Hair transplant – How Long It Would Take to Grow Your Hair
Hair loss can be a frustrating experience for anyone, regardless of gender or age. Thankfully, with advancements in medical technology, hair transplant surgery has become a viable solution for those seeking to restore their lost hair. However, many people who consider hair transplant surgery wonder how long it will take for their hair to grow back fully. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with some valuable information regarding hair transplant surgery.
What is hair transplant surgery?
Hair transplant surgery is a medical procedure that involves the transfer of hair follicles from a donor site to a balding or thinning area. There are two primary methods of hair transplant surgery: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
In FUT, a strip of skin is removed from the donor area, and the hair follicles are then extracted and transplanted to the recipient area. In FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and transplanted to the recipient area.
How long does it take for the transplanted hair to grow?
The transplanted hair will not start growing immediately after the surgery. In fact, it will take several months before any significant growth is visible. The newly transplanted hair follicles will enter a dormant phase, and the hair shafts will fall off within the first few weeks.
After the first month, the hair follicles will start to grow new hair, but this hair will be very thin and fine. Over time, the hair will thicken and become coarser. It usually takes around six months to a year for the hair to grow to a length that can be styled.
Factors that influence hair growth after a hair transplant:
Here are several factors that can affect hair growth after a hair transplant surgery:
The type of hair transplant procedure
There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). The FUT method involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area and transplanting it onto the balding area. The FUE method involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them onto the balding area. The type of procedure you choose can affect the rate of hair growth after the surgery.
The number of grafts transplanted
The number of grafts transplanted during the procedure can also impact the rate of hair growth. Generally, the more grafts that are transplanted, the longer it will take for the hair to grow back. This is because the body needs more time to heal and regenerate new hair follicles to replace the transplanted ones.
The quality of the donor hair
The quality of the donor hair can also affect the rate of hair growth after the surgery. If the donor hair is thin or weak, it may take longer for the hair to grow back or may not grow back at all. On the other hand, if the donor hair is strong and healthy, it’s more likely to grow back quickly and look natural.
The patient’s age
Age can also be a significant factor in hair growth after a hair transplant surgery. Younger patients tend to have faster hair growth rates and better outcomes after the surgery than older patients. This is because younger patients have more active hair follicles and better blood circulation in the scalp.
Post-operative care
Post-operative care is critical to the success of a hair transplant surgery. Patients must follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully, including taking medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and protecting the scalp from the sun and other environmental factors. Failure to follow these instructions can delay hair growth or cause complications.