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Suite 1902, Level 19, Tower 2
Westfield Bondi Junction
101 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022

Brisbane

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414 Logan Road
Stones Corner, QLD 4120

Castle Hill

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8 McMullen Avenue
Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Crows Nest

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65 Hume Street
Crows Nest, NSW 2065

Five Dock

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Rear of 89 Great North Road
Five Dock, NSW 2046

Newtown

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Level 1/222 King Street
Newtown, NSW 2042

Miranda

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545 Kingsway,
Miranda, 2228 NSW

1300 233 803

How are Hair Transplants Performed? The Different Surgical Techniques

Your hair naturally grows in small groupings known as follicular units, typically containing 1–4 hairs each. During a hair transplant, these follicular units are carefully taken from a donor area—usually the back or sides of the scalp—and transplanted to areas affected by hair loss.

There are two primary methods of obtaining these follicular units: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Each method has distinct advantages and considerations.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

In FUT, a thin strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the back of the scalp. This strip is dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units. The area is then neatly closed with stitches, which heal within approximately 7 days.

Pros:

  • Allows for harvesting a larger number of hairs in a single procedure.

  • Ideal for significant hair loss requiring large graft numbers.

  • Procedure is generally faster than FUE.

  • No need to shave the entire donor area; surrounding hair easily conceals the surgical site immediately after surgery.

Cons:

  • Leaves a thin linear scar, which may be visible with very short hairstyles.

  • Slightly higher risk of postoperative bleeding or discomfort compared to FUE.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE involves individually extracting follicular units directly from the scalp using precise micro-punch tools (usually 0.8mm–1mm diameter). Each follicle is carefully removed and then transplanted into the recipient site.

Pros:

  • Minimally invasive, leaving tiny, nearly invisible dot-like scars.

  • Preferred for those who like wearing very short hairstyles.

  • Lower risk of bleeding and typically a quicker recovery compared to FUT.

Cons:

  • Limited number of hairs can be harvested per session (around 25% of the available donor hair).

  • Procedure typically takes longer than FUT due to individual extraction.

  • Larger sessions require shaving the donor area; hair usually regrows sufficiently within a week to conceal the extraction points.

During your consultation, your surgeon will help determine which procedure best suits your individual hair restoration needs, considering your extent of hair loss, desired hairstyle, and available donor hair.

How Many Grafts do I need for a Hair Transplant?

The number of grafts required for a successful hair transplant depends primarily on the extent and pattern of your hair loss, typically evaluated using the Norwood Scale. This scale classifies male pattern baldness into different stages, helping determine how many grafts you may require.

Approximate Grafts Needed by Norwood Scale:

  • Norwood Stage 2 (early hairline recession):

    • Approximately 500–1,500 grafts
      (Usually treated easily with FUE)

  • Norwood Stage 3 (noticeable recession at temples):

    • Approximately 1,500–2,000 grafts
      (Typically treated comfortably using FUE)

  • Norwood Stage 4 (significant recession with thinning at crown):

    • Approximately 2,000–3,000 grafts
      (FUE often sufficient, occasionally FUT considered if donor area is limited)

  • Norwood Stage 5 (advanced recession, more significant crown thinning):

    • Approximately 3,000–4,000 grafts
      (Either multiple FUE sessions or a combined FUT/FUE approach may be recommended)

  • Norwood Stage 6–7 (extensive balding, advanced hair loss):

    • Approximately 4,000–6,000+ grafts
      (Typically requires FUT, possibly combined with FUE for maximum coverage)

 

Choosing Between FUE and FUT

  • FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is ideal for patients with mild to moderate hair loss. It involves extracting individual follicles one-by-one from the donor area, providing precise, minimally invasive results with minimal scarring.

  • FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) may become necessary in cases of significant hair loss (Norwood stages 5–7), as it allows surgeons to harvest larger numbers of grafts in a single session. FUT involves surgically removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, potentially leaving a thin linear scar, but enabling maximum graft yield.

Preparing For Hair Transplant Surgery

 Prior to your surgery, we recommend you:

  • Get plenty of rest and hydration 
  • Avoid alcohol 
  • Stop any blood-thinning medications for 7 days prior (discuss with your doctor, do not cease prescribed medication without medical advice) 
  • Wash your hair with shampoo as normal  
  • On the day of surgery, we recommend having a decent breakfast, as the surgery can mean a long day. Avoid caffeine on the morning of surgery. You will require that you have a friend or family member pick you up and look after you for the first night following the surgery.

During Your Surgical Procedure

On the day of your surgery, you will usually be greeted by nursing staff, asked to store your belongings and then get changed into a surgical gown. Your doctor will confirm your surgical plan, create your hairline with you (if applicable) and then take photographs. 

You will be asked your preference for lunch and any entertainment preferences for during the surgery. A small sedative tablet will usually be given to relax you for the procedure. 

Your blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen level will be measured prior to the procedure.  The area of harvest and recipient site will be injected with local anaesthetic to make them numb; this may be uncomfortable however is manageable.

The extraction of hair grafts occurs first either by FUE or FUT. After this phase, recipient sites are made, and the hair grafts are inserted into the recipient sites. When completed, the area will be cleaned, and a bandage applied to the back of the head. You will be given an ointment to use on the wound for a week after.  

Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare. Every surgeon has unique preferences for the aftercare period, but usually involves a saline spray every 20 minutes to keep grafts moist, anti-inflammatories and sleeping upright with a travel pillow for the first 3-5 days. Swelling is to be expected, and can be severe. Your hair transplant team should keep in close contact with you in the days following surgery to ensure healing is occuring as anticipated.

