You can have 2-3 hair transplants but there is actually no limit on how many hair transplants can a person have. As long as you have grafts to transplant and are still considered eligible, it is possible to have multiple surgeries.
Usually, people achieve satisfying results within the first 2 surgeries, but sometimes for a fuller head look or to complete an incomplete previous surgery, multiple sessions of hair transplant are needed.
In case you need multiple hair transplants there are some vital considerations that we explained in our article:
- MULTIPLE HAIR TRANSPLANT MIGHT BE NEEDED FOR BETTER DENSITY, TO CORRECT UNEVEN HAIRLINE, ETC
- WOMEN CAN HAVE MULTIPLE HAIR TRANSPLANTS LIKE MEN DO
- WAIT AROUND 8 MONTHS TILL YOUR SCALP TISSUES HEAL NICELY BEFORE FURTHER HAIR TRANSPLANTS
- MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE A REPUTABLE CLINIC FOR ADDITIONAL HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERIES
- BODY HAIR CAN BE UTILIZED FOR LIMITED DONOR AREA
- OVERHARVESTING SHOULD BE AVOIDED IN THE FOLLOWING SURGERIES
- A PROPER CONSULTATION IS NEEDED TO PREVENT CORRECTION SURGERIES
The Reason Why People Get Multiple Hair Transplants
To achieve the best results, in the best way possible sometimes more than a single hair transplant operation might be needed. Should you get a second or third hair transplant? Here are some reasons for it:
- ASKING FOR MORE THAN 5 THOUSAND GRAFTS
- DISSATISFACTION FROM THE PREVIOUS SURGERY
- LOW HAIR GRAFT SURVIVAL RATE
- UNEVEN HAIRLINE
- BOTCHED TRANSPLANTED HAIR
- PROGRESSION OF MALE PATTERN BALDNESS
- LEVEL OF HAIR LOSS
- HAVING COMPLICATIONS DURING RECOVERY
- POOR AFTERCARE
- INEXPERIENCED HAIR TRANSPLANT DOCTOR
- REVISION HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY
In our clinic, we often correct the undesired results of other inexperienced doctors. Performing a revision surgery requires much more expertise, a keen eye, and the latest technologies. Here, we have it all at Serkan Aygın’s clinic.
Can Women Consider Multiple Hair Transplants To Address Hair Loss?
Yes, women can have multiple hair transplant procedures to address the hair loss, just like men. However, for women, there are different considerations on hair loss patterns and satisfactory results than men. Make sure to get a proper consultation for your additional hair transplant surgeries.
Defining the type of hair loss, managing the expectations, donor area suitability, and planning the post-operative care is vital for women who consider more than single hair transplant surgeries.
How Can I Get Second Hair Transplant?
In order to get multiple hair transplants you have to clarify a few things by following the guide we made here for you:
- DECIDE ON WHY YOU NEED ANOTHER HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY
- IF THE REASON IS BOTCHED RESULTS, THEN LOOK FOR ANOTHER HAIR TRANSPLANT DOCTOR
- MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE A REPUTABLE HAIR TRANSPLANT CLINIC
- ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR THE SUCCESS RATE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBLE FUTURE HAIR LOSS
- ASK HOW MANY GRAFTS YOU NEED TO GET THE BEST RESULTS
Below, our patient is talking about his second visit after four years.
How Long Should You Wait Between The Procedures?
The time interval between two surgeries is generally around 6 to 12 months. However, you should keep in mind that, depending on your needs, skin type, the preferred method, and the recovery process of your hair transplantation it could be a bit longer.
When Can I Get A Second Hair Transplant?
Usually, the time gap between the first and second surgery is between 6 to 12 months. When your surgery is planned to be performed in two sessions then you will most probably have your second surgery after 6 months later.
What About After 10 Years?
You can undergo a second operation if hair loss or hair thinning happens in other areas different from the transplanted site.
A second hair transplant after 10 years is done for either one of the following purposes:
- ADDING VOLUME AND DENSITY TO THE PREVIOUS TRANSPLANTED AREA
- TREATING A NEW BALDING AREA WITH CONTINUOUS HAIR LOSS
Factors that can lead to a second hair transplant 10 years after the initial one are generally the natural aging process, genetics, lack of proper hair care, or environmental factors.
When Can I Get A Third Hair Transplant?
You can get your third hair transplant surgery, after 6 months following your previous one. You should know that the third surgery can be a little bit more tricky than the first two, so keep in mind that the waiting period can be a little bit longer up to 18 months.
