The day of your hair transplant is a long one — most procedures take 6–10 hours — but knowing exactly what to expect at each stage helps you arrive prepared and reduces anxiety. Here is a typical day-of guide.
Before You Arrive
On the morning of your procedure: eat a normal breakfast (light is better than nothing), take any medications your surgeon has approved, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with a front zip or buttons (nothing pulled over the head), and arrange transport home — you should not drive yourself after the procedure.
Arrival and Pre-Operative Photography
You will be welcomed by the clinic team, given a full briefing, and have pre-operative photographs taken under standardised lighting. These form the “before” record.
Hairline Design
The surgeon draws your new hairline on your scalp with a skin marker. This is reviewed together, checked in a mirror, and adjusted if needed. No incisions are made until both you and the surgeon are happy with the design.
Donor Area Preparation and Anaesthetic
The donor area is shaved (or trimmed if an unshaved procedure was agreed). Local anaesthetic is administered — this is the most uncomfortable part of the day. Within 10–15 minutes the area is fully numb.
Extraction Phase
Individual follicular units are extracted from the donor zone. Depending on graft count, this phase takes 2–4 hours. Most patients listen to music, podcasts, or watch something on a device. You are lying face down or seated in a reclined chair.
Implantation Phase
After a short break, you turn to face upward. Recipient sites are made and grafts implanted. This phase is equally long and similarly comfortable once the recipient area is anaesthetised.
Going Home
Post-operative photographs are taken, aftercare instructions are given, and medications are dispensed. Most patients leave the clinic within 30 minutes of procedure completion. You will feel tired — rest is the priority for the remainder of the day.
Book your free consultation to ask any questions about the procedure day →
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