How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last? Results and Longevity
Hair transplant surgery
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How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last? Results and Longevity
If you’re contemplating having a hair transplant to stop your hair loss, then there’s one question you probably have been considering a lot – that is, how long does a hair transplant last?
A hair transplant surgery aims not only to restore hair loss but also promote new hair growth over the long term. The “average” lifespan of a hair transplant is around 10 years. But with an incredible post-care regimen, there is no reason your hair transplant result shouldn’t last longer!
Our blog has everything you need to know about hair transplant recovery, hair transplant care, and what you can do to maintain the hair transplant outcome.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last?
Some of the most common questions that patients ask after considering getting a hair transplant is, what will the outcome be like and how long will it last? You ask these questions, and offices respond to your queries, emails, and calls every day!
The truth is that you don’t know the easy answer to all of those questions and there is no “easy golden rule” or “blanket response” to describe how long your post-hair transplant product is going to look or last.
For example, if you google “how long does a hair transplant last” you will get results like “a hair transplant can last 10 years” or “your hair transplant is good for a lifetime.”
Let’s not ignore the language here. Terms like “may”, “can”, and/or “might” may at first be counterproductive to those contemplating a hair transplant surgery. Still, what words like these reveal is that no two patients are ever the same, these aren’t without risks, and there are pros and cons of undergoing a hair transplant procedure.
Pros and Cons of Having a Hair Transplant
The first and most obvious advantage of a hair transplant is that it helps a patient reverse the hair loss process and make it appear natural. What’s more, hair transplantation is the most lasting treatment compared to other forms of hair loss treatment like (medicine, PRP therapy, etc.) It enhances a patient’s confidence and body image.
One of the drawbacks of a hair transplant is that a post-treatment plan is required if the patient wishes to avoid further hair loss. While a hair transplant aftercare regimen is extremely easy and inexpensive, it’s still a very important step to consider if you’re considering a hair transplant.
If you’re willing to put your hard-earned cash into a treatment such as a hair transplant, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your aftercare plan as well as the procedure itself.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last?: Method Effectiveness
The hair transplant surgery you go through has nothing to do with the time your result will last. All that could change is the period of recovery within the first year of your hair transplant.
Techniques like DHI or FUE hair transplant work by harvesting individual donor hair follicles from the back and sides of the head and transferring them to the target region. The upside of pulling out hair follicles on a one-by-one basis is that you don’t incur any long-term scars after the surgery.
Patients undergoing DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) or FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants usually recover from their initial scars in 14 days to a little more and the result shows up between 12-18 months.
FUT aims to cut a vertical slice of skin off the back of the head, remove hair follicles from the slice, and implant them in the target area. Although transplanted hair follicles will mimic DHI or FUE hair grafts, FUT patients will suffer a permanent linear strip scar in their donor area for the rest of their lives.
So, the differences between different hair transplant procedures will not influence the number of years follicles can survive in the recipient region. The primary difference between these hair transplant procedures will be whether the patient’s donor area will still have a scar.
Factors that Determine Hair Transplant Results
Although the most optimum option to mitigate the signs of hair loss and enhance the appearance of your hairline and/or crown is a hair transplant, there are some additional variables that can impact the pace at which a patient’s hair falls during post-operative periods.
Surgeon & Clinic Choice
Without a doubt, it depends on the kind of clinic you select for hair transplant surgery to see how well your hair transplant is going to work out. Surgical interventions take time and skill. It makes it essential to choose a hair transplant centre that operates from a CQC-registered clinic, that its surgeons are GMC (and ideally ISHRS) qualified, and that most of your hair transplant surgery is done by the surgeon.
By picking a reputable clinic, you are choosing professional hair transplant surgeons with thousands of surgeries under their belt and there isn’t much to be left on the line regarding the outcome of your surgery.
You’re paying for the following things if you hire a well-trained and experienced surgeon:
- You’re putting your new hair follicles where you want them to be. This means you’re obtaining a more natural appearance for your new hair follicles. This completely eliminates the need for future corrective hair transplant surgery.
- You’ll receive an enhanced aftercare package. If you pick the right clinic, it will ensure that the clinic you pick cares about you!
- You’ll be given trusted aftercare advice. A clinic dedicated to the ultimate outcome will give you all the details you need to be glowing for years! Transplanted hairs do need a little care in the first year of your recovery, so being educated and given hair growth pills (finasteride or dutasteride) and being told about hair growth treatments (PRP, LLLT, Micro-needling) is only going to make you even better in the long run!
Age of the Patient
A patient’s age is one thing that may influence the likelihood of hair loss following a hair transplant. Children may be more prone to further hair loss following a hair transplant.
It’s not about the hair transplant, but instead, it’s a mere marker of age and genetic medical conditions, like male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Younger patients can be prescribed DHT-blocking medications (finasteride or dutasteride) to eliminate the requirement for another transplant later in life. This eliminates hair loss following a hair transplant and negates the need for a second surgery 10-15 years after a previous hair transplant.
Hairstyle of the Patient
After a hair transplant, you should choose a style that won’t make your hair fall out again. Allowing your hair to grow out will minimize your risk of a condition called traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia results when hair follicles are pulled from the dermal layer (skin) through uncomfortable styling. Dreadlocks, tight ponytails, and plats all make you more susceptible to traction alopecia and result in TA cases that leave the scalp with visible bald patches.
So, if you choose a haircut that does not irritate your transplanted hair follicles, hair restoration surgery is the ultimate solution to your hair loss.
How Can I Prevent Hair Loss After Receiving a Hair Transplant?
Depending on how one wants to avoid hair loss in the years following surgery, aftercare should be the patient’s responsibility. Stopping future hair loss is as important as getting a hair transplant.
The most important factor for longevity is to make sure you are taking preventative medications (finasteride, dutasteride, or minoxidil) or ongoing treatments (PRP therapy, micro-needling treatments).
In addition to hair loss medications or hair growth treatments, a regular daily hair maintenance regime is recommended as well. Maintaining your transplanted hair is the key to longevity.
It’s crucial to make sure that a patient is following the correct routines and practices. Do not accept any hair transplant firm without asking your consultant how many aftercare appointments you’ve had with them. Good communication and aftercare can prevent so many issues from coming up in the future.
Wrapping It Up
For how long will my hair be after the transplant’ is arguably the most common question many of us professionals receive. It’s true that one can have a lifelong hair transplant, but this relies on the patient doing the right aftercare measures to deal with future hair loss.
New growth occurs in the first year of hair transplantation and, from there, patients are typically prescribed DHT blockers (finasteride, dutasteride) following an FUE transplant. You should also choose a skilled hair transplant surgeon because they can be the person who talks you through the procedure and gives you all the information you require to maintain your hair density decades after the surgery.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Last?: FAQ
1. Are hair transplants permanent?
Yes, because the transplanted hair is permanently sourced from regions that are not prone to hair loss.
2. Do I need follow-up treatments?
There may be additional surgery required if hair loss persists in the non-transplanted sites.
3. Should I have thick, full hair as soon as possible?
No. Hair takes time to grow, and it is noticeable 6-12 months later.
4. Does the procedure hurt?
The operation is performed under local anaesthesia, and the procedure is very painless. But afterwards, you might feel a little numbness.
5. How long does the process take?
Hair transplants typically take 4–8 hours depending on the area you want to have.
6. Can you do more than one hair transplant?
It is possible to have multiple sessions if you want to achieve the desired density or cover more space.
7. What should I do after receiving a new hair transplant?
Post-transplant care involves not touching or scratching the transplanted surface, taking medication, and washing as directed by your physician, as well as cleaning the scalp.
