What is a Hair Transplant and How Does it Work?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that addresses hair loss by transferring hair follicles from a donor site to a recipient area. This process is popular due to its effectiveness in treating balding, making it a sought-after solution for those struggling with hair loss.
Initially, individuals often consult multiple specialists and try various hair loss products or medications. However, they eventually realize that a hair transplant offers the most reliable solution.
Many people are hesitant due to unfamiliarity with costs and procedures. This article aims to clarify these concerns:
Types of Hair Transplant Techniques
Two primary techniques are commonly used in hair transplants:
- FUSS Technique: This method involves extracting a skin strip from the occipital region to isolate follicular units for individual implantation. It’s cost-effective and doesn’t require shaving the patient, but it leaves a visible scar when hair is cut short.
- FUE Technique: This technique extracts follicular units one by one using a micromotor and punches ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 mm. It requires shaving the patient but leaves no visible scar.
- DHI: Unlike extraction techniques, DHI is an implantation method that uses zirconium instruments to make incisions for one-on-one hair implantation using pins or implanters.
A hair transplant typically takes 6 to 8 hours and does not require hospital admission, resulting in a short recovery period. Results may be visible between 9 to 12 months post-procedure, with growth beginning around 3 to 4 months.
Hair Transplant vs. Implant vs. Hair Restoration
Hair transplants involve FUSS or FUE techniques to repopulate hair loss areas naturally using the patient’s own hair, unaffected by androgenetic alopecia.
Hair implantation introduces follicular units into the affected area, sometimes using synthetic materials instead of natural hair.
Hair restoration refers to regrowing lost hair in a specific area, involving the transfer of units from a donor site (patient or another) to an area affected by balding.
Hair Transplant Cost in Mexico
The cost of a hair transplant varies based on the clinic’s location, chosen technique, available follicular units, and surgeon experience. In Mexico, hair transplant costs range from $30,000 to $90,000 MXN.
Despite the high demand driving down costs, quality should not be compromised. Clinica DrEO has been recognized as Mexico’s best hair transplant clinic in 2025 for its affordable prices and successful outcomes, trusted by celebrities and athletes alike.
Step-by-step Hair Transplant Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing a hair transplant:
- Initial Assessment: The patient visits a specialized clinic for head photography to design donor and recipient zones.
- Follicular Unit Extraction: A skin strip is taken using a scalpel and repositioned. This area, known as the donor zone, is then separated into follicular groups or individual hairs under a microscope.
- Recipient Area Preparation: The balding or recipient area is cleaned to receive healthy hair.
- Implantation: Delicately implant individual healthy hairs into the recipient area using tiny incisions. Thousands of follicular units can be implanted in a single session.
- Recovery and Follow-up: The patient is educated on postoperative care, medication, and initial area cleaning.
When Can Results Be Seen and How is Recovery?
Recovery after a hair transplant is quick, as hospitalization isn’t required. On day 1 or 2, a surgical dressing may be present, protected with a baseball cap. Sensitivity is possible, so pain medication might be recommended.
Between weeks 3 and 6, around 80% of transplanted hairs may fall out—a normal phase not to worry about. The follicular unit remains, gradually growing stronger and fuller.
By month 6, growth changes become noticeable. The process is gradual but consistent, with full results visible by month 12.
Why Choose a Specialized Clinic?
For a delicate procedure like hair transplantation, it’s advisable to seek help from experienced specialists. Clinica DrEO, recognized as Mexico’s best hair transplant clinic, has a certified surgeon by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), Dr. Enrique Orozco, who has treated notable figures like Poncho de Nigris.
