Busting common concerns around hair transplant surgery

Written by
The Manual Team
Medically approved by
Dr Earim Chaudry
Last updated
12th October 2021

Twenty years ago, men didn’t have too many options when it came to hair transplants. The most common and sometimes painful procedure was hair plugs, which required taking large grafts from the scalp and resulted in unnatural looking hair growth and lots of scarring. But since then, the hair transplant industry has been completely revolutionised by the dawn of proven medications (like Finasteride and Minoxidil) and advanced procedures like FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transportation). 

When executed by skilled surgeons, the results of a hair transplant are now indistinguishable from natural hair and leave little to no scarring. There’s a reason why many of your favourite Hollywood actors and Premier League footballers never seem to go bald anymore. And yet despite the advances in the science of hair transplants, many of the scare stories from the days of hair plugs have remained. So, we decided to go on an investigative mythbusting mission to dispel some of the misconceptions around this remarkable revolution in men’s hair care.

MYTH 1: IT HURTS

A modern hair transplant like FUE is actually a very delicate act of surgery that involves micro grafts and tiny cuts performed with the utmost care. Surgeons will put their patients under a local anesthetic to numb the scalp, and while this may feel a little strange at first, it is a largely painless procedure. 

MYTH 2: IT WON’T LOOK NATURAL

The sheer precision that goes into modern hair transplant procedures means that natural hair follicles are harvested and placed with microscopic accuracy. And because the donor hair comes from areas of your scalp where hair is genetically stronger, your new hair will be even more resistant to thinning. If you work with experienced surgeons and clinics, the results will speak for themselves: a healthy head of natural-looking hair, that can be further strengthened and thickened through aftercare and medication.

MYTH 3: IT WILL LEAVE NOTICEABLE SCARS

The advances in hair transplant precision and accuracy have also vastly reduced the likelihood of scarring. In an FUE procedure, the instruments now used are less than 1mm by 1mm in diameter. Under the guidance of a skilled surgeon, you should be left with very minimal scarring which, at most, appears as tiny dots that are hidden under even short hair styles.

MYTH 4: IT NEVER WORKS

Hair transplants now have a higher success rate than ever before, and this is partly down to the detailed consultations that precede any surgery. But good results also take patience: it often takes 3-6 months for the first signs of new growth to come in. By using a service like Manual, we can assess the most appropriate treatment for you based on your goals, your hair loss history and type, and then connect you with the best doctors and clinics around. This kind of attention to detail can ensure that your post-transplant hair grows strong and stays healthy for years to come.

MYTH 5: IT’S COSTLY

We’re afraid this one isn’t much of a myth: a successful hair transplant with a great clinic can cost upwards of £5,000 in the UK. But once you’re aware of the consultation, skill, precision and aftercare that goes into a professional procedure – and the grave risks of getting a cheap transplant from a substandard clinic – the price seems very reasonable. Very few people regret investing in their hair transplant, and a premium procedure can be a once (or perhaps twice) in a lifetime investment. At Manual, we’re aware of the costs, that’s why we’ve forged partnerships with the best clinics around and can offer discounts if you access them via our service.

MYTH 6: IT’S TOO CONFUSING

There is a lot to consider and learn about when it comes to deciding on how best to tackle your hair loss. But Manual is here to make things simple and straightforward. We’re experts in hair, and we offer our customers advice on everything from medication to transplant surgeries to simple dietary and lifestyle changes that can keep your hair strong and healthy. 

Better still, our website is packed full of everything you need to know about hair transplants… and more! From which clinics to seek out, to the medication and supplements you should take after the procedure, it’s all on here. Why not get started with our comprehensive guide to hair transplants.

The future is here, and hair loss doesn’t need to be scary or confusing anymore.

While we've ensured that everything you read on the Health Centre is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

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