How is hair transplant surgery done?

Hair transplant is done as an outpatient procedure. Some doctors do give a little mild sedation and others apply a topical anesthetic. This lasts a few hours and still hurts- sometimes like hell (personal experience).
Over the years, hair transplantation has been refined in technique. From the thick grafts of the old days, surgeons now transplant single follicles. Using a small needle, hair follicles are plucked out and re implanted into the recipient site. This eliminates the need to excise the skin. The procedure allows for faster healing, less trauma and no scars. However, the major disadvantage of this procedure is the cost and time. It may take an entire day to perform this procedure and the cost can be enormous.