Getting a hair transplant can give you a life-changing, natural appearance. After a hair transplant, most patients can’t wait to see the results. They are also worried about how long does a hair transplant last.
They want to know if a hair transplant procedure is permanent and what they can do to ensure the results last longer so that they can enjoy their new-found, changed personality with confidence. [1]
Is hair transplant permanent?
A hair transplant can typically ensure your hair remains longer and thicker for years, provided it is performed by a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon. In fact, it is the only hair loss treatment that offers long-lasting solutions.
However, there are several other factors that you need to consider while determining how long your hair transplant results will remain. The longevity of your hair transplant depends on the method employed during the procedure and the expertise of your surgeon. Moreover, the texture, thickness, and density of your grafts also play a role in determining the durability of the hair transplant results.
You can consult our medical team at the Heva Clinic for natural and long-lasting results.
How Long Does FUE Hair Transplant Last?
FUE (follicular unit extraction) method is a commonly employed method for hair transplant in which a surgeon manually opens channels in the scalp before implanting the hair follicles from the donor area. It involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area of the skin and implanting them on the recipient areas of thinning or baldness. This helps the hair in the recipient area look thicker. [2]
A FUE hair transplant can give long-lasting results, if performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
The longevity of this procedure also depends on other factors that vary for each patient, such as the quality of the hair grafts, the general health of the patient, and the hair care routine adopted before and after the procedure.
This means eating a nutritious and balanced diet, following healthy lifestyle habits, and choosing the right shampoo and other hair care products after the hair transplant are also essential to ensure the results last longer.
You can reach our medical team at the Heva Clinic to learn which hair transplant method would be suitable for you depending on the type of hair loss you are having so that the results are better and long-lasting.
How Long Does DHI Hair Transplant Last?
DHI (direct hair implantation) method is a modification of the FUE hair transplant technique. In the DHI method, a specialized pen-shaped tool is used for the extraction and implantation of the hair follicles at the same time. This method allows the healing to occur slightly faster and the results can be seen within 6 to 12 months. [3]
Most hair transplant surgeons choose the donor area from the back of the head for this procedure as the hair follicles in this area tend to stay on the scalp for longer and aren’t likely to fall off genetically.
Whether you choose DHI or FUE, your hair transplant results can be long-lasting and natural when the procedure is performed by a skilled surgeon and you follow the aftercare instructions.
What Does Permanent Hair Transplant Actually Mean?
A permanent hair transplant means a successful hair transplant that lasts over a decade.
Patients can achieve this state if the procedure is performed correctly with high precision. It is also important to follow an appropriate hair care routine to protect your natural hair. Also, there may be some hair loss during the hair growth cycle. However, the hair eventually grows thicker.
How Does My Transplanted Hair Look 10 Years After The Operation?
The results of a hair transplant usually peak within 10 to 12 months and look the same even 10 years after the procedures.
Although there may be natural hair loss, this doesn’t imply that your hair transplant has gone wrong. This happens naturally in the growth cycle of hair. So, having 80% of the transplanted hair reserved 10 years after the hair transplant can be considered a successful outcome.
Can I Still Go Bald After Hair Transplant?
You may go bald after a hair transplant, although the possibility is minimal. The risk may increase if the procedure is not performed with utmost precision.
If you get a hair transplant from an inexperienced surgeon or at a clinic that lacks advanced facilities and does not have a team of skilled surgeons, your hair transplant may fail, causing you to go bald eventually.
Also, factors such as overharvesting, inadequate donor area, and weak hair follicles can also lead to baldness after a hair transplant. This is why choosing the right surgeon is crucial to ensure you get favorable outcomes in terms of how long does a hair transplant last.
How Can I Prevent Hair Loss After A Hair Transplant?
You can prevent hair loss after a hair transplant by keeping your hair healthy and using your hair care products carefully.
If you give your hair high maintenance during the recovery period, you will be able to prevent hair loss. Here are some more ways to help you prevent hair loss after a hair transplant and address your concerns about is hair transplant permanent.
Alterations In Your Diet and Lifestyle
Medications
PRP
Secondary hair transplant
Scalp Micropigmentation
Forehead Reduction
Alterations In Your Lifestyle
You need to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle as a part of your hair transplant aftercare to maximize the success of the procedure.
You must have heard the saying, “You are what you eat”. If you follow healthy eating habits after a hair transplant, you can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. You should also avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and add nutrients such as protein, vitamin B, and omega-3s to your diet.
Medications
Medications offer a great option for the treatment of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. These medications work by modifying the activities of certain hormones and may facilitate hair growth.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most commonly prescribed medications for this purpose. Minoxidil typically involves topical application, while Finasteride is taken orally. However, consistent usage of these medications is crucial to observe significant results. [4]
PRP Hair Treatment
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy can be used after a hair transplant to promote hair growth and improve the results. PRP hair treatment can nurture your scalp and hair follicles and enhance hair rejuvenation.
This therapy has minimal side effects, as it utilizes the patient’s own blood plasma. You can consult our hair care expert at the HEVA to learn more about PRP and its pros and cons.
Second Hair Transplant
You can consider an additional hair transplant if your hair loss continues after a hair transplant. A second hair transplant can be a feasible option for you if your donor area is still suitable. However, you should wait at least 12 months after the procedure to determine if you need another hair transplant.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is an advanced technique that involves the application of tattoo-like dots that simulate the presence of hair follicles, resulting in a fuller appearance.
You can consider this treatment after a hair transplant to fill in the areas where the thinning is more visible in order to get natural and even-looking results.
Forehead Reduction
Forehead reduction surgery involves the elimination of excess skin from the forehead and a reduction of the hairline. However, it’s important to recognize that this method doesn’t provide a permanent solution for hair loss; rather, it’s a surgical intervention aimed at lowering the hairline.
You may combine a hair transplant with forehead reduction surgery to improve the results further.
Is One Hair Transplant Enough For Life?
One hair transplant can be enough for you for life if it is performed by a qualified surgeon who has the skills and experience to analyze your hair loss pattern and choose and perform the best method suitable for you.
How long does a hair transplant last also depends on the number of healthy grafts available for the transplant and how well you follow dietary and lifestyle habits after the procedure. If you follow proper aftercare recommended to you by your surgeon at the Heva Clinic, there’s no reason for one hair transplant not to be enough.
How Long To Wait For A Second Hair Transplant?
Most surgeons recommend that you should wait to see the final results of a hair transplant first before getting a new one. So, you should wait 12 months after the first procedure to get a second one.
Also, to avoid such disappointing circumstances, make sure that you are working with an expert hair transplant team that can plan 10 to 15 years into the future and strategically leave healthy donor grafts for possible future hair transplant operations.
In order to avoid such disappointing circumstances, you need to make sure that you are working with an expert hair transplant team that can plan 10-15 years into the future and strategically leave healthy donor grafts for possible future hair transplant operations.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211903/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3764754/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34159872/