Can I Have A Different Type Of Surgery Than The Previous One?
Yes, it is possible to get a different surgery than the first one you had, like getting FUT first and FUE in the following. The only problem here is after your FUE surgery it can be harder to find a good donor area for an FUT operation.
Here’s an example of one of our patients who has FUE and DHI hair transplant.
What's The Difference Between The First And The Second Hair Transplant?
In the initial hair transplant, the donor area’s hair is transferred to replace bald patches. If the initial transplant didn’t completely cover the bald spots or if you continued to lose hair, a second one could be required. Because part of your existing hair may have already been used in the first operation, this can be a bit more difficult.
Here are the general differences between the first and the second hair transplant:
Eligibility factor: You might not be a good hair transplant candidate for the second transplant as you were in the first one.
Doctor’s experience: While your doctor might be experienced in the initial hair transplant, the second one, especially in the complications cases, requires more expertise.
Used method: If you got a FUT hair transplant surgery, then you might need FUE in the additional hair restoration surgery.
Caring for overharvesting: The more surgery you have, the more the donor area is used.
Recovery time: Your scalp could be more sensitive after the first hair transplant surgery, and the hair grafts might take longer to grow.
Will You Experience Shock Loss In Your Second Hair Transplant Surgery?
Yes, you might experience shock loss after your second hair transplant surgery. This is a reaction of your body to the surgery incisions and is a temporary natural situation.
Do Multiple Surgeries Affect The Quality Of Grafts?
The quality of the grafts is not directly affected by the surgeries you had, but the total number of transplantable grafts decreases in every surgery. Progression of hair loss pattern and improperly handled FUT scar line may also cause the same effect.
Your surgeon should collect the healthy hair follicles in a hair restoration to give you the desired results. While doing that, they have to check the donor’s hair quality based on:
- QUANTITY OF HAIR
- PROGRESSION OF HAIR LOSS
- SCALP LAXITY
Can People With Limited Donor Hair Opt For Multiple Hair Transplants?
Usually, they cannot opt for multiple surgeries. Limited donor hair can be a problem for the success rate of the procedure. Sometimes for satisfying results, utilizing body hair other than the scalp might be needed. Consulting your dermatologist and the best surgeon could be crucial for you.
Second Hair Transplant Cost
The second hair transplant cost should be more economical with your first doctor and less the same for another surgeon you opted for. Usually, price differences depend on the location, reputation, and the required number of grafts for your hair transplant surgery.
For more information about cost, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Does The Second Hair Transplant Cost As Much As The First?
Depending on the perception it can be cheaper or more expensive. If you choose the same doctor to perform your operation, this can lower the price but the graft numbers here are also important. Even if it is the same doctor, you might pay more, for more grafts.
If you choose another doctor to perform your operation, the price expectancy should be around the same as with the first one, and again based on how many grafts you need, this can lower or increase the price in total.
What Should I Do To Avoid Having Multiple Hair Transplants?
To avoid multiple hair transplant there is a couple of things you can do:
- CHOOSE YOUR SURGEON OR THE SPECIALIST CAREFULLY
- MAKE SURE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR HAIR LOSS PROGRESSION
- WAIT IF NEEDED, DO NOT GET HT BEFORE YOUR HAIR LOSS PROGRESSES
- FOLLOW EVERY POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTION
- NEVER MISS ANY OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS
- USE THE RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
- CARE FOR YOUR DIET, KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED
- DO NOT DYE OR USE ANY CHEMICAL ON YOUR HEAD BEFORE THE RECOVERY
- IF THERE IS ANY ONGOING HEALTH PROBLEM, WAIT FOR THAT TO SETTLE
How To Choose The Best Hair Transplant Doctor?
There are some things to take into consideration before choosing a specialist for your hair transplant surgery.
- Do extensive research
- Look for credentials and accreditations.
- Read patient reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for before-and-after photos.
- Look for ethical and transparent practices.
- Avoid clinics with unqualified team, lack of transparency in pricing, and cheap prices.
References:
(1) Garg AK, Garg S. “Combination Grafting” of Scalp and Body Hair to Enhance the Visual Density of Hair Transplant and Coverage of Higher Grade of Baldness. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2020;13(2):163-169. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_89_18
(2) Mysore V, Kumaresan M, Garg A, et al. Hair Transplant Practice Guidelines. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021;14(3):265-284. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_104_20
