Hair transplants have become increasingly popular in Pakistan—and Islamabad is quickly rising as one of the country’s leading hubs for high-quality, affordable procedures. You’ve seen the ads, maybe even checked out before-and-after photos. But what actually happens inside a hair transplant clinic in Islamabad?

This blog offers a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at a typical day inside one of the city’s top-rated clinics, giving you a better idea of what to expect before you book that appointment.

8:30 AM – Opening the Clinic

The day begins early. By 8:30 AM, most hair transplant clinics in Islamabad—like SKN Cosmetics, Cosmesurge, or Islamabad Hair Transplant Clinic (IHTC)—are prepping for the day’s procedures.

• Staff arrive to sterilize surgical tools

• Procedure rooms are set up with surgical beds, LED lights, and magnifying equipment

• Patient files are reviewed to confirm schedules and any special considerations

It’s calm, professional, and highly organized—no chaos, just focus.

 9:00 AM – Patient Arrives for Surgery

The first patient of the day typically arrives around 9:00 AM. A good clinic will have already conducted:

• A detailed consultation

• Hairline design mapping

• Blood tests or a health screening

Today is surgery day, so the patient is:

• Greeted by the front desk and led to a private waiting room

• Asked to change into surgical attire

• Briefed again on what to expect

• Given a light breakfast or hydration, if allowed

The surgeon will often sit down again with the patient to reconfirm the hairline design, number of grafts, and technique to be used (FUE or FUT).

9:30 AM – Local Anesthesia & Preparation

Once in the operating room, the patient is comfortably positioned—often in a reclining surgical chair.

The procedure begins with:

• Shaving the donor and recipient areas (usually the back of the head and hairline)

• Injecting local anesthesia to numb the scalp

• Disinfecting the skin and marking the graft zones

The surgical team typically consists of:

• One lead surgeon

• Two or more technicians or assistants

• A coordinator who tracks graft counts and assists the surgeon

10:00 AM – Graft Extraction Begins

For FUE, the extraction phase involves using a micropunch tool to remove individual follicular units. It’s a delicate, precise process and can take 2–3 hours depending on the number of grafts (2,000–4,000 is typical).

Behind the scenes:

• Technicians collect and carefully store grafts in a cooling solution

• The grafts are inspected for quality and sorted into units (1-hair, 2-hair, 3-hair follicles)

Patients often listen to music or even nap during this time. The numbing makes the process nearly painless.

1:00 PM – Lunch & Short Break

After extraction, there’s usually a short break.

Patients are offered:

• A light lunch or snacks

• Juice or electrolyte drinks

• A chance to walk around and stretch

Meanwhile, the team continues prepping the grafts and sterilizing tools for the next phase—implantation.

 1:45 PM – Recipient Site Creation

Now the artistic part begins. The surgeon uses a special blade or needle to create tiny incisions in the recipient area (the balding or thinning zone).

This step defines:

• Hairline shape

• Angle of hair growth

• Density distribution

Each incision is placed strategically to ensure a natural-looking result. This process usually takes 30–60 minutes and is entirely done by the lead surgeon.

 2:30 PM – Graft Implantation

Once the sites are ready, technicians begin inserting the grafts into the incisions using fine forceps or an implanter pen.

This is the most time-consuming part and takes 2–4 hours, depending on:

• Number of grafts

• Area being covered

• Skin type and bleeding tendency

During this phase, the room is calm, focused, and quiet. A quality clinic will ensure:

• Sterile handling of each graft

• Proper orientation of the follicles for realistic growth

• Continuous hydration of the grafts

 5:00 PM – Final Touches & Post-Op Instructions

By late afternoon, the procedure is complete. The patient is:

• Shown their new hairline in a mirror

• Given a bandage or protective cap (optional)

• Prescribed post-op medication (antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories)

• Briefed on care instructions for the next 7–14 days

The surgeon or assistant will explain:

• How to sleep (elevated for 3 nights)

• When to wash the scalp

• What to avoid (sweating, sun, tight hats)

Some clinics also provide:

• A printed aftercare guide

• WhatsApp or phone support

• A follow-up appointment in 7–10 days

6:00 PM – Cleaning Up & Preparing for the Next Day

As the patient leaves to recover at home or a hotel, the surgical team:

• Disposes of medical waste properly

• Cleans and sterilizes all instruments

• Updates patient records

• Reviews graft counts and procedure notes

By 7:00 PM, the clinic winds down. It's been a long but fulfilling day—another patient one step closer to restoring their hair and confidence

 A Realistic but Hopeful Experience

Many people fear the unknown aspects of surgery, but a day inside a hair transplant clinic in Islamabad is far more professional, comforting, and organized than most expect. Key takeaways include:

• Most procedures are painless thanks to local anesthesia

• The team behind your transplant includes trained technicians, not just one doctor

• The process takes 6–8 hours, but is safe and highly routine

• Your clinic experience matters just as much as the surgical technique

Want the Best Experience?

If you're considering a hair transplant in Islamabad, here are a few top-rated clinics known for a patient-first approach: