Transgender Hair Transplant Surgery
Transgender hair transplant surgery can be carried out to thicken existing hair or restore hair where it has been lost and this can be an important part of the transitioning process. There are many different instances for when one may consider a transgender hair transplant. In general, there are 2 instances for when patients reach out for a hair transplant:
- As an MtF (Male to Female) patient or non binary transfeminine, you might be considering a feminisation procedure for a masculine hairline
- As an FtM (Female to Male) patient, you might be considering restoring hair where it is thinning in an FtM transition.
At The Treatment Rooms London, one of London’s premier hair transplant clinics, our surgeons are happy to guide you through your journey.
Kristy’s Transgender Transplant
Type of Surgery : Transgender
Hair Loss Level : Norwood 3
Number of Grafts : 1509
"My confidence level since the hair transplant has sky rocketed. I feel a lot happier in my own skin. I feel a lot more feminine with the hairline I’ve been given"
Transgender hair transplants in London
The distinguishable characteristics between male and female hairlines are an important gender trait, from the shape and position to the flow of hairs. For trans patients, crown hair loss and receding hairlines pose many problems especially when transitioning. Signs of patterned baldness is can be severely distressing for non binary transfeminine (MtF) patients as it’s a recognisable effect of male hormones and contributes to their gender dysphoria.
The advancement in FUE hair transplants and FUT hair transplant surgery and non-surgical hair loss treatments such as HRT and Finasteride has made it more accessible for transgender patients to receive treatments to aid in their transitioning process.
In this article, we explore both surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments for transgender patients to help with their transition. We also outline the differences between male and female hairlines and the cost of an hair transplant available at The Treatment Rooms London.
Transgender hair transplant surgery
Hair transplants are a popular procedure amongst the transgender community as they can help alter the appearance of your hairline, as well as add volume and thickness to areas that are thinning helping to treat gender dysphoria. FUE or FUT hair transplants are utilised to change the appearance of a patient’s hairline and hair crown to aid in their gender reassignment.
Transgender hair transplant surgery is constructed with the patient’s transition in mind. Using a bespoke method, the procedure will be tailored entirely to the patient’s needs, whether they’re transitioning from MtF or FtM. A cis male’s hairline differs from a cis female's hairline, so the appropriate measures will be discussed before the procedure during an in-depth consultation.
Transgender hair transplant surgery explanation video
When to undergo feminisation of the hairline
We are able to guide you depending on the stage you find yourself in your transitioning process.
Early stage
For those with hairline and temple recession and have significant gender dysphoria, you can consider a mild restoration of hair in your temples. This can be considered before any facial feminisation surgery or prior to starting hormonal treatments or those in the early stages of HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
Later stage
A second stage hairline procedure can then be performed for a full hairline feminisation after the facial feminisation surgery has been completed. This would aim to create a hairline to frame a feminine face. This is demonstrated below showing the first stage (above) and a second stage to fully feminise this patient's hairline.
The difference between masculine and feminine hairlines
Understanding the difference between feminine and masculine hairlines is a crucial part of hair transplant procedures. Identifying the distinctions between each gender is necessary to construct a natural appearance for the patient.
There are several dissimilarities between masculine and feminine hairlines, which include:
- The position of the hairline
- The shape of the hairline
- The flow of hairs
- The ageing pattern of the hairline
The position of a feminine hairline is typically located further forward than of the masculine patient. Whereas a masculine hairline is further back, which gives the appearance of a more prominent forehead.
As males age and the hairline recedes, the forehead becomes more pronounced. Whereas a receding hairline due to old age is not something that women usually experience, they do experience general hair thinning that doesn't tend to affect one specific area.
The shape of a hairline also differs as males typically recede around the temples, accentuating an “M” shape pattern around the hairline. Contrarily, females have an oval-shaped hairline. Furthermore, the direction in which a masculine hairline flows can be different to a feminine's.
Male to Female hair transplant (hair transplant surgery for non binary transfeminines)
Having an MTF hair transplant can be an important part of your transition and may help you feel more confident in your gender identity. An MTF hair transplant helps to restore or create a more feminine hairline for transgender female or non-binary transfeminine patients.
Male to Female hair transplants are a lot more demanding than the FtM procedure because more than likely the patient will be experiencing some form of hairline or crown hair loss. However, if a patient is taking oestrogen, then the change in hormone levels can counteract the effect of DHT which can help slow down the recession process.
If a patient is experiencing hair loss around the temples and non-surgical treatments aren’t working, then an FUE or FUT hair transplant is a viable option to correct the hairline and provide a more feminine look.
At The Treatment Rooms London, we use innovative techniques to feminise your hairline as well as restore lost hair due to patterned baldness. Our team offers transparent care and will tailor your treatment to meet your unique needs.
We take a patient-centred approach to MTF hair transplants and will consider your personal transition journey. We’ll talk about your goals and desired look during an in-depth consultation so we can help you feel confident in your appearance.
How does an MTF Hair Transplant Work?
In an MTF hair transplant, we’ll take small strips of your scalp from the back of your head and carefully separate them into individual hair follicles. These grafts are then transplanted into thinning or balding areas, such as your crown or hairline, to restore hair growth and feminise your hairline.
In some cases, we recommend two sessions for your MTF hair transplant. This can be because you have later-stage hair loss. However, we’ll discuss all of this during your initial consultation.
You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure after the initial local anaesthesia has been injected. We’ll also provide you with all the aftercare advice you may need to support your healing once home.
