Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page answers some of the frequently asked questions Dr Epameinondas Bonaros gets from patients about hair restoration treatments and hair loss.

Is my hair loss hereditary?

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern baldness.
It is hereditary, and it usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns.

However, not all cases of hair loss are caused by genetics.
Your hair transplant surgeon will examine your scalp and reach a diagnosis. If your hair loss is not due to pattern baldness, one of the following may apply:

Medical conditions such as thyroid problems, anaemia and autoimmune diseases
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth or menopause
Certain medications and supplements
Stressful events
Tight hairstyles – a condition called traction alopecia
Nutritional deficiencies and
Irresistible urges to pull hair from the scalp – a condition called trichotillomania.

Is a hair transplant the right treatment for me?

Hair transplants can be and have been life transforming for many patients. But it is not panacea.

A preoperative diagnostic evaluation involving your medical history, demographics, your current health status, the stage of hair loss, the donor area quality and the expectations you may have about your hair restoration is imperative and will determine whether this is the right treatment for you.

Is the procedure safe?

When performed by trained physicians, today’s hair transplant surgery is very safe and effectively creates natural-looking, permanent results that are virtually undetectable.

Does it hurt?

Both the donor and the recipient areas are numbed with local anesthetic, so the only sensations felt during the procedure are those of touch and pressure.

However, when the anesthetic is applied some mild discomfort might be experienced depending on your pain threshold and tolerance.

We have implemented advanced technologies designed to diminish any discomfort associated with the injections.

How long does the healing take?

The healing is fast and you are able to return to work after a couple of days.

However we recommend a resting period of 5 to 7 days.

You will also be given a set of post operative instructions to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated healing.

Can I workout after the procedure?

You can workout after a week.

Patients doing contact sports should be careful for 3 weeks.

Will I have scars?

Due to the size of the punches used – 0.9mm or less – scarring is visually undetectable when the hair is worn at a short length.

Will the hair transplant stop my hair loss?

Hair transplants do restore thinning areas but do not stop future hair loss.

So, even though the transplanted hair will grow permanently, there is always the chance that you will continue losing your native hair. That is why non surgical treatments are so important and should be considered first or in conjunction with your hair transplant.

Can I take hair from someone else?

You can only use hair from your identical twin, otherwise your body will reject it. But there is a catch.

If you do have an identical twin he will have the same thinning as you.

Will I meet with the doctor before the procedure?

This is a rarely asked question that should be asked more often.
It is very important to know if you are going to speak with a doctor or a consultant.

Consultants are important and their role is to give basic information about the hair transplant procedure. But the fact remains that only licensed physicians can offer medical advice, much less surgical recommendations.
The doctor will be able to fully assess your case and propose a treatment plan suited to you.

It is also a good chance to establish trust and rapport which will mitigate the feeling of anxiety and improve your overall experience.

Does hair grow back in the donor area after the hair transplant?

During a hair transplant procedure, hair is harvested carefully with adequate spacing between harvest sites and only about 10-15% of the donor hairs are removed through a random pattern in the back of the scalp. The extracted follicles will not grow back.

However, since the follicles are harvested from the area in the scalp with the densest concentration of hair, the effect is barely noticeable. The remaining hair surrounding the extracted hair is more than enough to conceal the spots.

Do hats cause hair loss?

The short answer is no. As long as your hat is not too tight. Hair loss is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, none of which are related to whether you wear a hat.

Wearing a hat actually protects the scalp and face from UV damage. In one study with identical twins, daily hat use was associated with decreased temporal hair loss.

However, wearing hats that are very tight and for long periods of time could possibly decrease blood flow to the hair follicles and cause them to fall out. Such hair loss is typically temporary but can become permanent with time.