The hair transplant procedure is rapidly gaining popularity. According to the latest report from ISHRS (International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery), more than 700,000 transplants were performed worldwide in 2021. This is not a very accurate figure since it only includes those procedures that were registered with the organization. In fact, there are much more people who resort to transplantation, and their number continues to increase every year.
The demand for hair transplantation has grown significantly in recent years. This happened largely due to the fact that more and more celebrities and public figures openly talk about their successful experience in this area. Footballer Wayne Rooney, Robbie Williams, Elon Musk, Elton John, David Beckham and many other celebrities shared their positive impressions of the procedure, which provoked a boom in hair transplantation among fans.
However, there is a question that worries all people who would like to make a transplant: how long will the hair transplant last and will repeat procedures be necessary? In this article, we had our best to give a comprehensive answer to it and highlight other little-known facts about this method of hair restoration.
How successful is a hair transplant?
Before talking about how long a hair transplant will last, let’s find out how successful this method of treating baldness is in general. Not so long ago, hair was transplanted by removing entire strips of scalp. It is clear that after such an operation, noticeable scars remained, and the final effect was, to put it mildly, far from ideal. However, with the advent of new techniques such as FUE and DHI, the situation has changed dramatically. Today, the result of a hair transplant looks absolutely natural.
At the moment, a transplant is considered successful if 95% of the transplanted follicles take root and continue to develop in the recipient area. It should be said that most certified clinics manage to achieve this result. If we talk about medical centers in Turkey where there is currently a very large influx of patients, the success rate of transplantation in them is even higher, and is 96-98%.
Is hair transplantation permanent?
So we have come to the main question that worries patients: how long does the effect of hair transplantation last. It will be good news for you that the transplantation procedure really has a permanent effect. Why does the transplanted hair not fall out? This is due to the area from which the donor follicles are taken.
You have probably noticed that the baldness process is uneven. First, the hair on the forehead and crown thins and falls out, but the area of the temples and the back of the head may not go bald for the rest of your life. This is explained by the fact that in these areas the hair follicles are resistant to the hormone dihydrotestosterone. It is this hormone that is responsible for male-pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It causes miniaturization of hair follicles, as well as subsequent thinning and loss of hair on the forehead and crown.
Donor follicles taken from the back of the head, during transplantation retain their qualities, including resistance to dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, answering the question of whether the result of hair transplantation will last forever, we can safely answer that in most cases yes, it will do. Naturally, the achieved effect is influenced by certain factors, which will be discussed in the next section.
What factors affect how long a hair transplant will last?
There are certain points on which the lifespan of transplanted follicles depends. Let’s consider the most significant of them.
- The quality and quantity of donor follicles. This is one of the key factors influencing how long the effect of hair transplantation will last. If the donor area has thick and healthy hair, the likelihood that the operation will give a lasting result is much higher. Lack of donor follicles or their poor condition can limit the volume of transplantation and affect the final effect.
- Transplantation technique (FUE, DHI). The transplantation method also plays an important role in the durability of the result. Currently, plastic surgeries in Turkey use two methods – FUE and DHI. Both techniques allow to achieve an excellent aesthetic effect. However, the DHI method involves the use of the Choi implanter pen. Firstly, it allows to transplant follicles immediately after extraction. Secondly, it protects them during transfer at 360 degrees. Both of these factors increase the survival rate of transplanted grafts to 98%.
- Experience and qualifications of the surgeon. How long the hair transplant will last directly depends on the experience and professionalism of the doctor. An experienced surgeon not only correctly assesses the donor area and selects the optimal technique but also follows modern standards in working with transplanted follicles, which increases their survival rate.
Turkish doctors are currently considered to be among the best in the field.
Additional factors that may affect how long the implanted hair will last:
- Although androgenetic alopecia does not cause the transplanted hair to be lost, other factors such as taking certain medications or undergoing chemotherapy can affect it.
- Hormonal imbalances. The implanted follicles are resistant to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, but they can be affected by other hormones such as cortisol or thyroid hormones.
- Severe trauma to the scalp can lead to scarring and the death of the transplanted follicles.
Is it necessary to make a second hair transplant?
For most patients, it is not necessary. However, it should be taken into account that time passes and the aging process continues. For example, a man at the age of 30 can undergo a transplant to correct a receding hairline, but at the age of 50, the hair on the top of his head begins to fall out. In this case, a second operation can be performed.
Sometimes it happens that the patient is satisfied with the result immediately after the transplant. The transplanted follicles are resistant to the effects of dihydrotestosterone and continue to grow well. However, the hair that remained in the recipient area can fall out over time, causing the hair to thin. The situation can be corrected with a corrective operation. Most often, doctors use a smaller number of grafts in these procedures.
The question of how long transplanted hair lasts and whether a repeat transplant will be required in the future is so relevant that the International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) conducted a study on this topic. According to the data obtained:
- 1 transplant procedure is performed by 57.2% of patients;
- 2 procedures are performed by 33.1% of patients;
- 3 or more procedures are performed by 9.6% of patients.
Thus, one transplant is enough for the vast majority of people, but if necessary, to get the best result, the operation can be repeated.
When is the result visible after a hair transplant?
