How Long Does A Hair Transplant Last? What You Need To Know

It’s normal to have many questions when you’re considering a hair restoration treatment, especially when you’re trying to figure out how long a hair transplant lasts and if it’s worth the investment.  

When done by a qualified surgeon, a hair transplant can have a long-lasting effect. But the truth is how long a hair transplant will last depends on various factors, and someone may need a second hair transplant in their lifetime. 

This article covers what to expect when you receive a hair transplant, why you may need another, and what you can expect long term. 

Receiving A Hair Transplant: What To Expect 

There are two types of hair transplants: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). FUT is a procedure where the surgeon takes a strip of your scalp from the donor area, removes hair follicle grafts, and then transplants them to the recipient area. FUE is similar, only instead of taking a strip, the surgeon extracts each hair follicle individual from the donor area and places it in the recipient area. 

It does take a while for your skin to hear after either a FUT or FUE transplant. Actually, it’s expected that your hair falls out during the first three months after the procedure as part of the healing process. In total, healing takes about 6-12 months, and that’s when the transplanted follicles can begin growing hair. 

Reasons Why You May Need More Than One Hair Transplant

A qualified surgeon will discuss your hair transplant goals and if FUT or FUE is the best fit. Depending on your goals and/or progression of hair loss, one hair transplant procedure may not be enough. 

Some possible reasons why you may need more than one hair transplant include: 

• At risk for continued hair loss: Some individuals are at risk for continuous hair loss due to certain conditions, such as androgenic alopecia. Or it simply could be that your original hair continues to thin with time, and you would like another hair transplant procedure. 

• Poor growth of transplanted hair: After a hair transplant procedure, the transplanted hair may not be growing at optimal capacity. There are different reasons this may happen, from the surgeon’s transplant technique or simply the new hair doesn’t grow as well as the surgeon had hoped. In addition, there could be an underlying and undetected dermatologic condition that needs to be treated. 

• Misguided expectations: A surgeon should be as realistic as possible regarding the possible results of a hair transplant. It is nearly impossible to restore hair to its natural density and volume with a hair transplant, and a surgeon should be upfront about it. However, someone may need an additional hair transplant because the first procedure did not meet their expectations. 

Does A Hair Transplant Last Forever? 

There are several factors to consider for each patient, such as the amount of healthy donor hair, the success of the transplant, and no complications during the procedure. If the hair transplant is successful, hair begins to grow naturally and should continue for a patient’s lifetime.

However, while you won’t have a receding hairline, your transplanted hair may thin naturally with age. This may cause a patchy or uneven look and something to discuss with your surgeon.  

Hair Transplants at Cendant Stem Cell Center 

A hair transplant can be a long, time-consuming process. However, when executed correctly, it can be incredibly self-rewarding and provide the boost of confidence you need. 

At Cendant Stem Cell Center, we have experienced and skilled surgeons who work with you to determine which hair restoration method is the best fit for you based on your goals and expectations. We also offer stem cell therapy for hair loss, a relatively new procedure. If you would like to learn more, please get in contact with us today.