How long does a hair transplant last and is it permanent?
In this blog post we’ll look at what a hair transplant involves, what you can expect from your hair transplant, and whether you’re likely to need another transplant in a few years’ time.
Hair transplants have come a very long way, particularly in the last decade.
Thankfully, patchy, noticeable hair plugs are a thing of the past!
Without question, hair transplants are the most permanent solution to baldness, but many wonder if the results will last forever or whether they'll eventually go bald again.
This blog post will help you understand what to expect, from your transplant, the types of procedures and the results you’re likely to get.
Hair transplantation, sometimes called hair restoration, is a procedure that uses micrografting technology to donate your own hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another which has balding or thinning areas.
Types of procedures
There are two types of hair transplantation procedures that are currently preferred by surgeons, but the FEU (A Follicular Unit Extraction) method is most widely used as the process allows the surgeon to position the grafts exactly where they’re needed, resulting in a fuller, more natural look.
The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method uses small punctures to transplant follicles usually from the back and sides of the head to areas where your hair is thinning or bald. The healing time for this process is quicker than other methods as the surgery is less invasive. It also leaves very minimal scarring.
The Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) type of procedure transplants a strip of your own hair follicles, taken from the back of your head to areas of your scalp that are thinning or bald. This method has a longer healing time and produces more scarring which is why it is less widely used these day.
Both of these types of hair transplantation procedures are considered permanent as there is no way the process can be undone.
Will it be permanent?
A hair transplant procedure is considered to be permanent as there’s no way to return the hair follicles to their previous position, but like the rest of your hair follicles, the transplanted ones have a lifespan and at some point they may gradually stop producing as much hair as they used to.
Hair transplants are long-lasting, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the procedure is time-consuming, costly, and does involve an element of downtime for the recovery and healing process.
For these reasons, people need to consider carefully if a hair transplant is right for them, but for those whose self-confidence has suffered due to their thinning or balding hair line, a hair transplant could be the solution.
Is it possible that you could need another?
It is possible that your first hair transplant won’t be your last.
In some cases patients may be told by their surgeon that they need multiple “sessions” of transplant surgery to achieve the results that they want.
Others are so pleased with the results after their first hair transplant has healed, that they later decide to have further surgery to fill out any other thinning patches on their head.
Healing
After your hair follicles are grafted into the bald and thinning areas, it takes some time for your skin to heal. In fact, for the first three month after the procedure, it’s quite normal to see some of your hair fall out.
You would normally expect healing to take somewhere between 6 to 12 months, but once the healing process is complete, the transplanted follicles begin to grow hair that will fill out and cover the bald patches on your scalp. This is hair that will continue to grow naturally as you get older.
Appearance
When your hair transplant procedure is done, you’ll want to see the results straight away, but you’ll have to be patient as it will be some time before you can see the results.
As the transplanted sections of your scalp begin to heal, you may notice that you lose some of that precious hair. Your surgeon should reassure you that this is normal and to be expected.
Once your hair transplant has healed, fully, you will see your own hair beginning to make an appearance from the transplanted follicles. The hair will start to grow noticeably and eventually will be the same length and texture as the rest of your hair.
Hair transplants performed by the FUE method can be cut, styled, and dyed just as you would before your hair started to thin.
What to expect long-term
Your hair transplant should be a long lasting investment.
It is possible that as you age, the hair follicles will thin, just as they would naturally, but they will most likely produce at least some hair for the rest of your life.
If your hair thinning continues, your hairline won’t recede in the same way that it did before.
Your surgeon should discuss with you at length, the plan to make sure that your hair doesn’t look patchy or unnatural after your hair transplant.
When to talk to a Surgeon.
If you feel self-conscious and unhappy about your hair loss, you should consult a clinic.
There are conditions other than male patten baldness that can lead to hair loss, including medical conditions and medications that cause hair loss as a side effect. These outside factors may need to be ruled out before you are considered a suitable candidate for a hair transplant.
Look for a clinic which specializes in hair transplantation.. Ask for several sets of before and after photos and discuss the method and process of your hair transplant before booking your appointment. For Health Insurance
The bottom line
A hair transplant is an effective and permanent solution for those looking to restore their hair. It can be expensive, and time consuming but the results can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
The process may take some time and require multiple sessions, but it will ultimately help you achieve your desired look. With proper maintenance and care after the procedure, you can enjoy the benefits of having a full head of hair again with no fear of balding or thinning.
Are you looking for a permanent solution to your lost or thinning hair?
Hair transplants offer an effective, long-term solution that can help restore your confidence and improve the appearance of thinning or balding areas.
At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we are experts in the field and provide tailored solutions for every individual's needs.
We use only the latest techniques to ensure natural results with minimal scarring. Contact us today to find out how we can give you back a permanent head of hair!
