Hair transplant expectations over 1 year, what is realistic for a typical before and after? Over 1 year what can you reasonably expect as far as changes after your surgery? Hair transplantation surgery success rates vary slightly depending on the person receiving the surgery and the expertise of the surgeon, but overall success rates for the surgery are quite high, well over 95%.
In this article, we will discuss what the first year after hair transplant surgery looks like for a typical patient. What can you expect over 1 year? Let’s take a closer look at what it typically looks like over 1 year of undergoing a hair transplant.
What You Can Expect Over 1 Year
Deciding to undergo a hair transplant is a huge decision, and the first step is to book a consultation in order to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this procedure. Your doctor will want to learn about your health history and assess the severity of your current state of hair loss. Hair transplant surgeries are performed in two ways, either as a FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). These names refer to the method in which the donor hair follicles are harvested.
With a FUT the follicles are harvested by removing a small horizontal strip of the scalp by making a small incision at the back of the head. This area is then sutured, and the grafts are prepared for transplantation. With FUE the donor hairs are removed individually using a small micro punch tool. With both surgeries, the same method is employed for transplanting the donor hairs themselves into the recipient area.
FUT vs FUE Transplants Over 1 Year
Both FUT and FUE are surgeries that have fairly comparable rates of success, and which one is best suited for you will depend on several factors. FUT tends to be a less time-consuming surgery than FUE, and has the advantage of not requiring you to shave any hair at the donor site. If you like to wear your hair long, you may continue to do so. Your long hair can hide the suture sites where the donor hair strips were taken.
The disadvantage of FUT is that it tends to cause slightly more discomfort and requires a little more time and care in the initial healing stages. You may also be left with small horizontal scars, that are usually easily hidden by hair. FUE tends to be more expensive because it is more time-consuming than FUT. However, it’s also less invasive, and patients report less discomfort. It is important to note however that with FUE the entire donor area must be shaved close to the scalp before the extraction of donor hair begins. If you want to maintain the length of your hair, this may not be the best procedure for you.
Your surgeon will be able to answer all your questions about both procedures as well as show you before and after photos of past patients so you can get a sense of what typical results can look like. Once you and your surgeon have determined your best treatment plan, you can schedule your surgery. Your doctor may also recommend other complementary treatments such as topical medication such as minoxidil or low-level laser therapy with a laser cap to encourage new growth after the transplant and to prevent any further hair loss.
Before Transplant -
7 Months Later -
1 Year Later
Planning Your Surgery and the Aftermath Over 1 Year
When planning for your surgery most surgeons will recommend that you plan for around 2 weeks of recovery time after your procedure. Many patients, especially those that have undergone FUE will feel comfortable enough to return to work within just a few days of the procedure. Many of the considerations for this two-week window have to do with cosmetic concerns and professional appearance.
As you are healing from surgery you will not be able to wear any hats or hairpieces in the weeks immediately following your transplant. Also, take travel costs into consideration if you’re coming in from out of your area. You may need to budget for airfare and hotel accommodation in addition to surgery costs.
Another thing that you may want to consider in planning for your surgery is bringing some headphones. Both FUT and FUE are outpatient procedures. They’re performed under local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake during surgery. Because it is a time-consuming process, many doctors recommend bringing headphones so that you can listen to music or an audiobook. This can help pass the time, and ease any anxieties.
More About Hair Transplant Surgery
Surgery can last up to 12 hours and some patients choose to have their transplants performed in stages instead. This can be a great solution if you are working with a tight budget, want to get a sense of how your hair responds to surgery, or have extensive hair loss.
Your scalp may be tender after surgery. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe pain medications for the first few days after your transplant. You may need to wear bandages on your scalp for the first few days after surgery as well. In addition to pain medication, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication to assist your body in healing properly.
How Will I Feel After Hair Transplant Surgery?
Most people feel comfortable enough to return to work anywhere from 2-5 days following surgery. Your doctor will initially advise against wearing hats, hairpieces, wigs, or engaging in any type of vigorous exercise or swimming in the initial weeks after surgery. This is to prevent infection or any rupturing of sutures.
Some doctors will advise that you sleep propped upright during the initial healing phase in order to reduce swelling. They may also give you special care instructions in terms of how to keep your scalp and new transplants clean. You will not be able to get any hair cuts or use your normal styling products at first.
What Can I Expect Over 1 Year Period of Time
Within the first few months following surgery, the hair at the transplant sites will fall out. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. It is actually a sign that the transplant was successful. As the old hair is shed the new follicles are producing new hair growth beneath the surface of the scalp that will be visible soon. You will start to see new growth within a few months after you notice the shedding.
Within 6-9 months you should see significantly more hair at the transplant site, with around 60% increased density. Over 1 year from the date of your surgery you should see noticeably fuller hair and any transplant scars will be practically invisible so long as you are not wearing your hair shaved close to the head.
Working with a topical medication like Rogaine or a low-level laser therapy laser cap over 1 year of recovery from hair transplant surgery can increase your satisfaction with your results even further. In fact, many users of the CapillusRX 312 laser cap reported that they experienced increased density as well as reduced hair loss. Because the laser diodes increase circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, it is also quite common to experience less gray hair, since the lasers stimulate melanin production. Many laser cap users also notice the new hairs are thicker, shinier, and less prone to breakage as well. Taking good care of your hair post-transplant will make a world of difference in ensuring your restored hair thrives for many years to come.
SUFFERING FROM HAIR LOSS?
If you’ve been living with hair loss for any length of time, then you know how distressing it can be. Those who suffer from hair loss may have spent a lot of time, money, and mental energy on hair systems and products designed to minimize the appearance of their hair loss. Life after hair transplantation surgery can feel very liberating. While the first year of recovery will require some patience, the results are worth it. Over 1 year your feelings about your natural hair can be completely transformed.
Best Hair Transplant is the best place to schedule your hair transplant in Los Angeles. We’ve helped both men and women regrow their lost hair. But don’t take our word for it. We suggest learning as much as possible about hair restoration. Do so prior to making a decision on how to address your hair loss. Not every procedure is right for everyone.
At Best Hair Transplant, we’re proud of our results and happy to provide hair restoration services. Additionally, we’re proud to make hair transplants affordable and help you save money on a variety of hair transplants. To ensure your ease of mind, you can view our customer recommendations HERE. Furthermore, you can also see our Google reviews and Yelp reviews. We can’t wait to help you start restoring your lost hair.
YOUR HAIR RESTORATION SOLUTION
Best Hair Transplant
1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(213) 403-0455
