Did Patrik Isaksson have a hair transplant? Yes, and he explained why

What did Patrik Isaksson say about his hair transplant?

The interview was published by Aftonbladet on 30 January 2018 and quoted the same day by other Swedish media. Expressen reported his explanation of the background: “It is not fun to stand on stage and be photographed in harsh spotlights with hair that isn't thick.” According to the reports, the procedure had been done about a year earlier, and he said he had felt this way for four or five years.

Nyheter24 and Expressen also quoted his description of the result: “It was time. I was 44 then and many of my friends have done it. It's common in our industry, so I asked them beforehand what it was like. And I didn't feel anything. They moved hair follicles, it's my own hair, there have been no side effects and I absolutely don't regret it. I'm very happy!”

That is all we rely on here. Isaksson did not describe the technique, the number of grafts or other medical details, so this article does not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes hair transplantation in general, not his treatment.

Why his explanation matters

Isaksson framed the decision in a way many men recognise: it was not about vanity, he said, but about feeling better when he saw himself on stage and on television. He also stressed that he did it only for his own sake. That is a healthy way to approach the procedure: a personal decision, taken after asking questions and hearing about other people's experiences.

His remark that “it's my own hair” is also accurate. A transplant does not add anything foreign: it moves follicles from the back of the head, where hair is resistant to genetic hair loss, to the areas that have thinned. Male hair loss is common and usually genetic (androgenetic alopecia), and a transplant redistributes hair rather than stopping that process.

How a hair transplant works today

A modern hair transplant is an outpatient operation under local anaesthesia. Follicles are taken one by one from the donor area, usually the back of the head and the temples, and implanted where hair is missing. The two main techniques are:

• FUE — grafts are extracted individually through tiny punctures and placed into channels prepared by the surgeon. No linear scar and no stitches.
• DHI — grafts are implanted with a special pen (Choi implanter) without pre-made channels, which gives fine control over angle and direction.

A combined approach (FUE extraction with DHI implantation) is also used. Which option fits depends on the extent of hair loss and the donor area, and is decided at a consultation.

Who is a good candidate

A transplant works best when the donor area at the back of the head is dense enough and the hair loss has a clear pattern. Typical reasons to consider it:

• a receding hairline or thinning temples;
• thinning at the crown or generally low density;
• patchy hair loss, or hair loss after trauma, burns, illness or hormonal disorders.

Contraindications include age under 18, trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder, cancer, severe heart disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a pacemaker and intolerance to anaesthetics. The surgeon checks these before any date is booked.

What results look like over time

Isaksson spoke about his result a year after the procedure, which matches the usual timeline. Transplanted hairs typically shed in the first weeks — the follicles stay in place — and new growth begins after a few months. Density becomes clearly visible at 6–9 months, and the final result is judged at 12–18 months. The timeline below shows the usual stages.

1. Day of surgeryLocal anaesthesia, grafts are taken and implanted; you go home the same day.
2. Days 1–10The scalp heals and small crusts fall off; you follow the washing and sleeping instructions.
3. Weeks 2–4Transplanted hairs shed. This is expected: the follicles remain under the skin.
4. Months 3–4New hair begins to grow, often fine at first.
5. Months 6–9Density becomes clearly visible.
6. Months 12–18The final result can be assessed.

A hair transplant at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs FUE, DHI and combined hair transplants for international patients. The first consultation is free and can be held online: the doctor assesses photos of the hair and donor area, estimates the number of grafts and names the price, which is then fixed in the contract. Prices start at $2,200 for FUE, $2,500 for DHI and $2,700 for the combined method. The price includes follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and the clinic gives a lifetime guarantee of hair growth. More details are on the hair transplant page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Patrik Isaksson or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of a man who spoke openly about the procedure.

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

When did Patrik Isaksson have his hair transplant?

He told Aftonbladet in January 2018 that the procedure had been done about a year earlier, when he was 44.

Why did Patrik Isaksson have a hair transplant?

He said it was not fun to stand on stage, see himself on TV and be photographed in harsh spotlights with hair that wasn't thick, and that he did it only for his own sake.

Is a hair transplant permanent?

Transplanted follicles come from the back of the head, where hair is resistant to genetic hair loss, so they usually keep growing for life. Native hair around them can still thin, which the doctor considers when planning.

How much does a hair transplant cost at City Medical Centre?

Prices start at $2,200 for FUE, $2,500 for DHI and $2,700 for the combined method. The final price is given after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.

Does a hair transplant hurt?

The operation is done under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic injections are the most noticeable part; afterwards patients usually describe tightness and mild discomfort for a few days.