch in length. The area in which the grafts have been transplanted into will appear slightly red immediately afterwards.

How long will it be until I can return to work?

The procedure is performed on an out patient basis therefore patients usually return to their normal lifestyle within days. However, we do advice that any strenuous or physical activities are not taken for 5 days.

How long does the surgery last?

Generally 2-4 hours. This procedure cannot be rushed and still yield the best results. Music and conversation makes the time pass more quickly.

When will I notice my new hair growing?

It will take about 3 months before you begin to notice the new growth and 5-6 months before it will begin to improve your appearance. This can vary on an individual basis. Gradual growth allows the process to appear more as a natural, less obvious transition.

How will I know if I am a good candidate for hair transplantation?

That will require a personal consultation with one of our experienced hair replacement Doctors to determine what your specific expectations should be. There's no cost or obligation for your consultation. Just fill in the Self Assessment form or call on 0800 614853.

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are limits as to what results can be achieved.

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort will occur, but patients experience this only at the initial stage of the procedure, even at that, the discomfort is over very quickly.

After the surgery, there is normally some mild level of discomfort in the back of the scalp from where the grafts where taken. A mild pain medication will be given to use if needed.

Is it possible to receive hair from another donor?

This is a common question but the answer is NO, hair from another person is not suitable for hair transplant surgery; even if that person is related to you or is of  the same blood type.

How does the Theatre booking fee (TBF) work?

An advance payment of 10% for normal strip surgery and 30% for FUE is required to confirm your reservation of a treatment room for a procedure by one of the Norton Clinics Doctors. 

Your Theatre booking fee may be paid at the time you schedule your procedure and will be deducted from the full payment which is due before a procedure is performed. This Theatre booking fee must be paid at least two weeks before your appointment date or your theatre reservation may be cancelled without our notifying you. This Theatre booking payment is non-refundable unless you notify us at least 4 weeks in advance of the reservation you wish to change.