How long does a Hair Transplant last?

• September 4, 2023
• Dr. Joshua Wee

Last updated on June 3, 2024

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Hair loss is a prevalent occurrence affecting both men and women. Factors such as genetics, health conditions, stress, and alopecia contribute to premature hair loss, thinning hair, and receding hairlines. While readily available over-the-counter medications and topical treatments exist, many individuals choose hair transplants for enduring outcomes.

Consequently, a prominent question arises: “How long does a hair transplant last?” Prior to delving into an extensive response, let’s familiarise ourselves with hair transplants to make well-informed decisions about pursuing one.

What Constitutes a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that has gained popularity since the 1950s, a popularity that has significantly escalated in recent decades. This surgery entails extracting hair follicles from the donor site, either individually through Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or as a strip of skin from a region of the head displaying robust hair growth in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Subsequently, these follicles are transplanted into areas on the scalp with bald patches. As the scalp’s incisions heal, the transplanted follicles encourage the growth of new hair.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In this method of hair transplant, a surgeon extracts individual follicles from the donor area employing a microneedle. This process omits skin grafts, eliminating the need for stitches. Tiny incisions are created where the follicle units are taken, and these incisions heal, eventually becoming concealed beneath existing hair. The individual follicular units are subsequently transplanted into incisions made on bald patches. FUE is more prevalent than FUT and entails less scarring.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

In contrast to FUE, where individual follicular units are extracted, FUT involves grafting an entire strip of scalp from the donor region, typically at the back of the head. This strip is then subdivided into numerous minuscule follicular grafts, ranging from 500 to 2,000 grafts, each encompassing a solitary hair strand or a small cluster of hairs. Subsequently, the surgeon generates tiny incisions in the recipient area, where the follicular grafts are transplanted.

How long does a Hair Transplant last?

When contemplating a hair transplant, it’s natural to question the longevity of its results. To ensure a hair transplant endures a lifetime, it is imperative to engage an experienced and reputable hair restoration specialist.

Following the completion of the hair transplant procedure, you’ll observe the newly defined outline of your enhanced hairline. Nevertheless, it’s common for many patients to notice that the freshly transplanted hair sheds within two to six weeks. While this experience can be disheartening, it’s important to recognise that this shedding is normal, and over the ensuing months, you’ll witness the emergence of new hair growth in a permanent capacity. Significant changes in hair growth become evident approximately six months post-procedure, with complete transplant results becoming visible after a year.

In most instances, a hair transplant maintains its effects for a lifetime due to the transplantation of healthy hair follicles into thinning or bald areas. Nevertheless, factors like the patient’s hair type, lifestyle, age, and extent of hair loss can influence a hair transplant’s lifespan. In some scenarios, additional procedures might be necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.

Contemporary hair transplants deliver lasting, secure, and authentic-looking results. Regardless of gender, age, or the extent of hair loss, consulting a medical professional to explore hair transplant options is advisable. With a high success rate, these procedures can effectively restore lost self-confidence!