Your hairline plays a powerful role in how your face is perceived. For transgender women, creating a softer, rounder, more feminine hairline can be profoundly affirming. For transgender men, restoring a stronger, more defined masculine hairline completes the picture. Whether you are addressing hair loss, hormonal changes, or seeking to reshape your hairline as part of your transition, a hair transplant delivers permanent, natural-looking results that grow with you.
What Is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplantation is a microsurgical procedure that relocates healthy, permanent hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back and sides of the scalp) to areas of thinning or recession. In the context of gender affirmation, this goes beyond simply treating hair loss; it is a deliberate reshaping of the hairline to match your gender identity.
For transfeminine patients, the procedure focuses on rounding the hairline, lowering the frontal hairline, and filling in temporal recessions to create a typically feminine oval frame. For transmasculine patients, the goal may be to define a straighter, more angular hairline or to address hair thinning that persists despite testosterone therapy. The transplanted follicles are your own hair and will continue to grow naturally for life.
Common Concerns Hair Transplant Can Address
- A receding or high hairline that causes gender dysphoria
- Temporal recession creating a masculine M-shaped hairline
- Thinning across the crown or frontal scalp from hormonal changes
- Desire for a hairline shape that aligns with your gender identity
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Have sufficient donor hair density at the back and sides of the scalp
- In good general health with no active scalp conditions
- Stable on hormone therapy for at least 12 months (if applicable)
- Realistic expectations about graft numbers and achievable density
Techniques & Options
There are two primary techniques for harvesting donor follicles, and the best option depends on your hair type, donor density, the number of grafts needed, and your personal preferences. Both techniques achieve excellent results, and the main differences relate to how follicles are extracted from the donor area.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Individual follicular units containing 1–4 hairs each are extracted one by one from the donor area using a tiny circular punch (0.6–1.0 mm). Each graft is then carefully placed into micro-incisions created in the recipient area following the planned hairline design.
- No linear scar, and the tiny dot scars are virtually invisible even with short hairstyles
- Faster healing of the donor area with less post-operative discomfort
- Ideal for patients who prefer to wear their hair short
- Can harvest grafts from beard or body hair if scalp donor supply is limited
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT / Strip Method)
A thin strip of hair-bearing skin is surgically removed from the donor area at the back of the scalp. The strip is then carefully dissected under magnification into individual follicular units, which are placed into the recipient sites. The donor area is closed with sutures, leaving a fine linear scar hidden beneath the surrounding hair.
- Allows a large number of grafts to be harvested in a single session
- Higher graft survival rate as follicles are less likely to be transected
- Often preferred when maximum density is needed in one procedure
- Linear scar is concealed by overlying hair at standard lengths
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Mild swelling and redness in the recipient area are expected in the first few days. Tiny crusts form around each transplanted graft. You'll sleep with your head elevated and avoid touching the grafts. The donor area may feel tender but heals quickly, especially with FUE.
Days 4–10
Crusts around the grafts begin to fall away naturally. Gentle washing is introduced as directed by your surgeon. Swelling subsides and the recipient area starts to look more settled. You'll attend a follow-up appointment for a graft check.
Weeks 2–6
Transplanted hairs enter a shedding phase, which is a routine part of the hair transplant cycle, not a sign of graft failure. The follicles remain alive beneath the surface and will begin producing new growth within 3–4 months. You can return to most daily activities.
Months 6–12
New hair growth becomes progressively visible and thickens over time. Most patients see significant coverage by month 8, with full thickness established at 12–18 months. The transplanted hair is permanent and grows naturally for life.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Hair transplantation is a well-established microsurgical procedure with an excellent safety profile. Serious complications are rare, particularly when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited facilities. All relevant risks are covered in detail during your consultation.
- Temporary swelling of the forehead and around the eyes
- Mild bleeding or oozing from donor or recipient sites
- Temporary numbness in the donor area
- Infection at donor or recipient sites (rare)
- Poor graft survival resulting in lower density than expected
- Folliculitis (inflammation of transplanted follicles)
The vast majority of patients heal without complications and are delighted with their results. Choosing an experienced hair transplant surgeon, following aftercare instructions carefully, and protecting the grafts during the first two weeks are the most important factors in a successful outcome.
How Much Does Hair Transplant Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, and your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Hair Transplant
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Hair Transplant
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDGender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 24, 2026
Medical References
- Rassman WR et al. Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hair Transplantation — Dermatologic Surgery (2002)
- Unger WP. Hair Transplantation: Current Concepts and Techniques — Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings (2005)
- Dua A, Dua K. Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant — StatPearls (2023)
- WPATH Standards of Care, Version 8 — International Journal of Transgender Health (2022)
- Epstein J. Feminizing the Forehead Hairline — Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2019)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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