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Hair transplant

Transgender hair transplant

Table of contents:

The shape and position of male and female hairlines is an important gender characteristic. While male pattern hair loss is undesirable for most men, it can be particularly troubling for trans women because it serves as a physical sign of an undesirable male phenotype. A receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown can be a major problem in completing a masculine to feminine appearance.  

Of course, hairpieces or wigs can be worn to cover this male pattern baldness, but these "solutions" are simply not the permanent solution most people want. Most trans women want to wear their own growing, real hair in a way and style that suits their desired gender and taste. 

The difference between male and female hairlines

The principle of hair transplantation

Simply put, a hair transplant takes hair from an area where you have enough hair, and transfers it to an area where you don't have enough hair. It is usually taken from the back of the head, but can also be taken from other parts of the body.

The newly transplanted hair will fall out after a few weeks, but the transplanted hair roots will grow new hair within 3-6 months.

The technique we use in the 2pass Clinic is the FUE (Follicle Unit Extraction) method with shaving.

Feminizing the hairline with hair transplants.

How many grafts do I need?

The number of hair follicles (grafts) that can be used for a hair transplant is limited. The donor area contains approximately 5.500 grafts that can be used for a hair transplant. It is therefore not only about determining how many grafts are needed to improve the hairline, but also about the maximum number of grafts that can be used. The average man needs up to 560 grafts and the average woman needs 300 to 500 grafts. Each graft can contain 1 to 4 hairs. Covering a quarter bald spot requires a few hundred grafts, while a larger bald area closer to the size of an open hand may require a few thousand. The only way to accurately determine how many follicles you need to achieve your goal is to consult with one of our specialists and discuss your goal one-on-one.

Usually there are 2 sessions necessary to achieve a natural-looking result (requiring 50 to 60 hairs per cm²). Per session can we maximum 40 hairs per cm² implant.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

The cost of a transsexual hair transplant varies greatly from patient to patient, so it is difficult to generalize these costs. The costs will be determined during your consultation.

When will I see the results of a hair transplant?

The results will become visible 60 days after the procedure. About 14 to 21 days after the procedure, your newly transplanted hairs will begin to fall out, but fear not, this is normal. The roots of the hairs are still under the skin and new strong hairs will grow from them in the coming months. About 6 months after your surgery, approximately 70% of the follicles will have new hair. The remaining hairs can take up to a year to fully develop.

Can other treatments improve the results of a hair transplant?

Yes, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment can help improve blood circulation and speed up the recovery process. Read more about it on our blog.

Is hair transplant surgery painful?

According to most patients, a hair transplant is not a painful experience. Patients are always given local anesthesia and antibiotic pills to relieve discomfort. Most patients report that the procedure is pain-free and does not require patient recovery.

How long does the recovery from a hair transplant take?

After the operation:
  • The hair is NOT washed or styled. The hairs are still loose so they would simply fall out. The skin must be given time to grow back together. 
  • You will be given a bandage that must remain in place for at least 1 day. You could return to work, but we recommend taking a week off to fully recover.
After 2 days:
  • You must visit the clinic for the first washing and aftercare. The bandage is gently removed and your hair and scalp are washed with water and a mild shampoo.
  • Avoid strong shower jets, but let the water drip gently over your head. Gently pat dry (do not rub).
  • Avoid physical exertion or exercise during the first week because your body needs time to recover. This limits the risk of injury or bleeding. 
  • During healing, some small scabs may form and you may experience some minor swelling in transplanted areas. If scabs form, they usually disappear within 7 days. 
After about 2 weeks:
  • The newly transplanted hairs will fall out – this is normal.
After about 3 weeks:
  • The following activities can be picked up again: exercise and sports, sunbathing, visiting saunas
After about 2 months:
  • Only then can the hair be colored again.
After about 3 months:
  • The new hair will start to grow up to about 12 months after your hair transplant. And of course, if you have long hair, the new hairs will take a while to catch up.

Tips for aftercare

  • Make sure your head is higher than the rest of your body so that any wound fluid can be drained and swelling is reduced.
  • Try sleeping on your back.
  • Cooling is allowed, but never directly on the transplanted area. Always try to cool areas of the face where the swelling subsides.
  • Wait a few days after surgery to wash your hair. Only use mild shampoos for the first few weeks.
  • You should be able to return to work or normal activities in about 3 days.
  • Do not press a brush or comb over the new grafts for approximately 3 weeks.
  • Don't wear hats or sweaters and jackets until your doctor says it's OK.
  • Do not exercise for about a week.
  • Don't worry if some hair falls out. This is part of the process. The transplanted hair may not grow much or blend seamlessly with the hair around it for a few months.

Complications

  • Make sure your head is higher than the rest of your body so that any wound fluid can be drained and swelling is reduced.
  • Try sleeping on your back.
  • Cooling is allowed, but never directly on the transplanted area. Always try to cool areas of the face where the swelling subsides.
  • Wait a few days after surgery to wash your hair. Only use mild shampoos for the first few weeks.
  • You should be able to return to work or normal activities in about 3 days.
  • Do not press a brush or comb over the new grafts for approximately 3 weeks.
  • Don't wear hats or sweaters and jackets until your doctor says it's OK.
  • Do not exercise for about a week.
  • Don't worry if some hair falls out. This is part of the process. The transplanted hair may not grow much or blend seamlessly with the hair around it for a few months.