Why Do So Many People Seem to Need Multiple Hair Transplants to Reach their Hair Restoration Goals?

Question:

This may well be a basic question, but I was wondering why do people usually have multiple hair transplants? Is it because:

1. The first hair transplant was unable to provide the required number of grafts for decent coverage in the one session so a further procedure was planned.
2. The first hair transplant gave decent coverage but due to ongoing hair loss a further HT was done. If so is there an average number of years when people will have their next HT?
3. Both 1 and 2.

What I'm trying to figure out is if I were to have a further hair transplant when am I best to do this? I'm 35, a 6 on the Norwood Scale and recently had my first hair transplant. 3400 via strip. It's only been 6 weeks so I completely understand it's very early to tell the outcome until next year. But I feel I may need a further HT as I may be in the A category. However given my age and limited donor capacity of maybe 3500-4000 grafts, would I be better to wait several years to see how my hair loss progresses? If so what age is best to assess this?

I guess this is different in every person depending on the rate of hair loss, but I don't think I have progressed much in the past year or 2. I'm just trying to plan if/when I may be best to have a further HT if needed. Obviously if I'm happy with the outcome then great. But if I'm not then would I be better to get another over and done within the next 18-24 months or wait several years to reassess?

Answer:

Both of the scenarios you proposed are possible. Very few guys seem to be in the "one and done" category. There are so many factors at play including; the degree of hair loss, the quality and density of available donor hair, the number of grafts the particular clinic is equipped to move in a single session and whether or not the patient is using medical hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil).

Many patients will end up having at least two procedures before they meet their hair restoration goals. Your hair transplant surgeon will be better equipped to advise you about how to proceed once your current hair transplant matures. He should have discussed a long-term plan with you that may include medically stabilizing your hair loss as well the potential need for future surgeries. But, generally speaking, you can move forward with a second procedure after one year if you are not satisfied with the outcome and you reserve an adequate donor supply for the future.

David

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator