Outline

This section aims to give you an understanding of what happens on the day of your surgery. This will hopefully answer any queries you may have regarding the process and give you reassurance that you will be well looked after at every stage throughout your treatment. The actual surgical procedure is explained separately in detail below See FUT and FUE Explained.

Preparation

It is very important that you are well rested on the day of your surgery. We advise all patients to get a good night's sleep beforehand and also to have a full breakfast on the morning of treatment. If you are staying in hotel accommodation you will be collected and driven to the surgery.
When you arrive at the clinic you will be met by Dr. Kiely and the team who will be happy to address any further queries you may have. It is natural to experience some nervousness before any procedure and Dr. Kiely and his team will do the utmost to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed at all times.

Pre Op Checks

The forms you forwarded when you booked your surgery will be checked and Dr Kiely will ask if your medical health has changed since your consultation.
Pre-operation medications (antibiotics etc.) are then given, and if required a mild sedative will be offered.
Dr. Kiely will then carry out a final medical examination. When this stage is completed your surgery will begin. You will be encouraged to sit back and enjoy your favourite TV programme or DVD while the procedure gets under way.
You can take a break at any time during the procedure if you wish. Coffee and sandwiches etc. are available for you at all times and if there is anything else the team can be of help with feel free to ask.

The Procedure

The outline below gives an indication of the procedure. A more comprehensive explanation will have been discussed during the consultation itself.
Hair Transplantation by Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves taking growing hair follicles from a 'healthy' donor area of the patient's scalp and surgically replanting it in areas that are balding or thinning, where it will grow for life.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is carried out under local anaesthetic while the patient relaxes reading a book or watching television. A donor area of the patients own hair bearing skin is chosen and is 'frozen' (numbed) with local anaesthetic and a small strip bearing healthy hair grafts is harvested. This tissue is dissected under stereoscopic microscopes into 1, 2 3 or 4 hair follicular unit grafts. The recipient bald or receding area is frozen and the grafts are placed into tiny openings. The patient is commenced on antibiotics and allowed go home. No dressings are required. In 3 months time the 'new' hair will surface and grow at a rate of ½ inch per month for life - replicating the growth patterns of normal healthy hair. See Animation.
If your Hair Transplantation is carried out by Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) then the donor grafts are removed individually using a special instrument and the grafts are placed into tiny openings in the receding or balding area as above.

Post Operative Care

With modern technology and in the hands of a highly experienced doctor and medical team Hair Transplantation is a straightforward procedure and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours from start to finish. As with all medical procedures certain side effects may occur. These are discussed in more detail under FAQ.

Following your surgery you will be provided with full after-care instructions and medications. No bandages or dressings are required.
You may then travel home provided you are accompanied by a responsible adult who will undertake to drive. Alternatively you will be brought to selected hotel accommodation arranged by the clinic - where again confidentiality and care will be paramount.
Patients have access to Dr. Kiely via telephone at any time of day or night in the days after surgery should they have any queries or concerns. This personalised care is an integral part of the Kiely Healthcare philosophy - we are committed to caring for the patient at all times. Patients are also given a check-up after a six month period. We actively encourage patients to keep us informed of their progress in between check-ups.

Summary

Hair Transplantation patients generally spend no more than half a day at the clinic. The process is straightforward, efficient, relaxed and entails little or no discomfort. Because of the skilled use of local anaesthetic you are awake throughout the process and you can watch TV or read a magazine while the procedure is being carried out. You may also stop and take a break if you so wish. Afterwards no bandages or dressings are required. Patients should not drive immediately after surgery. For patients who wish to travel home immediately after the procedure they should arrange to travel with a responsible adult (e.g. spouse or friend) who will undertake to drive. Alternatively the clinic will arrange selected hotel accommodation to which you will be brought where you can get a good night's sleep and return home refreshed the following day.