The results of a Hair Transplant Procedure can vary based on a number of factors and limitations. However, the two procedure types most commonly used — Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), considered the gold standard of hair transplantation procedures, and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) — are intended as permanent solutions to hair loss. During these procedures, hair is transplanted from the permanent zones — also called the donor area — in the back and sides of the scalp to the thinning and balding areas of the front, top, and crown.
Because hair follicles are taken from regions that are genetically resistant to hair loss during these procedures, for many patients, the newly implanted hair lasts forever.
Hair Transplant Limitations
Common hair restoration procedures provide natural-looking results that grow as hair normally does. Although clients often enjoy a high rate of successful transplants, a few factors and decisions can potentially limit results, including:
- Choosing the right clinic and surgeon: The techniques used for hair restoration procedures have improved dramatically over the years, and top-rated clinics like Feller & Bloxham Hair Transplantation consistently achieve a large graft growth success rate. Unfortunately, many sub-standard clinics exist- see our hair transplant clinic pyramid article. Learn thorough research online and find a surgeon who can deliver consistent and effective results.
- Accepting that transplantation does not work for everyone: Hair transplants are not a miracle cure. Those with advanced hair loss — where hair follicles remain dormant for two to seven years — and those who have very thin hair in the donor area will have poorer results from their hair transplantation procedure. This, however, doesn’t mean that significant cosmetic results can’t be obtained. Just that expectations must be set lower. In almost every case some well placed transplanted hairs are better than no hair at all.
- Undergoing continued loss of hair: A transplant does not prevent future hair loss. The newly implanted hair may last a lifetime, but the hair surrounding the transplant site could continue to fall out. There are some treatments for continuous hair loss. Click to learn more about Real Hair Loss Treatments and quackary.
- Selecting an adequate donor area capacity: The size of the permanent zones vary from person to person. A larger donor area allows for more grafts to be removed during the hair transplant. If the permanent zone is relatively small or sparse, however, you may have to adjust your expectations for the achievable amount of coverage. An experienced hair transplant doctor can help you with this.
- Experiencing associated risks or complications: Surgical procedures of any kind involve risks. Bleeding, infection and inflammation are all potential side effects of hair transplantation that very rarely occur. However, these situations are usually manageable with application of small compresses and sometimes the use mild antibiotic tablets. At Feller and Bloxham, to date, we have not had any incidences of significant bleeding, infection, or inflammation.
- Encountering shock loss: After the first few days following your procedure, hair may fall out due to shock. This is a normal and expected defense mechanism of the body. Even though the hairs are gone, the follicles remain and will start to regrow new hair after just a few months.
How Long Does an FUE or FUT Procedure Last?
A hair transplant can last permanently whether a client receives an FUE or FUT procedure. The permanent zone from which hair follicles are taken earned its name because the hair is genetically programmed not to fall out. However, about half the patients who receive a hair transplant opt for another one within about 10 years for an assortment of reasons, including:
- Continued thinning of hair outside of the original hair transplant recipient site due to age
- Loss of hair shaft diameter due to age
- Experiencing other environmental and genetic factors
Contact Feller & Bloxham Medical Today for More Information
The two main hair transplant procedures we utilize at Feller & Bloxham Hair Transplantation are FUT and FUE. We are recognized leaders in both procedures and approach each technique with the utmost care and attention including customized protocols and our patented instrumentation. To learn more about our hair restoration procedures, contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons who will determine the best transplant approach. You can also call our Great Neck, NY, office directly at (516) 487-3797 to get started.