When should I have an MTF Hair Transplant?
Knowing when the time is right for your MTF hair transplant depends entirely on your current situation. If you’re taking HRT, then it’s best to wait until your body has fully adjusted.
Having an MTF hair transplant too young can mean you need further treatment as your hairline continues to change with age. You may also want to undergo facial feminisation surgery which will influence how and when you undergo a hair transplant.
We offer MTF hair transplants to transgender patients at any stage of their journey — you don’t have to have started HRT or undergone gender-affirmation surgery. We’re here to help you feel confident and happy with your hairline and hair fullness at all stages of your transition.
Female to Male hair transplant
If you’re transitioning from female to male and you’re taking testosterone then you may be experiencing male pattern baldness. The male hormones can alter your appearance, including your hairline which can result in male pattern baldness.
This is because the body converts testosterone into DHT which is thought to be a key factor in male pattern baldness. DHT can have an adverse effect on your hairline as it miniaturises your hair follicles and sheds them.
To help treat male patterned baldness you will need to plan carefully with your Surgeon how much hair loss you are experiencing and how much hair you will likely lose in the future. You will have some options available to help preserve your hair.
If you wanted to restore hair in areas to make yourself appear more masculine, hair transplants are an effective form of treatment that can provide a natural look with a long-lasting outcome. With a hair transplant, you can also generate beard, moustache or eyebrow growth by extracting the hair follicles from the donor area and transferring them to your face to give a more masculine look.
Gender dysphoria and shaving for hair transplant surgery
Transgender hair transplant cost
The cost of an FUE hair transplant varies from patient to patient as it depends on the number of grafts a patient will need, corresponding to the amount of hair they have lost. At London Treatment Rooms, we average at £5-£6 per graft, with the price of an FUE hair transplant procedure starting at £3,000.
We recommend utilising our hair graft calculator to get a better understanding of how many grafts you may need. This interactive online tool considers a patients’ age, gender assigned at birth, hair colour, and hair type to generate the average number of grafts they will need. However, this is just an estimation. The price and an accurate number of grafts will be given to you by your surgeon in consultation.
Non-surgical hair loss treatments for transgender patients
Before opting for a hair transplant, we suggest trying non-surgical hair loss treatments as they are less invasive and in some cases more effective. Some medications can in fact reverse hair loss but this does depend entirely on the patient.
Additionally, if you are not comfortable with undergoing surgery then there are a number of non-surgical hair loss treatments for transgender patients that can help with the process.
The effectiveness of these treatments depends on what stage of hair loss you are currently experiencing. For example, Minoxidil is a stimulant treatment used to increase the vitality of hairs that generates thickness. However, if you are experiencing severe hair loss then this treatment might not be for you, something that a conversation with one of our surgeons will help you to understand.
Nevertheless, successful treatments like Finasteride work by directly halting the balding process by blocking the enzymes that converts testosterone into DHT. This is particularly effective during the early stages of hair loss in trans patients transitioning to a non-binary transfeminine appearance.
How we can help with your transition with a hair transplant
The Treatment Rooms London is a reputable CQC registered hair transplant clinic based in Putney. All of our procedures are carried out by experienced and fully qualified surgeons who will be there for you every step of the way. We take pride in the work we do and that’s why we make sure every patient receives the best possible outcome.
All patients looking to explore hair transplant surgery as part of their transition process are seen by our specialist transgender hair transplant surgeon, Dr Fernando. We provide an initial consultation to analyse your hair and give you the best options that are most suitable for you. We will walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. During this time, our surgeons will also be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis for the number of grafts you will need and how much the treatment will cost.
If you’re thinking of taking the next step towards your transformation and would like to know more, please book a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons today.
Transgender Hair Transplant FAQs
A transgender hair transplant is a specialised hair restoration procedure aimed at creating a feminised hairline and hair density that aligns with the patient’s gender identity. This could be feminising the hairline for MTF (Male-to-Female) transitions or restoring a more masculine hair look for FTM (Female-to-Male) individuals.
This procedure is not commonly offered by many hair transplant clinics as it requires specialist care and skills. At London Treatment Rooms, our expert surgeons can perform Transgender hair transplants, helping our patients achieve their desired hairline shape, density and overall appearance.
References
- Scalp hair regrowth in a hormone treated transgender woman
- Understanding and addressing hair disorders in transgender individuals
- https://gic.nhs.uk/
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/measuringequality/genderidentity/genderidentityupdate
- https://www.treatmentroomslondon.com/hair-transplant-cost/transgender-hair-transplant-cost/
Authored by
Dr Roshan Vara
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
Reviewed by
Dr Dilan Fernando
Royal College of Surgeons
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
TRANSGENDER HAIR TRANSPLANT REVIEWS
★★★★★
"After extensive research and many consultations around London, I am so glad I chose The Treatment Rooms for my surgery. Dr Fernando and the whole team were excellent from the very beginning and really understood the natural result I was hoping to achieve. The actual day of the surgery was a breeze and I was made comfortable throughout. The recovery couldn't have gone any smoother and I am so happy with the final result. I cannot recommend The Treatment Rooms enough.”
★★★★★
"Two procedures and couldn’t be happier with the results. True professionals with great pre and after care. Initial transplant supposed to fall out before then regrowing which I’d expected and seen with friends but very little almost none after treatment room procedure. From zero hair on crown and little on top to full age appropriate head of hair 1 year later.”
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