Hair Transplant Surgery in Nigeria: Cost and Procedure

Imagine waking up, looking in the mirror, and seeing a full head of hair where there used to be thinning patches or bald spots. For many Nigerians dealing with hair loss, this sounds like a dream—but it’s now a reality thanks to hair transplant surgery. Gone are the days when you had to travel abroad to restore your hair. With advanced medical procedures now available in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, you can get a hair transplant right here in Nigeria.

But how much does it cost? Is the procedure painful? How long does it take before you start seeing results? These are some of the questions on people’s minds. Whether you’re dealing with male pattern baldness, a receding hairline, or even hair loss due to injury, this article will break down everything you need to know about hair transplant surgery in Nigeria—from the procedure to the cost and what to expect after treatment.

What is Hair Transplant Surgery?

Hair transplant surgery is a medical procedure that moves hair from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the head) to another area where hair is thinning or completely lost. It’s commonly done for the scalp but can also be used to restore eyebrows, beards, and even eyelashes.

There are two major techniques used in hair transplant surgery:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – This method involves removing a strip of skin with hair from the back of the head, extracting individual hair follicles from it, and then implanting them into the bald area.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – In this method, hair follicles are removed directly from the scalp using tiny punches and then implanted into the affected areas.

FUE is more popular in Nigeria because it leaves no visible scars, heals faster, and looks more natural.

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Who Can Get a Hair Transplant in Nigeria?

Not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. The best candidates are:

• Men experiencing male pattern baldness
• Women with thinning hair
• People who have lost hair due to injuries, burns, or surgeries
• Those with enough healthy hair at the back of the head to be transplanted

If you’re completely bald with no donor hair available, a hair transplant may not be possible. In such cases, other treatments like scalp micropigmentation or artificial hair implants may be considered.

The Hair Transplant Procedure Step by Step

If you’re planning to get a hair transplant in Nigeria, here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Before the Surgery

1. Consultation: A doctor will examine your scalp, discuss your hair loss history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
2. Medical Tests: Some clinics may require blood tests to rule out infections or underlying health conditions.
3. Pre-Surgery Instructions: You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, avoid alcohol, and wash your hair with a mild shampoo before the surgery.

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During the Surgery

1. Preparation: The surgeon marks the areas where hair will be implanted and shaves the donor area if necessary.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the scalp, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
3. Extraction of Hair Follicles: Using either the FUT or FUE method, the surgeon extracts healthy hair follicles.
4. Implantation: The extracted follicles are carefully placed into tiny holes or slits in the bald areas.
5. Completion: The procedure takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed.

After the Surgery

1. Recovery: You might experience swelling, redness, and mild pain for a few days.
2. Medication: The doctor may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent infection.
3. Post-Surgery Care: Avoid touching the transplanted area, stay away from direct sunlight, and follow all aftercare instructions given by the clinic.
4. Hair Growth Timeline: In the first few weeks, the transplanted hair may fall out (this is normal). New hair starts growing within 3 to 6 months, with full results visible after a year.

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How Much Does Hair Transplant Surgery Cost in Nigeria?

The cost of hair transplant surgery in Nigeria depends on various factors such as the clinic, surgeon’s experience, the number of grafts needed, and the technique used. On average, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Small Procedure (500-1,000 grafts): ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000
• Medium Procedure (1,000-2,500 grafts): ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000
• Large Procedure (2,500+ grafts): ₦2,500,000 – ₦4,000,000

Some high-end clinics in Lagos and Abuja may charge even higher, especially if they use advanced FUE techniques.

Where to Get a Hair Transplant in Nigeria

Hair transplant surgery is now available in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Some of the best places to get the procedure done include:

• Specialized Hair Restoration Clinics – These clinics focus solely on hair transplants and have experienced specialists.
• Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Clinics – Some high-end dermatology and cosmetic surgery centers offer hair transplants as part of their services.
• Teaching Hospitals – A few government teaching hospitals with dermatology units provide hair restoration treatments at lower costs.

Before choosing a clinic, check their reviews, ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients, and ensure the surgeon is qualified.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants come with some risks. These include:

• Infection (though rare if proper care is taken)
• Scarring, especially with the FUT method
• Temporary swelling and redness
• Shock loss (temporary shedding of existing hair)
• Uneven hair growth if not done properly

Most of these side effects are temporary and can be managed with proper aftercare.

Is Hair Transplant Worth It?

Hair transplant surgery is a long-term solution for hair loss. While it is expensive, the results are permanent, making it a worthwhile investment for those who want to restore their hair and confidence. Unlike wigs, creams, or medications that require ongoing maintenance, a successful transplant provides natural-looking hair that lasts a lifetime. For those considering the procedure, consulting a qualified specialist and setting realistic expectations is the first step. If done by an experienced surgeon, the results can be life-changing.

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