If a qualified hair transplant surgeon performs the procedure correctly, maintaining hair transplant results for 10 years is definitely possible. While a hair transplant can significantly improve the appearance of thinning or balding areas, it is important to understand that it will not prevent further hair loss in other areas. Over time, it is normal to experience some natural hair thinning or loss in areas that were not transplanted.
To prolong the results of a hair transplant, it is important to follow post-operative care instructions, use recommended hair care products, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon can also help monitor the progress of your hair transplant and address any concerns that may arise.
10 years is a good marker of your long-term hair transplant success. Your surgeon may suggest future hair transplant procedures if they believe you will benefit from them. However, factors such as hair transplant infection, patchy regrowth, or further hair loss may call for additional procedures.
hair transplant after 10 years
During the recovery from your hair transplant procedure, you may experience shedding around 1-2 weeks after the procedure. This is very normal and to be expected. Following this, your new hairs will begin to grow and take their permanent place on the scalp.
When a hair transplant is performed, the hair follicles are taken from a donor area of the scalp on the back of the head. The hair in the donor area is specially selected as these hairs are actually not affected by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is what causes male pattern baldness and hair loss.
As these hair follicles are resistant to DHT, this is why they will last a long time, if not a lifetime, in their newly transplanted location.
In this guide, we review the aspects of:
- hair transplant after 10 years
- hair transplant side effects long term
- is hair transplant permanent
- hair transplant gone wrong
A hair transplant is a permanent treatment, which means the results will remain in place indefinitely.
Will my transplanted hair turn grey?
A successful hair transplant procedure will follow the natural ageing process of the rest of your hair. Transplanted hair will turn grey or white just like the rest of your hair.
Are there any long-term side effects from a Hair Transplant procedure?
All procedures have some degree of side effects, and the majority of these will occur within the recovery process. This includes swelling, redness, shock loss and scabbing.
There are some hair transplant complications that can have a longer-lasting effect.
These include:
- Overharvesting – When too many hairs are taken from the donor area at once, this is known as overharvesting. It can cause scarring, which then results in hair not growing back to the same quality. It also only leaves a limited number of hairs for any future hair transplant procedures.
- Infection – An infection following a hair transplant procedure is usually the result of a poorly performed procedure or lack of aftercare. Infection can cause scarring, pigmentation of the skin and, in worst cases, necrosis. If necrosis occurs this is often permanent, and hair will struggle to grow in this area.
- Hair Transplant Scarring – Scaring following a hair transplant procedure is more common in FUT procedures rather than FUE. Long-term visible scarring will often result in no hair growth in the area.
FUE Hair Transplant Results
Why choose The Private Clinic for a FUE Hair Transplant?
- You will be treated by highly experienced Doctors.
- Our Hair Transplant surgeons are specialised in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.
- FUE is a minimally invasive treatment (meaning there is no cutting of a strip)
- Our Hair Transplant procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic. Many patients either watch TV or even fall asleep during the procedure.
- Unlike the Strip (FUT) procedure, you won’t require any stitches after your treatment. This means that the recovery time is also reduced when compared to Strip surgery. Find out more about hair transplant recovery here.
- We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
- Thanks to our advanced skills and techniques, our team ensure that the donor area looks intact after the hair transplant procedure. You can keep your hair really short if you prefer without any obvious scarring.
- We ensures that only the strongest, healthiest follicles are selected for your transplant procedure.
- Your results will look natural, with denser packing. The hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth, and because we select healthy follicles, the treated area will look densely filled.
- Our surgeons also offer the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.
- Scars resulting from injuries or previous surgeries can also be corrected with FUE Hair Transplant for Scar Revision surgery.
- We offer FUE Hair Transplants at our London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds clinics with consultations also available at our Northampton clinic.
- View our hair transplant before and after results gallery
- Find out more information in our hair transplant blogs
- Read our extensive hair transplant FAQs
- Hear from previous Hair Transplant patients in our patient stories and videos.
hair transplant side effects long term
A hair transplant is a treatment method performed to restore the hair in the bald area. A hair transplant was first performed in 1939. The process has undergone many modifications post that. Hair transplant is available more commonly nowadays, and more people benefit from them. The effectiveness and the long-term side effects of a hair transplant vary from person to person.
The usual method for hair transplant is to remove hair from the back of the head. But in some cases, it is also taken from the body. Hair is taken only from the person for whom the transplant is performed. This procedure is done only by a Plastic or dermatological surgeon specialising in hair transplant surgery. Before we study the hair transplant side effects, let us see the different types of hair transplant techniques.
