The treatment day
We want your treatment day to go as smoothly as possible, and we’re here to address all your concerns. In the days leading up to your procedure, you will receive detailed instructions from us regarding the do’s and don’ts to follow before your hair transplant.
In the lead-up to your treatment
A Hair Stem-cell Transplant (HST) can typically be completed in one day and usually takes between 8 to 10 hours. Before and after the procedure, we will provide you with instructions to optimize the safety and final results of the treatment. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is considered painless by most patients. We will ensure your comfort during the harvesting and reinsertion of the grafts.
In the lead-up to your treatment day, you will receive detailed instructions on the do’s and don’ts to follow before your hair transplant. We also assist with practical arrangements; for example, if you would like to spend the night in a nearby hotel, we would be happy to make those arrangements for you.
Preparing for treatment
A week before your treatment, you begin preparing for the procedure. You will be given specific instructions on what you can and cannot do. For example, in consultation with your doctor, you should stop taking blood-thinning medications and alcohol. On the day of your treatment, you may eat breakfast normally, but avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
Before your HST treatment:
- No blood thinning medication
- No alcohol
- No coffee
Morning program
Treatment day begins with taking photos for your treatment record, followed by shaving the donor and recipient areas to ensure optimal visibility for the procedure.
In some cases, it may not be necessary to shave all the hair; for aesthetic reasons or when treating women, only a strip at the back of the head may be shaved, allowing the remaining hair to cover the area. This approach is possible only if there’s enough space to transplant between existing hairs without damaging them. The doctor will have determined the feasibility of a non-shaving option during your prior consultation.
After shaving, we will administer local anesthesia to the donor area, after which the harvesting of grafts begins. You will feel minimal discomfort and will need to lie still on your stomach for several hours while the doctor and technicians extract the grafts. Breaks can be taken as needed.
Using precision instruments minimizes wound formation during graft extraction, allowing for quick healing of the donor area. Once the extraction is complete, the doctor will mark the recipient area with you, and we will provide you with a delicious lunch of your choice.
Program overview
- Taking pictures for the record
- Shaving
- Local anesthesia of the donor area
- Harvesting of the grafts from donor area
- Marking the receiving area
Afternoon program
The afternoon is dedicated to reimplanting the grafts. The doctor will again use local anesthesia to prepare the recipient area.
After making incisions for the new grafts, we will wash the scalp. The grafts are then placed in their new positions by two technicians or by the doctor and a technician.
To ensure that the grafts are positioned according to your preferences, you are welcome to watch in the mirror. During the procedure, you can listen to music, watch a film, and take breaks as needed.
Once the grafts are repositioned, the doctor will conduct a thorough check-up, and we will take additional photos for your records. If you’d like, you can receive these photos digitally. You will also receive instructions and supplies for aftercare, including guidance on how to wash your hair and use medications.
The treatment and local anesthesia will not impair your ability to drive, so you can comfortably drive yourself home afterward.
Program overview
- Local anesthesia of the receiving area
- Making incisions and cleansing the scalp
- Placement of grafts in recipient area
- Taking photos for the record
- Last check before discharge from clinic
After treatment
Your skin recovers quickly in the days following the procedure. The transplanted grafts attach within 24 hours, and blood flow is restored within a day, leading to fast wound healing and minimal downtime.
In the first few hours after the procedure, the treatment area may be slightly swollen and red. We will provide you with detailed information and an aftercare package to help reduce swelling, prevent itching, and optimize your recovery and final results.
In the days after the treatment, you can resume your normal work and activities. However, you should avoid physical exertion (such as sports) that causes sweating until the wounds have healed and the new grafts are securely in place.
Lifetime result
The results of HST are permanent, as transplanted hair follicles continue to produce hair for a lifetime. The harvested grafts are tiny, allowing for a fine and very natural appearance. While the results are not immediately visible after treatment, they develop over a period of nine months, which corresponds to the full hair growth cycle.
Final result
One day, one week, and four months after treatment, we conduct telephone check-ups to monitor your recovery. After nine months, the doctor will perform a final physical check-up at our clinic, at which point the complete results of your treatment will be visible.
Quality of life
Life changing
At your service
We aim to make your treatment day as smooth as possible and are happy to assist with the organization. If you’d like to stay overnight at a nearby hotel, we can arrange that for you. If you live more than 150 km from the nearest clinic (Amsterdam or Maastricht), we offer a complimentary overnight stay at a quality hotel. We’re also glad to provide recommendations and make reservations for restaurants.