Can a hair transplantation last for a lifetime? The answer is yes in 95% of past cases.
Permanency of hair transplants is possible in most cases. DHI or FUE hair transplant can be long-lasting; has the potential to last for two decades. Transplants move permanent hair not vulnerable to alopecia-type hair loss to mid-scalp or front from the back and sides.
According to a study of ISHRS,
* 68.2% of patients achieved desired results in only one procedure.
* Among 28.6% of others achieved satisfying outcomes in 2nd surgery.
* However, 31.5% of total patients still opt for old-technique methods like FUT. (The achievement rate of current methods is about 98%.)
Whether it’s FUE, DHI, NeoGraft or Female Hair Transplant, micro hair grafting helps genetically resistant follicles to take root in the zone of thinning strands or baldness. However, achieving sustainable results depends on a complex structure. It’s because
permanence in hair transplant can be measured according to the surgeon’s capabilities, the patient’s postsurgical practices and last but not least the surgical technique.
Methods used in Hair Transplantation
Winning methods of hair transplant are those that solve hair loss issues permanently. The ‘hit it big’ techniques for hair transplant surgery are:
FUE
It involves harvesting follicles in order from a hair reservoir using a tiny punch tool. Surgeons perform FUE (follicular unit excision or follicular transfer) while the patient is numbed by a local anesthetic. This individual follicle implanting is favored by people for minimal scars.
DHI
As a subcategory of FUE, Direct Hair Implantation is a practical way of transplanting follicles into the bald patch using the Choi pen. It is more effective in a small region with less graft quantity.
FUT
It used to be the only way to treat pattern baldness. Surgeons were removing a linear strip of tissue which is 5 to 30 cm long from the back of head and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in width. This procedure could leave permanent scars and prevent the creation of a natural hairline. In recent years, it is not as preferred as before.
Why Are Hair Transplants Considered Permanent?
Hair transplantation is a medical treatment that has been introduced as a “permanent” and “definitive” solution alongside options such as wigs, minoxidil, finasteride and hair extensions. Known as grafting, this method is a labour intensive procedure for the surgeon, but is considered a ‘satisfaction-focused’ treatment because it delivers the desired results for the patient. It can effectively treat hair loss caused by various forms of alopecia, including
- Alopecia areata,
- Androgenic alopecia,
- Alopecia totalis,
- Alopecia universalis,
- Telogen effluvium,
- Traction alopecia.
Hair longevity depends on the patient’s lifestyle, but with a manageable cycle of proper nutrition- physical activity- strong mental health, it can be maintained for a lifetime.
Factors Influencing the Longevity of Hair Transplants
Although persistence of hair transplant achieves a 98% success rate with the FUE technology, there are multiple factors that influence the 2% short-lived follicle survival rate. Sustainability of treatment is not independent of the following factors:
Donor Hair Quality
If you are considering hair transplant as a permanent solution, you should find out how healthy your donor hair is. The surgeon analyses two factors:
* hair density in the donor area
* donor hair health
Although the hair on the back of the neck is the first choice as a donor region, if the amount of hair on the back of the neck is not sufficient, your surgeon may assess the suitability of beard and chest hair.
Age and Progression of Hair Loss
Information regarding your age and hair loss class on the Norwood-Hamilton Grading Scale determine if your hair transplant permanency to be long-term or not. Hair loss severity may become more widespread after the age of 50 and 60, which can weaken the hair in the donor area. The skin regeneration process may also become more complicated and take longer.
In the 20s, it is too early to determine the extent of hair loss, so the ideal age range for hair transplantation is between 30 and 49.
However, even if you are not in this age range, your clinician can make a comprehensive evaluation with hair density analysis, scalp examination, dermatoscopy, blood tests and some high-tech hair analysers. As a result of this evaluation, if the specialist is convinced that your donor is strong, you can safely have a hair transplant.
Surgical Technique and Expertise
Permanent hair restoration is accessible with the right technique and arrangements for individual needs. For instance, if the patient needs 4000 grafts of hair implantation and has no problem with shaving hair, the surgeon may consider the FUE technic. However, the critical issue here is the technique that the surgeon is expertised in. Although hair transplant procedures have similar stages, the use of surgical blades and robotic devices may require different specialisations.
Post-Operative Care
In order to achieve permanency in hair transplantation, post-surgical after care steps are available in the instructions shared by the nurse right after the procedure. They might give this instruction in time intervals such as 1 week care – month care – 3 months care – 6 months care.
Specific data can vary but the failure rate due to poor post-op aftercare is estimated to be less than 5%. Touching, scratching, infection, poor hygiene, diabetes and smoking are the factors with the highest share in botched hair transplant.
Overall Health and Lifestyle
Mental and physical health are one and the same. It should not be forgotten that stress is one of the top 5 causes of hair loss. Therefore, in order to maintain healthy hair for a life-time, anxiety should be at a controllable level, nutrition and exercise should be at the centre of life.
Are There Any Risks of Losing Transplanted Hair?
Implanted hair can shed after a hair transplant in these scenarios:
- Without proper care, shock loss can become permanent.
- Post-operative infections can damage the hair follicles.
- Newly implanted hair may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients in case of poor blood circulation.
- Excessive sun exposure can ruin the whole process.
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices can adversely affect even the most successful surgery.
- In rare cases, your body may reject the new grafts, which requires a second operation.
The person experiencing any of these problems should inform the clinic and discuss solutions.
Tips to Maximize the Permanence of Hair Transplantation
To care for a hair transplant efficiently and ensure maximizing the permanence:, you can benefit from tips below:
- Use only prescribed medications like anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics.
- Use mild shampoos without paraben and sulfate.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals for a couple of months, they might be in hair dyes, bleaches, perms, etc.
- Avoid applying too much heat like blow-dryers and straighteners. Support your treatment with a balanced diet in vitamin A, B, C, D and E and minerals that promote natural hair growth.
- Stay hydrated and avoid junk food and excessive smoking and alcohol.
- Monitor hair loss and avoid chronic stress, activities like meditation and yoga may reduce the stress.
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