Hair transplant operation allows patients with thinned hair or bald spots to enjoy the look of a full head of hair. This procedure utilizes existing healthy hair follicles from the donor area of the patient’s body to increase the hair density in troubling areas.
The extent of a hair transplant procedure is limited by the number of donor grafts available and the size of the recipient area. Even though a single hair transplant is usually enough to provide the desired look, some patients might need to go through a 2nd hair transplant. But why would you need a second hair transplant?
An example of a second hair transplant candidate
Most people choose to go through a second hair transplant due to a lack of density. In some cases, a 2nd hair transplant can be necessary because of the failure of the first operation or progress in hair loss after the first hair transplant.
Who needs multiple hair transplants?
Deciding on whether you will need multiple hair transplants or not can be confusing. There are a couple of reasons why you might want to consider having more than one hair transplant operation.
1- Second operation for density
Multiple hair transplant operations can be beneficial if you are aiming for a greater hair density. Many people want to get back to their good old days of having thick and beautiful hair. However, this goal might not be achievable in a single hair transplant operation. If there are enough donor grafts available for the transplant, it is possible to get a second hair transplant for density.
2- Progression of hair loss
Another reason for multiple hair transplant procedures is the progression of hair loss on existing hair. Even though the transplanted hair from the first hair transplant stays put, you might still experience hair fall out, and balding on the untouched areas. This is why people with male pattern baldness consider a second hair transplant some time down the line.
3- Unsuccessful operation
Some patients can also need multiple hair transplants after an failed hair transplant. Scars from previous transplants and remaining bald spots can be corrected through a following hair transplant surgery.
How many hair transplants can you get?
Technically, there is no limit to the number of hair transplants you can get as long as you have sufficient grafts on your donor area. However, getting more than 3 hair transplants is strongly discouraged. The number of hair transplants you can get is actually limited by the available healthy donor grafts. Because everybody has a limited donor area, getting more than 3 hair transplants may cause an unnatural look and patchy donor area.
Doesn’t a hair transplant last forever?
Yes, a hair transplant is a permanent solution to excessive hair loss and balding. However, it is important that the transplant operation is performed by an experienced team in order to achieve long-lasting results.
How long to wait for second hair transplant?
After a hair transplant procedure, your body will need time to recover from the surgery and hair follicles will need time to properly settle in. This is why before you can get your second hair transplant you need to give your body a substantial amount of time.
By doing so, you can see the full results of your first hair transplant operation. This allows you to know where you need more improvements and leads to better results.
The recommended time gap that is ideal between two hair transplants is at least 12 months. This timeframe will allow for full recovery and assessment of the final results of the first operation. You can decide on the length of your waiting period and what you aim for in the next operation with the guidance of your surgeon.
How does the second hair transplant surgery work?
If you are eligible and planning to get more than 7000 grafts, then your second surgery can be planned along with your first surgery. However, this is rarely the case. The majority of our patients want to go through an unplanned second 2nd FUE hair transplant because they are not satisfied with their results due to an unsuccessful operation. In this case, your surgeon will ask you further questions to understand the problem and listen to you to make the planning to achieve the best results.
The 2nd hair transplant process follows the same principles and steps as a first hair transplant procedure operation unless the patient wants to get rid of hairs from a specific part of the scalp. Though your surgeon will need to be a lot more careful to not harm any hairs transplanted previously and preserve the natural look of the donor area.
Frequently asked questions
Will I experience shock loss after the second hair transplant?
Hair grafts go through the same procedure in every hair transplant session. That’s why yes you can experience shock loss after the second hair transplant. Similarly, the shock loss after your second operation is not permanent and is a part of the hair growth cycle.
What is the success rate of a second hair transplant?
If you are considering getting a second hair transplant, you might be wondering if it is worth the trouble. The answer is yes, the success rate of second hair transplants is often around 90-95%.
Do most people need 2 hair transplants?
The number of people going for a second hair transplant is increasing nowadays because of the rising incidence of hair thinning and baldness.
The need for a second hair transplant depends on the expectations, density of your hair and the extent of thinning and baldness and the progress of your natural hair loss.
Not most but many people would need a second hair transplant if they want to upgrade their look and get back to their good old days of having thick and dense hair.
Does a second hair transplant take longer to grow?
Second hair transplant slow growth is a common fact. Because of the remaining scar tissue from the first hair transplant operation, your hair might take longer to grow after the second hair transplant.
Will the second hair transplant leave scars?
The second hair transplant does not leave scars if it is performed on a previously untouched area. However, performing a second hair transplant operation at the same target area might increase the chance of scarring due to previous scar tissue.
Can you have a 3rd hair transplant?
Yes, you can get a 3rd hair transplant if you suffer from severe thinning and baldness or are not happy with the results of the first transplants. However, you must have enough grafts in the donor area to have a 3rd transplant.
How many hair transplants can a person have?
There is no limit to the number of head transplants a person can get, although it depends on the availability of sufficient grafts in the donor area.
Also, getting more than 3 hair transplants is usually not recommended because most people have a limited donor area due to which getting more than 3 transplants is likely to cause a patchy donor area and unnatural look.