Hair Transplant Techniques
There are broadly two types of hair transplantation methods. These include:
- Follicular Unit Transplant Method: This method is also called Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) and is usually performed on those in the advanced stage of baldness, loose scalp and reverse hair loss.
- Follicular Unit Extraction Method: This method has been preferred recently as it is minimally invasive. There are no stitches, and the area regains the original look within a few days. This method is performed in patients with thin hair or baldness at the top or front of their heads.
Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects of Hair Transplant
Once the procedure is complete, it is in the recovery phase that you may experience hair transplant side effects. Some of theffects of a hair transplant may be common, while some may be unusual, some are transient, and some last for a longer time. Below mentioned are some of the short-term and long-term side effects of hair transplants.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Bleeding-Nicks and cuts are common with any surgery. Even if it is minimally invasive, incisions will have to be made in this procedure too. It can result in blood loss, which is one of the common hair transplant side effects. Doctors ensure that there is minimum bleeding. Whatever blood oozing is there can be stopped by pressing gauze on the area. Patients need to inform the doctor if they are consuming any blood-thinning medicines.
- Infection – Infection is a possibility in any surgical procedure. But surgeons take adequate measures against it by disinfecting the area where the procedure has to be performed. However, there is always a possibility that infection can occur. So, for those asking, “does hair transplant have side effects” we will say that infection is one of the side effects. But your doctor can treat it with a straightforward antibiotic. If left untreated, the infection can spoil the look of the restored hair. This will need additional surgeries to correct the problem. Untreated infection in the donor site can result in ugly-looking scars and poor hair regrowth. This means that the patient will lose hair which should not happen.
- Thinning Of Hair– Thinning of the hair is one of the common side effects of hair transplant. One may be surprised that this is happening after surgery for hair growth. Thinning, along with falling hair, can occur immediately after the hair transplant. But this is usually a temporary phenomenon.
- Itching– Itching is one of the usual hair transplant side effects that affects close to thirty per cent of patients. In most cases, this happens due to scabs on the scalp. One can treat this easily with special shampoos. Irrespective of whether the problem is severe or not, it is better to get it checked by a doctor. If the itching is not treated promptly, the patient will be forced to scratch the scalp. If you scratch your scalp the newly grafted hair may fall off.
- Pain- When someone asks what the side effects of a hair transplant are, one can certainly mention pain. It occurs with almost all patients. But usually, the pain is endurable. If it turns severe, one can get relief by taking pain medication.
Long-Term Side Effects
- Swelling-It is a very common side effect and is observed in majority of the patients who have undergone a hair transplant. The sites of the swelling may vary from person to person as some patients might have swelling on the forehead or around the eyes. The swelling will subside in a few days. If it does not subside, it would be good to consult a doctor.
- Scarring– It is one of the hair transplant side effects that many patients experience. Some people are more prone to suffer this side effect than others. This is usually true with those opting for the FUT method. The scars can be easily treated with medicines. Even those that don’t disappear can be covered with hair.
- Cysts formation– Cysts are clusters of pimple-sized growths that in rare cases may turn into a cancerous growth. This generally happens when the buried grafts are not removed properly. Generally, it disappears in a few weeks, however, consult your doctor if it does not resolve.
- Numbness– It is one of the commonly occurring long-term side effects of hair transplant that can last up to eighteen weeks. Those who suffer from this for a longer period should get medical care.
- Permanent Loss Of Hair– Patients can permanently lose hair in the donor area. This is because once the grafts are removed, there might be a chance of no hair growth in that spot. The area might remain without any hair in some cases. This is why it is essential for those undergoing hair transplants to have sufficient hair growth in the donor area to cover the places from which grafts are removed.
Adverse Effects During Surgery
- Complications Due To Anaesthesia- Adverse reactions to local anaesthesia is rare. Most of it comes from a fear of the procedure. However, doctors should do a sensitivity test before administering the anaesthesia.
- Intraoperative Complications- An increase in the rate of heartbeat also, also known as Tachycardia, is possible because tumescent fluid adrenaline is administered. This is a temporary reaction, but for tthis may be a risk for those with existing cardiac problemselectrocardiogram and assessment for anaesthesia fitness must be done for all patients before the surgery. It is also recommended that heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout the surgery, especially when giving anaesthesia.
