First Things First: You've Got This
Your Surgery Day: Hour by Hour
Arrival & Welcome
~30 minutes
You'll arrive at the clinic having eaten a light breakfast. The team greets you, offers coffee or tea, and gets you comfortable. You'll change into a button-up clinic shirt (easier to remove without going over your head later).
💡 Pro tip: Wear comfortable clothes. Many clinics provide entertainment — ask in advance if you should bring headphones or if they have screens you can watch.
Hairline Design
~30-45 minutes
This is the artistic part. Your surgeon draws your new hairline with a marker, considering your facial structure, age, and goals. You'll look in a mirror together and make adjustments until you're both happy. Photos are taken for your records.
✨ Your input matters: This is collaborative! Speak up about what you want. A good surgeon will also guide you toward what looks natural.
Preparation & Numbing
~30 minutes
Your donor area (back of head) is trimmed short if doing FUE. Then comes the local anesthesia — a series of small injections to numb the area. This is the most uncomfortable part (like dental numbing), but it only lasts a few minutes.
🎯 Honest moment: The numbing injections sting briefly — most patients rate it 3-4/10 discomfort. After that, you shouldn't feel pain, just pressure and movement. Many clinics offer relaxation medication if you're anxious.
Graft Extraction
2-4 hours depending on grafts
You'll lie face-down or on your side while the surgeon extracts follicular units one by one from your donor area. You'll feel pressure and hear a gentle suction sound, but no pain. This is when most patients watch movies, listen to podcasts, or even nap.
📺 How patients pass the time: Netflix, audiobooks, podcasts, music, napping, chatting with staff. Some clinics have screens mounted for you to watch.
Lunch Break!
30-60 minutes
Yes, you get a break! Many clinics provide lunch or you can order in. Walk around, stretch, use the bathroom. The extracted grafts are safely stored in a special solution while you recharge.
Recipient Site Creation
30-60 minutes (for FUE)
If doing FUE (not DHI), the surgeon now creates tiny incisions in the recipient area where grafts will be placed. This determines the angle, direction, and density of your new hair. You'll receive more numbing for this area.
🔬 The artistry: This step is where the surgeon's skill really shows. They're creating the blueprint for natural-looking results — each incision at the precise angle hair should grow.
Graft Implantation
2-4 hours depending on grafts
Now each graft is carefully placed into its new home. You'll be lying back comfortably while the team works. Single-hair grafts go at the hairline (for a natural edge), multi-hair grafts add density behind.
⏱️ The longest part: This phase takes the most time. Stay hydrated, take bathroom breaks when needed, and remember — each graft placed is one more step toward your new look.
You're Done!
~30 minutes wrap-up
Photos are taken of your new transplant. Your head is gently bandaged (donor area only). You'll receive your aftercare kit, written instructions, medication, and emergency contact info. Then you head back to your hotel!
🎉 How you'll feel: Tired but accomplished. Most patients aren't in significant pain — more like a mild sunburn sensation. You'll probably order room service and rest.
Does It Hurt? Real Talk
Most patients say it was easier than they expected. The anticipation is usually worse than the reality.
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