Is a hair transplant permanent?
How long does a hair transplant last? This is one of the most common questions asked by individuals curious about hair transplantation. The short answer is yes, but if you would like to know how lasting results are achieved continue to read on.
We will explain the science behind hair loss and donor areas, as well as why some patients receive additional surgery despite the permanence of the surgery.
In a Nutshell
| Time Until Result | 6 - 12 Month |
| Lifetime | Infinite |
| Multiple Transplants | Possible |
- Free
- Fast
- Non-binding
Hair Transplant Donor Area
The objective of a hair transplant is to transplant hair grafts to fill in the balding regions permanently. In order to create lasting results hair grafts must be extracted from hair that is resistant to DHT.
DHT affects hair around the back of the head and on the body differently than hair on top of the head. For many individuals, DHT encourages the growth of hair on the body.
This is why during a hair transplant surgeon extracts hair to use as grafts that are resistant to DHT. This resistance means the hair will continue to permanently grow for the duration of the patient’s life. If hair is taken from an area that isn’t resistant to DHT then it will only be a matter of time before that hair will fall out after the procedure.
Is a Hair Transplant Permanent?
If a hair transplant is properly performed than the hair transferred to the hairline and scalp will continue to grow permanently. This hair is resistant to DHT and will not weaken as the hormone is produced. The transplanted hair will retain this quality after the procedure.
Patients will likely experience a shedding affect after the hair transplant procedure which will cause all of the new hair to fall out. This affect is caused by hair follicles being cut off from the supply of blood and nutrients for an extended period of time during the surgery. This is a temporary affect however. Generally, hair will begin to grow back three months after the surgery and will grow continuously after that. Full results of a hair transplant will be seen around a year later.
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Additional Hair Transplants
If a patient has not sufficiently stopped the progression of their hair loss, particularly young patients, then there is a greater risk of the results from a hair transplant not lasting.
Young individuals experiencing hair loss have not progressed far enough in most cases for a hair transplant to be a suitable option. It will be difficult for a surgeon to accurately identify a donor area where the hair is resistant to DHT. In order for a young patient to pursue a hair transplant they should be able to prove they have stopped their hair loss using medication. Finasteride and Minoxidil are two FDA approved drugs which stop the progression of hair loss. They cannot however regrow hair in bald areas.
Many hair transplant patients pursue additional surgeries because their balding progresses and they need secondary procedures to fill in the new bald spots. This is why the medication should not be stopped after getting a transplant, but should be used in conjunction with the procedure. This will ensure the transplanted hair and natural hair will not fall out and provide lasting results.
Occasionally patients may need multiple procedures to obtain the results they desire. This is often the case for patients who have extensive hair loss, a Norwood scale 4-6. It is unwise for the surgeon to transplant more than 3,000 grafts per session. They will become fatigued and are more likely to make mistakes as they work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a hair transplant last forever?
What is the success rate of a hair transplant?
Is a hair transplant reversible?
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