- Syncope- Syncope or fainting occurs in some patients post-surgery. This may occur due to pain, low blood pressure, adverse reaction to the anaesthesia, less intake of fluids or low blood sugar. Taking correct analgesic precautions is a way to prevent it from happening. Doctors should also try to minimise the use of anaesthesia by doing the surgery quickly. Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance during the procedure will also avoid such situations. Giving hypotensive drugs before surgery is also helpful in preventing syncope.
Treatment Specific Adverse Side Effects
Side Effects Specific To FUT:
- Scarring: Scarring occurs after the FUT method of hair transplant is done. This is because in this method stitching of the scalp is required after removing strips of the scalp from the donor area. Scarring is a permanent side effect.
- Nerve Damage: This is another side effect of the FUT method. The extent of damage depends on the depth of the wound and the area it covers. The damage to the nerves can last up to six months. In some cases, it can be permanent. The solution to the problem is to use the FUE method as far as possible.
- Reduced Scalp Flexibility: Stitches need to be made to close the area from which strips of the scalp are removed for grafting. The stitches can result in reducing the flexibility of the scalp for around eight months. In some patients, the condition can be permanent.
Side Effects After FUE Hair Transplant
- Pinpoint Scarring: Though scarring is not as visible as in the FUT method, scarring does take place in this method also. These scars are as small as a pinpoint. A skilled surgeon can make them almost invisible to the naked eye. These are more visible in those with a darker skin type, like those found in India.
- Buried Graft: This is a condition where the grafts are pushed into the dermis. This happens when a blunt punch is used, or the punch and follicles are not properly aligned.
- Donor Site Depletion: This happens when aggressive and non-uniform graft removal is done at the donor site. This can result, irrespective of the type of punch used. The donor site will appear patchy when this type of harvesting is done.
is hair transplant permanent
Most men ask, “Are hair transplants permanent?” when seeing a hair loss specialist or doctor for the first time. It’s natural to wonder if the treatment is effective and permanent. Surgical hair restoration is the only life-long treatment for hair loss. There are other treatments and remedies, and some are effective, while others are only inflated claims. However, the bulk of these remedies must be perpetually repeated or any progress gained will inevitably be lost once treatment ceases. Thankfully, this is not the case with a typical hair transplant procedure.
Dr. Norman Orentreich first introduced hair transplant surgery in 1959. His famous publication detailed a procedure that used large plugs, about four to six milimeters in size. Since this time, the procedure has been revolutionized. Men experiencing hair loss now have a variety of options when it comes to permanent hair replacement. Still, men wonder, is a hair transplant permanent, or will the procedure be a temporary fix to a common affliction? The answer to whether it will be permanent is a resounding yes for most men.
Why Are Hair Transplants Permanent?
Surgical hair restoration involves moving hair from the back and sides of the scalp to areas that are bald or thinning on the crown, top, or front of the head. Once the hair transplant is in place, the transplanted hair will continue to grow like normal hair because it is normal hair.
Follicular transplantation is widely recognized to produce the most natural results. These follicular units are micro-sized bundles of hairs that occur in the human scalp. It takes significant skill to obtain these tiny bundles of hair from the donor area and place them in a way to maximize cosmetic benefits.
Types of Hair Transplants
Modern types of hair transplants available are well-regarded and reported to be successful in most men. The more traditional method of surgical hair restoration is called Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). This procedure involves having a long, thin strip of donor scalp removed and set aside. This strip is then dissected and divided while placed under special, high-powered microscopes. The newer procedure is referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This treatment involves removing individual follicular units directly from the scalp. Once these hair follicle units are harvested, the rest of the procedure is primarily identical in both FUT and FUE. Hundreds to thousands of needle-sized holes are created in the recipient area to receive the transplant grafts. After the sites are generated, the follicle units are grafted in place. This part of the procedure can take several hours or longer depending on the extent of the hair loss.
Both of these procedures result in a successful hair transplant. A sizable number of men who choose to have either of these procedures can expect lifetime success. The follicles are expected to produce new hair within two to three months after the hair transplant. After a year, the transplant should be thicker and fuller. The aesthetic arrangement of transplanted follicles is what creates the most natural-looking results.
Best Candidates for Hair Transplants
Men considering hair transplant surgery should be aware that, in order to be a successful candidate, a few basic criteria have to be met.
- Men must have experienced enough hair loss to affect the way they look at the time of the procedure.
- Men must have realistic expectations about what hair transplant surgery will be able to accomplish.