After Surgery: What to Expect & Aftercare Instructions

These are meant as a general guide. Please follow your treating surgeons advice.

After the surgery, you may experience:

  • A sense of swelling, even around the forehead 
  • A sense of tightness over the scalp (due to swelling and tissue changes) 
  • Mild throbbing pain 
  • Bruising 
  • Itching, where new skin is growing 
  • Oozing of the donor site 
  • Scabbing as the wound dries and heals 
  • The feeling of the suture over the wound 

All of this is manageable with simple pain relief such a paracetamol or ibuprofen, cool packs (not directly on the grafts) and rest.

If you feel worse, please contact your surgeon.

Typical aftercare following a hair transplant procedure include:

  • No heavy alcohol for the first week after the procedure.
  • Avoid touching your head for the first 48 hours, as the grafts may be dislodged.
  • If a graft is dislodged, keep it clean and wet and call your treating clinic.
  • No vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
  • You may have slight pain for 48 hours after the operation. 
  • You may have swelling of the forehead and scalp for the first 48-72 hours. This will settle down over the first week.
  • You may use an ice pack for placement on the forehead to minimise swelling (if it occurs). Take care not to use the ice pack for longer than 20 minutes at a time, as it will freeze the skin. Do not put the ice on the grafts as it may damage them.
  • Spray the recipient site with the provided saline spray every half an hour until the bottle is finished.

Showering 

  • You can have a shower with low water pressure the morning after surgery.
  • Apply the chlorhexidine wash to your scalp, then rinse out. Do not rub.
  • Do not towel dry the hair. Allow it to air dry only.

Healing  

The recipient site and harvest site will both become itchy and crusty at about a week; this is when you can vigorously clean anywhere on the scalp, and remove the crust.

Do not take any new medication or blood thinner without discussing with your doctor first.

Facial Hair Transplants

Beard and/or moustache growth is an exciting area and crosses the disciplines of hair medicine and trichology into men’s health, functional medicine and andrology (the study of men’s hormones). 

Testosterone has a differential effect on the growth of hair in different parts of the body. Whilst DHT may cause hair loss on the scalp, it has been regarded as essential for the growth of hair on the face in men.

The factors behind poor beard growth are multifactorial and poorly understood, with genetic and environmental factors likely at play.

Hair transplant surgery is effective for beards with excellent graft survival rates and is the preferred method of creating facial hair such as beard, sideburns, moustaches etc.

 

Protect Your Investment How do I Maintain My Hair Transplant Results?

Maintaining the results of your hair transplant is essential for ensuring long-lasting fullness and density. At Contour Clinics, we offer advanced, scientifically-backed treatments to support and protect your hair restoration investment, helping you maintain vibrant, healthy hair for years to come.

Exosomes for Hair

Exosome therapy is a breakthrough in regenerative medicine, using tiny cellular messengers naturally produced by stem cells to stimulate hair growth at the deepest cellular level. Exosomes enhance hair follicle regeneration, reduce shedding, and significantly improve hair thickness and overall scalp health. Regular exosome treatments can supercharge your hair transplant results, providing lasting, natural fullness.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for Hair

PRP harnesses the growth factors from your own blood to revitalise hair follicles, boost circulation, and promote new hair growth. A regular PRP regimen after your transplant helps preserve and enhance your hair density, reduces the risk of future thinning, and ensures your hair remains strong, healthy, and abundant.

LED Light Therapy for Hair (Membership Available)

Medical-grade LED therapy provides ongoing follicle stimulation, improving scalp circulation and energising hair growth at the cellular level. Consistent LED treatments after your hair transplant can significantly enhance hair thickness and maintain optimal scalp conditions. Our convenient LED Membership provides unlimited sessions, making this an affordable and effective option for consistent hair maintenance.

At Contour Clinics, our experienced medical team creates personalised maintenance plans tailored specifically for your hair goals, ensuring your hair transplant investment remains strong, full, and healthy for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is actually a minimally invasive procedure with fairly little amounts of pain. 

Local anaesthetic injections are used to keep the area of numb until the end of the procedure. There is associated discomfort for 10-15 minutes while you are receiving local anaesthetic. Afterwards you should feel no pain. 

Most people have minimal discomfort.

Does Hair Transplant Cause Scarring?

Like any other part of the body, any scar from hair transplantation surgery can be modified to hide it.

For FUE scars, this might involve a laser session to minimise the appearance.

For FUT or strip, scalp micropigmentation (tattoo of the scar) or implantation of hair into the scar can help hide it.

Discuss your needs with your hair transplant surgeon to manage your scar.

What are the contraindications to hair transplants?

Prior to any surgery, it is important that hair loss is stabilised.

If there is to be further dramatic hair loss due to a medical condition, this will influence the design and planning of the hair transplant to look natural.

Remember, the goal is to create a cosmetically appealing head of hair. This requires planning over the long term to maintain fresh, youthful and natural results.  

Anybody with an active skin condition occurring over the scalp, undergoing chemotherapy, with aggressive unexplained hair loss or an existing medical problem should discuss their surgery with our hair transplant doctors first.

Usually, once the condition has stabilised, it is possible to operate.

Can I have a hair transplant if I have psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia, a scar, or frontal fibrosing alopecia?

Maybe.

If the condition has been treated and stabilised, then a trial transplant of a small number of grafts will be undertaken to ‘test’ the area of scalp.

If the hairs survive, further transplant can be undertaken.

Can I get an infection from a hair transplant?

The scalp is rich with blood supply and infections are exceedingly rare.

If you notice redness, pain, or yellow material please contact our clinic as soon as possible.

Antibiotics will be prescribed and are usually sufficient to solve the infection promptly. However, it is a rare possibility.

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