So you’re thinking about having a Hair Transplant procedure in the UK ?
If you are suffering from some form of hair loss you may be considering a hair transplant. UK hair loss clinics often offer hair transplant surgery as an option, in fact many clinics are totally dedicated to these procedures.
For many hair loss sufferers, the idea of a hair transplant may appear to be the logical solution. So they contact whichever clinic in the UK they happen to come across and a few days later, they receive a glossy brochure in the post showcasing the results that can be achieved. For the individual who has suffered from hair loss for an extended period of time, it would appear the answer to their prayers has arrived.
Those considering a hair transplant should be aware of the implications, both good and bad. A hair transplant operation is a fairly major procedure and can cause discomfort following surgery. Fairly extensive scarring is possible, although techniques have improved dramatically in recent years to counter this. Follow-on surgery is sometimes required if further hair loss is experienced.
The most common hair transplant procedures are known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and the Strip Method.
Follicular Unit Extraction
During Follicular Unit Extraction, a specialised punch with a diameter of approximately 0.75mm is used to extract donor hair from dense growth areas on the scalp, usually from the back of the head.
After the grafts have been removed, the surgeon then prepares the recipient site by puncturing holes in the scalp for where the microscopic grafts will be transferred at a predetermined density and pattern. The affected area is then cleansed and covered with gauze. The small follicular units are later implanted to the recipient area.
If sufficient donor hair is not available on the scalp, it is possible to extract hair from elsewhere on the body, provided it is of suitable colour and texture.
The FUE method is less invasive than the FUT strip method (below), however it is also more time consuming, and therefore more expensive. Many clinics in the UK claim to extract hair follicles without causing damage to the scalp, however some scalp damage is always possible.
The Strip Harvesting Method
The Strip Harvesting technique is a method by which hair grafts are extracted and then implanted in the patients balding areas. This technique uses a blade to cut out a strip of scalp tissue from the back or sides of the head. This strip is then “slivered” into small pieces which are further divided into the individual follicular units using a microscope. The surgeon then sews or staples the wound.
Strip harvesting has been around in various forms for several decades. One of the biggest drawbacks to a strip procedure is the linear scar that it leaves, however more hair can be taken in a shorter time making the procedure less expensive than Follicular Unit Extraction. Some individuals are fine with having a strip scar, though many grow to regret them as their hair loss progresses. If you’re considering hair transplant sugery, you should bear in mind that your hair must be kept long enough to cover the strip scar since shorter styles may further expose it.
This method of hair transplant is fairly dated now but is still widely available in the UK. We see hair transplant scars on a daily basis, and bear in mind that the strip harvesting method usually produces the worst scarring. Consider this option carefully before committing to any surgery.
Follicular Unit Transplantation
Another terminology you may have come across is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). This is not a technique in its own right, but is a general term for the removal of hair follicles from one site to another. Both the FUE technique and the Strip Harvesting method described above would fall under the banner of Follicular Unit Transplantation.
Hair Transplant Scar Camouflage
A great number of our clients come to us to cover up scars following hair transplant surgery, not just from the UK but from all over the world. The shorter the hair becomes, the more obvious the scarring. Unfortunately a hair transplant does not prevent further loss of naturally positioned hair, therefore further surgical procedures are often necessary when the hair continues to recede, often resulting in further scarring.
If you’ve already had a hair transplant procedure and would like to camouflage your scars, the MHT® technique provides the ideal solution. See our hair transplant scars section and our gallery.
Hair Transplant Cost
The cost of a hair transplant in the UK varies significantly depending on the clinic and the circumstances. Hair Transplant prices are devised by the number of grafts required for each individual procedure. The cost of a hair transplant will differ significantly depending upon where your choose to receive your treatment. At the lower end of the market and generally speaking, procedures can start from around £3,500 for 1000 grafts and can rise upwards of £30,000. You also need to bear in mind that more than one procedure is often necessary.
Consider MHT® Scalp Pigmentation as a complimentary treatment
A large proportion of hair transplant patients fall under the category of having enough donor hair for a transplant, but not enough for a perfect finish. The result is usually acceptable, however the transplanted hair may not be as dense as the patient would desire. A thin covering of transplanted hair can also mean that scars caused by hair transplant surgery are poorly concealed.
The MHT® Micro Hair Technique provides two solutions for such clients:
- MHT® provides hair transplant scar coverage, to effectively camouflage the existence of scars
- The technique can also be combined with a hair transplant to produce a far denser, more natural appearance
As our reputation has grown, we have found that more and more hair transplant patients would like to enhance their look by utilising the MHT® technique. As a result, some of the worlds most respected hair transplant clinics now refer clients to us, either prior to, or following a hair transplant procedure. For more information about how a hair transplant and MHT® can combine to create an exceptional finish, see our Hair Transplant & MHT® page.
MHT® Scalp Pigmentation involves no surgery and is a safe, permanent solution for hair loss sufferers that produces exceptional results. Feel free to view our gallery for photographs of real life clients before and after their MHT® treatment. If you’re considering a hair transplant procedure in the UK we recommend discussing your plans with our past clients and other hair loss sufferers in our forum, and contacting us if there is anything you are unsure about.