Marty Whelan's hair transplants: two sessions and a moustache he kept

What did Marty Whelan say about his hair transplants?

As RTÉ reported from his interview with the RTÉ Guide, Whelan had what he jokingly called his first “plantation” in December 2012 and a second one in the summer of 2013, with hair moved from the back of his head to the front. His reason: “I’m in a business where your appearance matters and if you don’t look right on TV that is hardly conducive to a long future.”

He was just as clear about what the operation was not about: “If I wanted to look younger I could have got rid of my moustache. That would have made me look younger, but I like the moustache. It is a trademark now.” He also said he watched The Life of Pi on his iPad during the procedure.

That interview is the only thing we rely on. He did not name the technique or the number of grafts, so we do not guess. The sections below describe hair transplantation in general, not his treatment.

What his account shows

Whelan was 57 at the time, which is a useful reminder that transplants are not only for young men. He framed the decision as a practical one connected to working on television, and he talked about it with humour rather than embarrassment.

Two details are especially informative. First, watching a film during the operation reflects the fact that a hair transplant is usually done under local anaesthesia — the patient is awake and can rest, read or watch something. Second, he had two sessions about half a year apart. A second procedure is sometimes planned when the area to cover is large, when more density is wanted, or when hair continues to thin over time. Whether that applies to a particular patient is decided with the doctor.

How hair transplantation works

The principle Whelan described — hair from the back moved to the front — is the basis of every modern method. The donor hair at the back of the head and temples is resistant to genetic hair loss, so it tends to keep growing after it is moved. The main techniques:

• FUE — grafts removed individually and placed in small channels; no incisions, no stitches;
• DHI — grafts implanted with a Choi implanter pen, no pre-made channels;
• DHI+FUE — FUE extraction combined with DHI implantation.

Who is a candidate, including older patients

The contraindication list has no upper age limit; what matters is general health and the donor area. The usual indications are a receding hairline or temples, thinning, low density, diffuse or focal alopecia, and hair loss after trauma, burns, illness or hormonal disorders. Patients must be over 18. Contraindications include trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder, cancer, epilepsy, severe heart disease, diabetes mellitus, a pacemaker, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B/C, a history of pulmonary embolism and intolerance to anaesthetics. Older patients in particular should bring a list of their conditions and medication to the consultation.

Recovery after each session

Each session follows the same pattern. The scalp heals in about ten days; the transplanted hairs shed in weeks two to four; new growth starts at three to four months; density is visible at six to nine months; the final result is judged at 12–18 months. If a second session is planned, the doctor times it around this cycle.

1. Day of surgeryLocal anaesthesia; you are awake, grafts are moved, and you go home the same day.
2. Days 1–10The scalp heals and crusts fall off.
3. Weeks 2–4Transplanted hairs shed; the follicles stay.
4. Months 3–4New growth begins.
5. Months 6–9Visible density; the doctor can judge whether more work is needed.
6. Months 12–18Final result of the session.

Hair transplant at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs FUE ($2,200), DHI ($2,500) and combined ($2,700) transplants for patients from Ireland and elsewhere. The first consultation is free and can be held online; the doctor estimates the grafts and names the price, which is fixed in the contract. Dressings, check-ups, a personal coordinator and follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months are included, along with a lifetime guarantee of hair growth. More on the hair transplant page.

City Medical Centre has no connection with Marty Whelan or his treatment. We cite his interview only because he spoke about the procedure openly.

Hair transplant prices in this article are the current offer, valid until 31 October 2026. Regular prices: FUE $2,700, DHI $2,900, combined method $2,900. The price that applies to you is confirmed at the consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How many hair transplants did Marty Whelan have?

Two: the first in December 2012 and the second in the summer of 2013, as he told the RTÉ Guide in 2014.

Why did Marty Whelan have a hair transplant?

He said he works in a business where appearance matters and that not looking right on TV is hardly conducive to a long career.

Are you awake during a hair transplant?

Usually yes. It is done under local anaesthesia, and many patients read or watch something, as Whelan did with a film on his iPad.

Why would someone need a second session?

A second session may be planned for a large area, for extra density or for later thinning. The doctor decides after assessing the first result and the donor area.

What does a transplant cost at City Medical Centre?

FUE $2,200, DHI $2,500, combined $2,700. The price is set after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.