Hair Transplant in Sharjah

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates your own hair follicles from a dense donor area to a thinning or bald area of the scalp. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah uses FUE, which stands for Follicular Unit Extraction.

Hair grows in natural groups called follicular units, each holding one to four hairs. In FUE, these units are taken one at a time from the back of the scalp through tiny circular punches and implanted individually in the thinning area. Because each unit is removed separately, the donor area heals as scattered pinpoint marks that sit among the surrounding hair, with no linear strip scar.

A fact many people find surprising: hair at the back and sides of the scalp resists the hormone that drives pattern hair loss, and it keeps that resistance after it is moved, so transplanted follicles carry on growing in their new position.

Hair transplant at Dar Al Kamal Hospital is performed in-house by the dermatology team and is also listed under the plastic surgery department.

Who needs it

Hair transplant suits adults whose hair loss has a known cause and a pattern that has settled:

• Male pattern hair loss at the hairline, temples or crown
• Female pattern thinning in selected cases, where the donor area is dense
• A receding or uneven hairline
• A small bald patch left by an old injury or surgical scar that has fully healed

Candidacy depends on the donor area. The dermatologist judges how densely hair grows at the back and sides of the scalp and weighs that supply against the area to be covered. The donor supply is a fixed, lifelong resource, so a careful plan keeps hair in reserve for later thinning.

The cause of hair loss is assessed first, and thyroid problems, low iron or active scalp conditions are treated before surgery. In younger adults hair loss is often still progressing, so the hairline is designed for the pattern it is likely to reach.

Alternatives are part of the decision. Prescribed medical treatment can slow thinning, while PRP hair therapy and mesotherapy support follicles that are still active; many people combine one of these with a transplant. The dermatologist explains which approach fits your pattern, and the choice is yours.

What happens

A hair transplant is a long day procedure under local anaesthetic, so you are awake and comfortable throughout, with breaks for food and drink.

1. Design. The dermatologist draws the new hairline with you in front of a mirror, marks the areas to be filled and takes photographs.
2. Donor preparation. The donor area at the back of the scalp is trimmed short so each follicular unit can be seen clearly.
3. Anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is injected into the donor area. The injections sting briefly, then the scalp goes numb.
4. Extraction. You lie face down while each follicular unit is freed with a small hollow punch and lifted out. The grafts are sorted by hair count and kept in a cooled holding solution.
5. Recipient sites. The thinning area is numbed, and tiny openings are made at the angle of natural hair growth.
6. Implantation. Sitting up, you rest while each graft is placed. Single-hair grafts form the very front for a soft hairline, with multi-hair grafts behind them for density.

The donor area is dressed, and you go home the same day with written aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment.

Preparing for it

Tell the dermatologist about all your medicines and supplements. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and fish oil increase bleeding, so you may be asked to pause them; keep taking any prescribed blood thinner unless the doctor who prescribed it advises a change. Stopping smoking helps the scalp heal.

On the day, wash your hair and leave out gels, sprays and oils. Eat a normal breakfast and wear a button-up top, so nothing is pulled over the new grafts. Bring a loose, clean hat or scarf and arrange a lift home.

If you are planning around Ramadan, many people choose a date outside the fasting month, because aftercare involves tablets and regular fluids during the day.

Afterwards

The scalp feels tight for the first days, and forehead swelling can drift towards the eyes before it settles. Tiny crusts form around each graft. Sleep semi-upright, keep your hands off the grafts and follow the washing routine you are given; the crusts lift away as gentle washing continues.

Transplanted hairs usually shed in the first weeks. This shedding is expected: the hair shaft falls out while the follicle stays in the scalp, rests, and then starts a new growth cycle. New hairs appear over the following months, fine at first and thickening over time, and the final result is judged many months later at follow-up.

In the Sharjah sun, protect the healing scalp with a loose hat or scarf. Leave heavy exercise, swimming pools and saunas until the dermatologist advises, since sweat and chlorine irritate the grafts. Desk work usually resumes sooner than outdoor or manual work, and the dermatologist gives you a plan for your job.

Contact the hospital if the scalp becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, if pus appears around the grafts or donor area, or if you develop a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away if bleeding continues after firm pressure, or if you have difficulty breathing.**

Cost and insurance

Hair transplant is usually self-pay, because UAE insurance plans generally classify it as cosmetic. The dermatology assessment and blood tests that investigate the cause of hair loss may be covered when they are medically needed, so check that part of your cover separately. The cost depends on the size of the area and the number of grafts planned, so ask for the full plan at your consultation. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain the costs on 06 599 7777.