WHAT HAPPENS TO TRANSPLANTED HAIR?

What Happens To Transplanted Hair? When a patient undergoes a hair transplant, the length of time between the actual procedure and the realization of the benefits of the transplant is typically four to six months. It is critical that patients understand what to expect following the completion of the procedure, as there are a quite a few normal processes that take place but may cause alarm in those unfamiliar with the timeline and the process. During an initial consultation, the hair transplant surgeon should explain everything the patient should expect both before and after the hair transplant procedure.

Once the hair has been successfully harvested from the donor site and transplanted into the recipient site, it is entirely normal and expected for the transplanted hair to fall out after a period of just a few weeks. While the transplanted hair follicles fall out, the root will remain and begin the process of regrowth shortly thereafter. Patients should expect to begin to see the actual hair follicles in the donor site after about four months from the time of the original procedure, and it will be about six months before the final outcome of the hair transplant is realized.

After a period of six months has elapsed, the patient will be able to fully evaluate the procedure’s success and determine whether the transplant yielded the density they had hoped for and previously discussed with their doctor. Some patients opt for a second procedure with the goal of achieving greater volume in the donor site, while many others are more than content with the coverage generated by the hair transplant. In order to ensure the doctor and the patient are on the same page with regard to the patient’s expectations, every aspect of the hair transplant process should be thoroughly discussed during the course of the initial consultation.

What percent of transplanted hair stays on the scalp?

The percentage of hairs expected to survive and grow after they have been transplanted from the donor site to the recipient site typically falls somewhere between 95 percent and 100 percent, although there may be some variance depending on the type of procedure the patient elects to undergo. This does not mean that all of the transplanted hairs will survive and continue to grow from the moment they are transplanted, as it is normal and entirely expected for the transplanted hair to fall out in the days and weeks following the procedure. The transplanted follicles will sometimes fall out inside of 10 days, while others will remain on the scalp for a longer period of time without growing until they too fall out. This is all a normal part of the process and should not arouse concern in the patient.

After about four months from the time of the hair transplant procedure, the patient will begin to notice the beginning stages of growth in the recipient site. While some of the transplanted follicles may not grow back, the overwhelming majority will ultimately return so that the patient can see the complete impact of the hair transplant procedure. The percentage of follicles that return after six months have elapsed should be between 95 percent and 100 percent, enabling the doctor to artfully craft a natural-looking hairline due to the knowledge that almost every transplanted follicle will survive the procedure and grow in the place in which it was transplanted.

Does transplanted hair look natural?

Whether or not a hair transplant will be immediately recognizable to others is a valid concern for prospective patients, as an unnatural-looking hair transplant is certainly not the outcome a transplant candidate is seeking. Fortunately for potential hair transplant patients, the techniques used during the course of a hair transplant ensure that the result is a natural-looking head of hair that is not easily noticed by even the most discerning and perceptive individuals. This is due to the combination of advanced technology used by doctors and the skill with which they are able to craft a new hairline that cannot be differentiated from a naturally occurring hairline.

Since the procedure involves harvesting the patient’s natural hair and transplanting it into a recipient site determined by the doctor, the transplanted hair follicles blend seamlessly with the patient’s naturally occurring hair. An additional benefit for patients seeking a natural-looking hair transplant is the fact that the follicles can be divided up into single follicles or follicular units that may include one to three follicles, ensuring the transplanted hair is grouped in the same way as the patient’s naturally occurring hair.

Further ensuring a natural-looking hair transplant is the precision made possible through a number of technological advancements. During the process of the hair transplant, the doctor will rely on this technology to ensure a maximum yield is produced from the donor site and that the hairline is crafted exactly as originally outlined. Combined with an experienced hair transplant surgeon’s steady hand and craftsmanship, the transplanted hair should appear to be no different from any of the patient’s other hair follicles.

How do I cut my transplanted hair?

It is essential for patients to remember that a hair transplant involves the transplantation of their own natural hair into a recipient site in which it grows just as a naturally occurring hair follicle would. This means that a hair transplant patient can treat their hair in the same way after the transplant as they did before the transplant. After the recipient site has healed, the patient can elect to have their hair cut just as they normally would, although there are several guidelines the patient should keep in mind after the completion of the hair transplant procedure.

Patients who opt for FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) should be aware that the procedure does leave a horizontal scar in the donor site. The naturally occurring hair that remains easily obscures this scar, but those who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle may find that the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) procedure is the preferable option. FUE does not leave the same horizontal scar that FUT does, enabling patients to cut their hair as short as they like. Patients should discuss their preferred hairstyle with the doctor at the time of consultation to ensure they select the most ideal procedure for their specific needs.

Beyond those who prefer a very short hairstyle, a hair transplant should have no impact on the manner in which patients cut their hair. In fact, the majority of patients will find that the hair stylist cutting their hair will not be able to tell the difference between the naturally occurring hair and the transplanted hair follicles.

How do I care for my transplanted hair?

A patient who has undergone a hair transplant will quickly realize that there is very little or no difference between the hair care needed before and after the hair transplant procedure. While a hair transplant is relatively low maintenance, there are several strategies patients can utilize to ensure they end up with the best possible outcome. Patients should consider altering their diet to ensure they are getting enough of the kinds of nutrients that contribute to a healthier head of hair and thicker hair follicles, and there is also a benefit to be realized from the use of natural oils like coconut oil to further strengthen hair follicles.

Many doctors will recommend a post-operative regimen of prescription or non-prescription hair regrowth or preservation products, including Rogaine and Propecia. Manila and Dubai patients tell us that when these products are utilized in conjunction with a hair transplant, it has been demonstrated that the impact of the hair transplant procedure can be enhanced by a relatively significant margin. Other than the use of care strategies or products designed to enhance the benefits of the hair transplant, patients can expect little to no change in the manner they approach everyday hair care.