Recovery and stay in Djerba: length of the procedure, pain, return to work, temporary shedding — straight answers from Dr Khalil El Cadhi, ISHRS Full Member.
How long does the procedure take?
A full session generally takes the day: extraction in the morning, implantation in the afternoon, with breaks. The exact duration depends on the number of grafts and the technique. Long-shaft extraction (Long Hair FUE) takes more time than shaved FUE.
Is the procedure painful?
It is carried out under tumescent local anaesthesia: the most sensitive phase is the anaesthetic injection itself. Variable discomfort (tightness, tenderness of the donor area) may follow for a few days. It is usually controlled by the painkillers prescribed in the protocol.
When can I go back to work?
After a Long Hair FUE, the appearance of the hair is preserved from the very first day. However, mild forehead swelling may persist for 3 to 5 days. A gradual return from day 3 for low-exposure jobs; one week is advised for highly visible jobs. With shaved FUE, allow 2 to 3 weeks for the shaved look.
What is temporary shedding (shock loss)?
Between week 2 and week 6, most transplanted hair shafts fall out: this is a normal phase of the follicular cycle, not a failure. The follicles stay in place and start a new growth cycle, visible from month 3 or 4.
When is the final result visible?
Regrowth spreads over 3 to 12 months: the first mature hairs around months 3-4, then gradually increasing density, with a full assessment of the result at 12 months. The pace varies by area (the crown is slower) and from one person to another.
Recovery and stay in Djerba: how many days should I plan?
A typical stay includes the pre-operative consultation, the day of the procedure and a check-up with a first assisted shampoo. For a calm recovery and an unhurried stay in Djerba, most patients plan 3 to 4 days on site. Djerba-Zarzis airport is about 2 h 30 from the main cities of Western Europe.
To prepare your recovery and your stay in Djerba, see also: the step-by-step timeline and how a medical stay in Djerba is organised and the ISHRS patient resources.
Results depend on each patient’s individual profile and cannot be predicted with certainty.