Table 4.

Simple protocol for hair transplant (FUE)

Detailed examination	History (general, systemic, family, medical, previous treatment)
	Clinical examination (grading/staging)
	Pull test
	Dermoscopy (trichoscopy)/folliscopy
	Scalp/skin assessment
	Biopsy (if needed)
Counseling	Patient expectations
	Discuss problem, cause, technique, pros and cons, risk and complications, alternative approaches
	Recipient site, hairline marking
	Expected results
	Possible need for further therapy/surgery
	Cost
Presurgical evaluation	Density test (donor area)
	Blood test (complete blood counts, blood sugar, bleeding time, clotting time, HIV, HbsAg, etc.)
	Physician/anesthetic evaluation
	Drug allergy test (local anesthesia, etc.)
	Preoperative photographs
Informed Consent	Technique, common risk and complications, prognosis, further treatment required, etc.
Surgery	Premedication, fine trimming of hair, surface anesthesia, marking of planned recipient site, standard painting and draping
	Ring block, tumescent anesthesia of donor site
	FOX test: continue if score 1, 2, ?(3)
	Donor graft harvesting
	Storage of grafts in holding media at hypothermic solution (Ringer’s/saline/others at 4–10 °C)
	Anesthesia and preparation of recipient site
	Transplantation of follicular grafts
	Saline/Ringer’s irrigation on transplanted grafts intraoperatively (every 5–10 min). Keep grafts wet.
	Hemostasis, donor site dressing
Postoperative instructions	Medications (antibiotics, opioid analgesics, steroid)
	Sleep posture with head elevation
	Avoid strenuous activity, head down or bending, exercise, swimming, physical trauma, harsh chemicals, alcohol, etc.
	Saline irrigation on recipient site, ice compress on forehead and periorbital area
Follow-up	3rd day: check graft area, swelling, crusting, remove donor site dressing. Advise mild shampoo
	10th day: surgical site healing, crusting
	1–6 months: healing and growth, folliculitis, consider starting minoxidil, PRP, other therapies.
	> 6 months: healing, hair growth, alternative therapies, second surgery