Female 2,200-Hair Strip Transplant: Before-and-After Changes

Hello.
This is MOEM Clinic.

Today, we would like to share the case of one of our female patients
to help those considering strip hair transplantation.

Some people who inquire about strip hair transplantation believe
that this method has a higher graft survival rate.
However, the difference lies only in how the donor hair is
harvested; the harvesting method itself does not determine the
survival rate.

To achieve a high survival rate, the most important thing is to
choose an appropriate method based on the condition of your scalp,
the extent of hair loss, and the thickness of your hair.
In this post, we will show the entire process step by step, from
hairline design and the immediate postoperative stage through
recovery and the results one year later.

We hope this will be helpful to those with similar concerns.

M-Shaped Hairline Before Surgery

The hairline was at a balanced height in the center, but the
recessed areas on both sides of the M-shaped hairline were deep and
wide.
This made the forehead appear wider toward the sides and gave her
face a somewhat angular appearance

Because the patient wanted a natural improvement, we discussed
transplanting 2,200 hairs while maintaining the original hairline
height and naturally filling only the recessed M-shaped areas.

During the consultation, she was concerned that the scar from strip
hair transplantation might make the donor area noticeable
immediately after surgery.
However, we explained that her hair was long enough to conceal the
area naturally.

Hairline Design That Preserves Forehead Height

This photograph shows the finalized design before strip hair
transplant surgery.
Before surgery, we plan a natural-looking hairline by considering
the shape of the face, the curve of the forehead, and the growth
direction of the existing hair.

This patient had wide recessions on both sides of her M-shaped
hairline.
Rather than lowering the entire hairline significantly, we designed
it to fill the gaps naturally.

Maintaining the forehead height while gently rounding out the
hairline on both sides was the best match for the look and
impression the patient wanted.

At MOEM, we design hairlines that suit each person’s forehead shape
and desired appearance, creating a natural result that complements
the face without looking artificial.

Recovery of the Transplanted Area Two Weeks After Surgery

These photographs were taken two weeks after strip hair transplant
surgery.
Swelling and scabbing vary from person to person, but they are

 natural reactions following surgery.

After the two-week graft-anchoring period, scabs and dead skin can
be removed by gently washing the scalp with the fingertips.
Even if the area looks untidy, it is best not to pick them off by
force.

This patient experienced only mild swelling.
Regarding postoperative pain, she said, “I felt quite a lot of
tightness when sleeping, but it was bearable.”
Although pain after strip hair transplantation varies from person to
person, most patients can recover without major discomfort if they
take the medications prescribed by the clinic as directed.

Donor-Area Scar Two Weeks After Surgery

With strip hair transplantation, a linear scar remains in the donor
area at the back of the head.
Immediately after harvesting, the sutures may make the scar appear
thick.

After the stitches are removed and the scar heals, its color
gradually fades and it tends to become thinner.

In this patient’s case, the scar was healing steadily two weeks
after surgery.

Temporary itching may occur as the wound heals during the early
postoperative period.

This is a natural part of recovery and usually does not need to
cause significant concern.

The patient also reported that the scar was completely hidden when
she wore her hair down, so it did not significantly interfere with
daily life.

A straight scar remains along the area where the strip of scalp was
removed.
To make the scar as thin as possible, the elasticity of the scalp
and the thickness of the skin must also be assessed.

For this reason, it is especially important to have the surgery
performed by a medical team with substantial experience in strip
hair transplantation.

Progress Three Months After Surgery

This photograph shows the progress at three months.
As with other hair transplant methods, this is the early stage when
hair begins to regrow after the shedding phase, so major visible
changes may not yet be apparent.

Not all transplanted hairs shed during this phase.
Some remain in place, and the amount of shedding varies from person
to person.

In this patient’s case, many hairs remained even during the shedding
phase.

This stage can worry many people because transplanted hairs may
shed.

At MOEM, we continue to care for patients through regular follow-up
checks and guidance to help ease their concerns.

Patience, rather than rushing the process, is most important after
hair transplant surgery.

Hairline Changes One Year After Surgery

These photographs were taken one year after strip hair transplant
surgery.

The transplanted hair has grown in naturally, making the previous
M-shaped recession barely noticeable.

It also blends well with the surrounding hair in both density and
growth direction.

In particular, the recessed areas on both sides have been softly
filled, giving the face a more balanced and gentle overall
appearance.

The patient also said, “These days, I’m so happy that I can sweep my
bangs back without worrying about my hairline.”

Side-View Hairline Comparison Before and After Surgery

We believe strip hair transplantation is not simply a procedure to
implant hair, but a process that can change both facial appearance
and self-confidence.

At MOEM Clinic, the dedicated medical team takes responsibility for
and manages the entire process, from strip hair transplant design
and surgery to postoperative care and follow-up examinations.

We hope this case provides a useful reference for those who have
been curious about strip hair transplantation.
That’s it for today.

Thank you for reading.

Dr. Ji Hoon Jeon’s Blog : https://blog.naver.com/patch4u

Dr. Yong Wook Ko’s Blog : https://blog.naver.com/hairtp360

MOEM Clinic YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs36e_m32hjzndW-2e_6gyw

MOEM Clinic Patient Review Community : https://cafe.naver.com/moemclinic

MOEM Hair Transplant Clinic Address : 5th floor, 101, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea  MOEM hairtransplant clinic

Dr. Jeon Ji-hoon Representative Director

Dr. Jeon Ji-hoon's Credentials

Author of the textbook "Hair Loss and Restoration"

(Former) Director of MOST Clinic

(Former) Director of MOJELIM Plastic Surgery Men's Center

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine

Specialist at Sinchon Severance Hospital

Regular Member of the Korean Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (KSHRS)

Regular Member of the Korean Association of Laser Dermatology and Trichology (KALDAT)

Lifetime Member of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Surgery (KSAS)

NAVER HiDoc Appointed Expert for Health Consultation

Dr.Yong-Uk Ko Representative Director

Dr. Yong-Uk Ko Credentials

Author of the textbook “Hairology”

(Former) director of Motion Clinic

(Former) director of Newhair Hair Plastic Surgery Clinic

Graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles

Graduated from Hanyang University School of Medicine

Member of the Korean Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Member of the Korean Association For Laser, Dermatology And Trichology

Associate Member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)

Consultant of NAVER-Hidoc Medical Consultation