Many patients are concerned not only about how long the effect of a hair transplant will last, but also when this effect can be assessed after the operation. This is a natural concern, because everyone who has decided on a transplant wants to see the result as quickly as possible. However, this will require patience since the recovery process includes several stages.
The first days: the healing process
During the first 48 hours, small crusts form on the scalp in the places where the follicles were implanted. They protect the transplanted hair and gradually fall off after 7-10 days. Swelling and mild soreness are a normal reaction of the body to the operation. It is very important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations during this period: limit physical activity, protect the scalp from sunlight, do not scratch or touch the transplanted areas.
Shock Hair Loss
It is common to experience hair loss from the implanted hairs 2-4 weeks after the surgery. This process is known as “shock loss” and is completely normal. It occurs due to temporary stress experienced by the follicles during the transplant. However, this is not a reason for concern. The hair follicles remain in place and new hair will begin to grow from them over time.
Beginning of new hair growth
After shock loss, the process of new hair growth begins. After about 3-4 months, the follicles transferred to the new area begin to actively function. At this stage, it is important to note that their recovery occurs gradually, and the first hairs may be thinner and weaker compared to the final result.
When to expect complete recovery?
The complete recovery process takes from 9 to 12 months. By this time, the new hair becomes thicker and more natural, it acquires a structure similar to the rest of the hair on the head. This period includes not only hair growth, but also an improvement in its texture and density. After a year, you can evaluate the final result of the transplant.
What Will Transplanted Hair Look Like in 20 Years ?
When thinking about how long implanted hair will last, patients often look far into the future. The good news is that transplanted hair follicles usually continue to grow throughout a person’s life. With proper scalp care, transplanted hair will look good even after 2 decades. However, it is important to consider that with age, it can naturally thin out. This is part of the natural aging process.
Will Transplanted Hair Turn Gray?
When thinking about whether the results of a hair transplant will last forever, a reasonable question arises about future graying. Since the transplanted hair has the same characteristics and genetic makeup as the hair that remains in the donor area, it will continue to behave the same as if it had never been moved.
Therefore, if the hair in the donor area (at the back of the head) begins to turn gray, the transplanted hair will also lose its color over time.
At what age is it best to have a hair transplant so that the results last forever?
Patients aged 40 and above are optimal candidates for a transplant. This is because it is difficult to determine the cause and nature of baldness in young people in the future. In addition, people under 30 may continue to lose hair after the transplant, which will make the result look uneven and unnatural. However, this situation can be corrected with a second operation.
How to improve the results of a hair transplant: answers to common questions
If you are worried about how long a hair transplant will last, we recommend reading the information on what you can and cannot do after the operation.
Can I apply castor oil to my scalp after a transplant?
No, for the first 6 months, you should not apply anything to the transplant area, be it castor oil, dye, varnish, or gel. You can only use cleansers or natural creams (based on calendula, sesame or coconut oil) prescribed by your doctor.
Is a special diet or nutritional supplements recommended after hair transplantation?
Yes, it is. A healthy diet promotes rapid recovery and stimulates hair growth. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet, which is low in sugar and fat. Mineral complexes with calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, potassium, and vitamins for the next 6 months help ensure good hair growth, give hair tone and vitality.
How long after transplantation can I resume sports?
Moderate sports such as cycling, yoga, or running can be resumed a month after the operation. But it is better to refrain from more intense workouts that require great physical effort for 3 months.
Can I have sex after hair transplantation ?
No, you can’t. Due to the risk of a sharp rush of blood and increased pressure in the vessels of the scalp, you should avoid sexual activity for ten days after the transplant.
Can I stay in the sun or swim after a hair transplant ?
No, the transplant area must be carefully protected from the sun. Swimming in the sea or in the pool is prohibited for at least 1 month after the operation. You should also avoid visiting saunas, baths, spas, and any other activity that leads to heating of the scalp.
Can I shave my head after the transplant?
Turkish doctors do not recommend shaving the transplant area for 1 year after the operation, as this can damage the delicate implanted follicles.
Where to get a hair transplant so that the result lasts forever?
When choosing a clinic for transplantation, many patients wonder about the longevity of the achieved effect. Today, medicine cannot offer a lifetime guarantee on the results of the transplant. This is due to the fact that the viability of the implanted follicles depends on many factors, such as hormonal changes, taking certain medications, scalp injuries, and others. However, thanks to the use of advanced technologies and extensive clinical experience of surgeons, leading plastic surgery centers in Turkey can offer a guarantee for the preservation of the transplant result for up to 10 years.
Beauty by Experts Medical cooperates exclusively with those doctors who are absolutely confident in the quality of their work. In addition, we undertake the organization of the entire hair transplant process: from planning the trip to the moment of returning home. Our medical team makes sure that you avoid any unpleasant surprises such as an unexpected change of doctor or an inadequate change in the cost of the procedure.
With Beauty by Experts Medical, your medical journey will be as comfortable and safe as possible. We will do everything possible to ensure that the transplant results not only meet, but also exceed your expectations. You can be sure that the operation will be performed at the highest level, and the result will please you for many years.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/839753-overview?form=fpf
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/transplant
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327229
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/hair-transplantation/frequently-asked-questions