- Men must have enough donor hair available to satisfy current and future needs for hair replacement.
Hair transplant surgery isn’t a preventative method for hair loss. It’s a treatment that is used for men who have experienced enough hair loss to affect their appearance. While hair transplants cannot prevent the progression of genetic hair loss, this procedure can successfully address the after-effects of this type of hair loss. An early transplant isn’t necessary to be effective, except to address specific cosmetic concerns.
In most cases, a hair transplant procedure lasts a lifetime. Over time, additional transplants to replace thinning hair that was still present during the surgery may be necessary. This is expected. However, transplanted hair should remain in place once the procedure is completed, leaving most men with fuller and thicker hair.
hair transplant gone wrong
Hair transplant surgery is hailed as one of the most effective procedures you can have to correct hair loss. Your entire scalp can be restored in just one simple, highly-advanced operation.
But unfortunately, the rise of illegal, black-market clinics means that bad hair transplants are becoming a real problem for patients to consider.
Patients who go to these clinics may experience scarring, infections, and subpar results because they promise fantastic results at lower prices.
So if you’re interested in hair transplantation, how do you know which clinic is legit? And how can you tell if you’ve received bad treatment? As always, we’re here to help.
This article will explore everything you need to know about the risks involved in hair transplants. We’ll highlight several effective therapies that you can try to help reverse a botched job, and offer some key advice on how to find the best, legitimate transplant clinic near you.
Can hair transplants go wrong?
Despite hair transplants being highly advanced, cutting-edge treatments, like any medical procedure, they carry risks and potential complications.
Sometimes, a botched transplant can go wrong, leaving the scalp worse off than before. Common reasons that contribute to a poor transplant include:
- A clinic using outdated equipment and techniques
- Poor communication leading up to and following your procedure
- Poor use of anaesthesia during hair restoration surgery
- Neglectful aftercare and poor advice
- False promises and overselling results
- Poorly trained medical staff
The rise in lousy hair transplants has not gone unnoticed within the industry. Organizations such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) cite illegal clinics as one of the main culprits in these worrying results.
These clinics are often found in overseas countries with little to no regulations. They use Google paid ads with sophisticated websites ranking high in searches to mislead patients into thinking they’re legitimate. They may also falsify customer testimonials and staff qualifications.
Sometimes, “surgeons” have no medical training whatsoever, and can be anyone from cleaners to taxi drivers who are simply looking to make a quick profit.
It also must be said that hair transplants can go wrong even at trustworthy clinics. Sometimes it’s because a patient has not followed proper aftercare advice or suffered an unexpected complication.
Hair Transplant Cost
Hair transplant cost can vary depending on various factors such as the extent of hair loss, the technique used, the experience of the surgeon, and the location of the clinic. The cost of a hair transplant procedure is typically calculated per graft, with prices ranging from $4 to $15 per graft. On average, a hair transplant procedure can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000.
There are two main techniques used in hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the back of the scalp and harvesting individual hair follicles from the strip. This technique is usually less expensive than FUE, with prices ranging from $4 to $10 per graft. On the other hand, FUE involves harvesting individual hair follicles directly from the scalp using a small punch tool. This technique is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, which is why it is usually more expensive, with prices ranging from $6 to $15 per graft.
In addition to the technique used, the experience and reputation of the surgeon can also impact the cost of a hair transplant procedure. Surgeons who are highly skilled and have a good track record of successful hair transplant procedures may charge higher fees for their services. It is important to do thorough research and choose a qualified surgeon who has experience in performing hair transplant procedures to ensure the best results.
The location of the clinic can also affect the cost of a hair transplant procedure. Clinics located in major cities or upscale neighborhoods may charge higher fees compared to clinics in rural areas or less affluent neighborhoods. It is important to consider the overall cost of the procedure, including travel expenses and accommodation, when choosing a clinic for a hair transplant procedure.
Overall, the cost of a hair transplant procedure can vary significantly, depending on various factors. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine the best technique for your specific needs and budget. Additionally, it is important to consider the experience of the surgeon and the location of the clinic when making a decision about where to undergo a hair transplant procedure.
Summary
A hair transplant procedure is designed to be long-lasting. Maintaining hair transplant results for 10 years should be achievable provided your procedure was well performed and carried out by a professional hair transplant surgeon.
A hair transplant will not stop hair loss, however, so changes to hair that were not transplanted is to be expected. The transplanted hair will also act like existing hair so it will turn grey/white like your pre-existing hair would.