Hair Restoration. A Plan for You.
Hair restoration begins with an assessment of hair-loss patterns, donor supply, health and realistic expectations. A qualified treating clinician should explain suitable options and long-term planning.
FUE Extraction
Individual follicular units are removed from a donor area and transplanted. FUE leaves tiny scars; it is not scar-free. Ask about donor preservation and the proposed graft plan.
DHI Implantation
DHI describes implantation using a specialised implanter pen. It can follow FUE extraction; it is not a separate method of removing donor hair.
Long-Term Planning
Discuss expected density, ongoing hair loss, recovery and follow-up. Results and suitability vary; your treating clinician confirms your individual plan.
Illustrative comparison. Individual results vary.
Prepare Before You Travel
Share your conditions, allergies, previous transplant details and all medicines/supplements. Get a written plan for hair-loss treatments, blood thinners and diabetes/weight-loss medicines; never stop prescriptions yourself. Discuss nicotine, vaping, alcohol and cannabis. Confirm shaving, stay length, first wash/review and flight clearance.
Food and Drink
Eat regularly and stay hydrated until your instructed fasting window. Local anaesthesia and sedation have different requirements: follow the treating team's exact food-and-drink instructions. Disclose reflux, nausea and GLP-1 medicines. Avoid alcohol as directed and do not start supplements without approval.
Pack for Comfort
Button/zip-front tops that avoid brushing grafts; loose trousers and slip-on shoes; passport, assessment records and medicines in labelled packaging; charger and adaptor. Ask whether an approved neck pillow, scalp products and loose headwear are supplied. Leave tight caps and valuables behind and arrange luggage help.
On Treatment Day
Expect health checks, consent, hairline design and donor preparation. Local anaesthetic numbs the scalp; sedation may be used. Harvesting and placement can take much of the day. Receive written washing, sleeping, medication and review instructions plus urgent contact details before discharge.
When to Get Help
Increasing redness, discharge, fever, worsening pain or persistent bleeding: contact your treating team promptly. Chest pain, breathing difficulty or sudden severe illness: seek emergency care immediately.
Canadian Support Beyond the Appointment
Our team coordinates assessment, travel and follow-up communication, including one year of virtual postoperative coordination. Licensed clinicians give medical instructions. This guide does not replace your personal plan.
Protect Your Grafts: DO
- Sleep with your head elevated as directed, without pressure on grafted areas. Use clean bedding and attend prescribed wash/review appointments. Keep activity gentle and take consistent progress photos.
Protect Your Grafts: DO NOT
- Do not rub, scratch or pick grafts. Avoid tight headwear, heavy exercise, swimming and scalp products until clearance. Avoid prolonged head-down bending early if restricted by your surgeon; ask how long. Swelling can reach the forehead or eyelids; bending is not its only cause.
The Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Tightness, soreness, swelling or minor oozing. Protect grafts and follow the prescribed sleeping position.
Days 4–14
Scabs/redness gradually settle. Use the team’s washing method; do not pick crusts. Often plan 1–2 weeks off work, longer for dusty/physical roles.
Weeks 2–8 and New Growth
Transplanted hairs may shed before regrowth; this alone does not mean the follicles failed. New growth develops gradually from around months 3–4, often unevenly at first.
Months 10–18
Density and texture mature gradually. Results vary; review progress with your clinician.