Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

Most hair loss sufferers question the success rate and permanency of hair transplant surgery during the first consultation. People opting for surgical hair restoration want to know if the results are long-term and permanent. Otherwise, paying a hefty price for the hair transplant surgery would be worth nothing.

Currently, there are several treatments and remedies available for hair loss and baldness. Not all treatments work as effectively as surgical enhancements. Most of these remedies offer short-term results and cease to work once the treatment stops. As for hair transplants, here is what you need to know about the longevity of this surgery.

Yes, surgical hair restoration offers permanent, long-lasting results. Over the years, hair transplant technology has evolved significantly, ensuring a higher success rate and satisfactory results. During the surgery, the surgeon takes hair from the sides and back of the scalp.

Usually, hair follicles in these areas are DHT-resistant and healthy.
Importantly, the purpose of this surgery is to offer long-lasting results. In most cases, hair transplants last more than 20 years or for life. It should be noted that a person may experience hair shedding due to aging, stress, or any health condition.

Besides the aforesaid factors, patients would likely not experience a reduction in transplanted Hair.

In addition, the longevity and success of the treatment depend heavily on the surgeon’s expertise, applied technique, and post-op care.

If you see a person experiencing pattern baldness, you will observe that they start to lose hair in the crown and top areas. It is because the hair follicles in these areas are prone to hair loss. On the contrary, hair on the sides and back of the head has a longer lifespan.

During the surgery, the surgeon takes out hair from the DHT-resistant donor area. Next, these follicular grafts are transplanted to the area with sparse hair growth or bald patches. As a result, hair regrows to fill out areas with hair thinning and balding.

The transplanted hair retains the characteristics of where they were extracted irrespective of where they were transplanted. It means that the new transplanted FUs retain their resistance to hair loss. These hairs continue to grow and have a longer lifespan. However, they may stop growing exponentially or fall out due to aging.

In short, transplanting DHT-resistant hair to sparse areas is the secret to long-lasting results. It is one of the few effective treatments that address hair loss and pattern baldness successfully.

Following surgery, it would be easier to maintain the density and prevent hair loss.

It is normal for the patient to lose hair for about 3 months after the hair transplant surgery. Healing and recovery also take time. Roughly, it may take around 12 months to see considerable results. If the desired results are not achieved, the surgeon may perform a follow-up procedure.

Depending on the individual case, hair transplant surgeons often do not extract and implant all FUs in a single session. More often than not, the first transplant surgery is not likely the last. A patient may require multiple sessions to get the results they seek.

Contrarily, some candidates with mild hair loss can get the desired results the first time. While other candidates have to wait for the first hair transplant to heal before going for the follow-up session.

Once all the spare areas are filled, the transplanted hair will regrow.

As stated above, hair transplant results are long-term in most cases. However, it is common for a person to experience hair thinning and mild shedding as they age. Even if the hair follicles thin with age, some hair will continue to grow throughout life.

Consult your surgeon if the hairline recedes or the hair loss worsens. A qualified hair surgeon may prescribe a medication or a complementary treatment to reverse hair loss.

Lastly, a hair transplant is an effective treatment to prevent visible thinning and fill bald patches. While the results are long-term, it does not mean that hair density will not be affected in the coming years. As you age, hair may grow thinner and the patient may require additional hair transplants to fill thinning areas.