Are Hair Transplants Permanent?
Are hair transplants permanent? While hair transplants were developed as a permanent solution for hair loss, the reality can be more nuanced. Permanence can vary depending on various factors.
Read on as we explore what “permanent” really means in the context of hair transplant procedures.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
Does a Hair Transplant Last Forever?
Hair transplants are designed to be long-lasting and mimic natural hair growth. However, the permanence of your results, or to answer the question: “Does FUE hair transplants last forever?” depends on a few factors.
- Being the right candidate.
- The procedure is done correctly with careful implantation of hair follicles.
- Aftercare instructions are followed diligently.
- A healthy lifestyle is maintained.
What is a FUE Hair Transplant?
At the Dr Bonaros Clinic, we specialise in follicular unit extraction (FUE). This advanced technique works by relocating individual hair follicles from areas of the scalp that are genetically resistant to hair loss. This technique is used to restore a receding hairline and treat regions with thinning hair or bald patches..
Once transplanted, these healthy follicles usually continue to produce hair for the rest of a person’s lifetime. The procedure is less invasive than a FUT hair transplant (follicular unit transplantation), which involves harvesting a strip of tissue from the donor site on the back of the scalp.
Right Candidate for a FUE Hair Transplant
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for surgery. These are essential factors for a hair transplant candidate:
- Healthy and sufficient donor area: A stable donor area, usually at the back and sides of the scalp, is essential. These hair follicles are resistant to hair loss and are the foundation for long-lasting results.
Type of hair loss: Androgenetic alopecia (female and male pattern baldness) is the most suitable type for transplantation due to its predictable progression and conservation of donor zones. Conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecias typically do not respond well to treatment. - Hair loss forecast: The hair transplant surgeon must assess how your hair loss is likely to progress. A long-term view ensures natural results and is adaptable to future thinning hair.
- Realistic expectations: Candidates need to understand what a hair transplant can and cannot achieve. It restores density in thinning areas but won’t prevent future loss or fully recreate a youthful hairline in advanced cases.
- General health: Being in good overall health can make a big difference. Some medical conditions can increase the risks of surgery or slow down recovery. Hair characteristics, including hair thickness, curl, and colour contrast with the scalp, impact the appearance of density. Thicker, curlier, darker hair provides better coverage.
- Age: While hair loss can start early, performing a transplant on patients under 25 can be premature. Surgeons recommend waiting until the hair loss stabilises.
- Genetics: Family history helps predict long-term hair loss patterns, informing the surgical plan and donor area management.
Maintaining Hair Transplant Results
Transplanted hair is permanent, but your natural hair can still thin over time.
However, there are options to maintain overall density and prevent future hair loss.
Post Operative Care
After a hair transplant surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial to ensure graft survival, minimise complications, and support healthy regrowth.
Post-hair transplant care includes:
- Protecting the hair grafts: In the first seven to 10 days, avoid touching, scratching or washing the recipient area aggressively. Transplanted hair follicles are still settling and can be dislodged by trauma or friction.
- Gentle cleansing: Patients are typically advised to start washing with a mild shampoo after 48 hours, using gentle patting rather than rubbing.
- Sleep positioning: Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce swelling in the first few days.
- Avoiding physical strain: For at least one week, avoid physical strain like exercise to reduce the risk of swelling and trauma to the transplanted follicles.
- Sun protection: UV exposure should be avoided for several weeks, as it can damage healing skin and hair follicles.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infection.
- Follow-up appointment: Post-operative review appointments enable your surgeon to assess your healing progress.
Remember, in the first two to four weeks, transplanted hairs often shed. New hair growth typically begins after three months, with visible results from six months onward.
Treatments & Lifestyle
Combining medical support with a healthy lifestyle improves patients’ chances of preserving and enhancing their results over time.
- Hair loss medications like minoxidil and finasteride
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Living a healthy lifestyle is key to making sure your hair transplant gives lasting results.
- Managing stress: A patient’s chronic stress can slow down hair growth and lead to more shedding. Practising mindfulness, staying active, and getting good sleep are beneficial to a strong recovery.
- Balanced diet: Nutrients like biotin, iron, protein and zinc support healthy hair growth.
- Avoiding smoking: Smoking is linked to poor blood circulation, which may negatively impact both transplanted and existing hair.
- Limiting harsh styling and heat: Overuse of hot tools and overly tight hairstyles can cause mechanical damage.
Do Patients Return for Additional Hair Transplants?
Approximately 5% of patients undergo a second hair transplant surgery. This is usually due to:
- Ongoing hair loss in untreated areas like the crown
- A more mature hairline
- Desire for greater density or coverage in previously treated zones
- New goals as preferences change with time
A second surgical procedure depends on donor hair availability and long-term planning from the start.
Receive a free, personalised quote for hair transplantation through our online assessment form.
Dr Bonaros: Long-Term Solutions for Hair Restoration
Achieving natural-looking results is a top priority at the Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic.
Dr Bonaros is Scotland’s only full member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). As a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), the only recognised certification in the field, he brings distinctive expertise to every procedure. Additionally, Dr Bonaros and surgical assistants Aikaterini Alimperti and Rakshya Khadka are full members of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS).
Explore expert insights on hair loss, including topics such as “Are hair transplants permanent?”, in our free resource library.