How Long Hair Implants Last Hair loss is a common occurrence in both men and women. Whether it is genetics, health conditions, stress, or alopecia. Various factors can lead to premature hair loss, thinning hair, or hair loss. Although over-the-counter medications and topical treatments are available, most people opt for a hair implant for long-lasting results.
How Long Hair Implants Last
This brings us to the most obvious question: “How long does a hair transplant take?” Before we find a detailed answer to this question, let’s learn about hair implants to make an informed decision to do so.
What is a Hair Implant?
Hair implant is a surgical procedure that has been popular since the 1950s. In recent decades, the popularity has exploded even more. Surgery involves removing the hair follicles from the donor site, either individually (FUE) or as a strip of skin from an area of the scalp that has healthy hair growth (FUT). These follicles are then transplanted into the bald patches on the scalp. As the incisions in the scalp heal, the follicles begin to promote new hair growth.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
In this hair implant method, the surgeon will remove individual follicles from the donor area using a microneedle. This procedure does not involve skin grafts, so no sutures are required. The surgeon makes tiny incisions from which the follicle units are extracted. These incisions will heal and will soon be covered by existing hair. The individual follicular units are then transplanted into incisions made in the bald patches. FUE is more common than FUT and has fewer scars.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)
Unlike FUE, where individual follicular units are extracted, in FUT the surgeon injects an entire strip of scalp from the donor area. This tape is usually pulled from the back of the head. The strip is further divided into up to 500 to 2,000 tiny grafts, each graft comprising either a single strand of hair or several hairs. The surgeon then drills tiny incisions in the recipient area, where the follicular implants are transplanted.
How Long Does a Hair Implant Take?
As we look at hair transplantation, it is normal to wonder how long a hair implant will take. If you want your hair implant to last a lifetime, it is important to have it done by an experienced and trusted hair restoration specialist.
Once the hair transplant procedure is complete, you will notice the new outline of your improved hairline. However, many patients may notice that the newly transplanted hair falls out within two to six weeks. This can be frustrating to meet, but keep in mind that this is normal and you will start to see new hair growth in a few months with permanent capacity. It takes about six months to see significant changes in hair growth. The full results of the transplant will be visible after one year.
In most cases, a hair implant will last a lifetime because healthy hair follicles are transplanted into thinned or bald areas. However, the lifespan of a hair implant can be affected by factors such as the patient’s hair type, lifestyle, age, and extent of hair loss. In such cases, the patient may require multiple procedures to get the desired results.
Modern hair implants are permanent, safe, and natural. Regardless of gender, age, and extent of hair loss, consult your doctor today, and discuss hair implant options. With a high success rate, these surgeries can restore your lost confidence!
Hair loss and stress
Not many people know that a person’s stress level can affect hair growth. Excessive stress can lead to hair loss and thinning in both men and women. If you experience more hair loss than normal, check your stress levels and try to eliminate the stress. Try stress-relieving activities such as spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, meditating, and so on. Once your stress level is normalized, your hair is likely to grow back.
Medication changes, dramatic weight loss, or a new hair product can also cause hair loss.
It is important to understand what the underlying cause of hair loss is. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause and recommend an effective treatment option accordingly. Depending on the cause, treatment options can range from prescription drugs to dietary changes to hair restoration procedures such as PRP, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant).
The Day of Your Process
You will be asked to arrive at least one hour before your procedure, in which case you will be given an oral sedative. Your doctor will then use a blue marker to mark your scalp. A local anesthetic will be applied to the donor area at the back of your head and then the necessary donor hairs will be collected. For FUT film harvests, the site is then closed with stitches. For FUE procedures, the hair is shaved into a strip about 2-4 inches on the back of the head before harvesting individual follicles. Sometimes the cuttings are also collected from the sides of the head.
What to expect for the first days
On the next day of the procedure, you will return for a postoperative visit. At this time, your dressing will be removed and the treatment areas will be inspected. You will be asked to start a daily routine during which you will wash your hair twice with shampoo condition and continue to spray the cuttings according to the instructions. After a FUT procedure, the stitches on the back of your head will be removed on the ninth or 10th day. Any crust at the site of the hair implant should disappear two weeks after surgery.
What to expect in the first months
You will continue to take care of your hair and scalp according to the instructions for the first months after the operation. Starting about three months after surgery, most of your hair growth will take place, continuing for a year or more. For many patients, a second hair transplant session is required to improve the density of your hair. These reviews are usually scheduled a year or more after the initial hair implant procedure.
What to expect in the years after your procedure
A very well executed hair implant procedure will create lifelong changes in your hairline and hair density. Men and women can take advantage of topical minoxidil to also slow down this process. However, as hair loss continues, your doctor is proud to monitor his patients for a long time and help them combat the nasty problem of hair loss.How Long Hair Implants Last
