A well-performed hair restoration procedure with the right surgeon lasts for a very long time, usually decades and even a lifetime. Assessing the results of a hair transplant after 10 years is a good way to evaluate the longevity and success status of the procedure.
In this article, we are going to evaluate the result of a hair transplant after 10 years. Here is a summary of what you are going to learn:
- HAIR TRANSPLANTS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST FOREVER
- OVER %90 OF HAIR TRANSPLANTATIONS LAST FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS
- AS TIME GOES BY, TRANSPLANTED HAIR BECOMES INDISTINGUISHABLE, FOLLOWING THE BODY’S AGING PATTERN AND TURNING GRAY
- THE MAJOR FACTORS FOR TRANSPLANT LONGEVITY ARE THE SURGEON’S SKILLS AND POST-OP CARE
- LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE SCARRING, LACK OF DONOR HAIR FOR THE FUTURE, AND PIGMENTATION.
Now it’s time to talk about all of them in detail. Let’s start.
Hair Transplant Results After 10 Years: What To Expect?
The results of almost all hair transplantation surgeries last for 10 to 20 years, if not forever. The grafted hairs adjust completely to the recipient’s area. They are the permanent solution to hair thinning or loss on this site. However, the longevity of hair transplantation outcomes depends on the surgeon’s performance.
How Successful Is Hair Transplant After A Decade?
According to a study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, the success rate of FUT and FUE hair transplant surgeries after 10 years is more than %90.
How Many Years Does A Hair Transplant Typically Last?
The results of a well-executed hair transplant operation will last for decades and even for a lifetime.
In male patients who suffer from male pattern hair loss, the outcome of a hair restoration surgery tends to be long-lasting. This is because the hair follicles from the donor area are resistant to the effects of DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss.
There is just one point to remind you. There is no certain way to know how the natural balding process might come out in the future. To help hair regrowth after the procedure, complementary medical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride are useful. Yet you should ask your doctor for their opinion.
Does Hair Transplanted Hair Go Gray?
Yes, your transplanted hair grows gray or white alongside the indigenous hair as time passes. This is because, after the surgery, implanted hair follicles are subject to natural aging processes.
What Does A Hair Transplant Look Like After 10 Years?
10 years after hair transplant, the implanted hair blended well with the native hair and is indistinguishable. This hair follows the normal aging pattern and will change color as the person grows older.
You might experience a sudden loss of hair 2-8 weeks after the surgery. But there is nothing to worry about. This shedding of hair is called shock loss and is a normal occurrence after the procedure. Shock loss is a sign of a successful operation.
FUE Hair Transplant After 10 Years
A meticulous FUE surgery by a professional hair transplant surgeon is expected to last forever. This surgical procedure has a high success rate of more than 90%. Even though the grafts are subject to the body’s natural process, they continue to stay in the recipient site and grow permanently.
In addition to that, FUE does not leave a long-term visible scar because it is less invasive.
What Happens To Hair Transplants As You Age?
After a successful surgery, the transplanted hair follows the natural aging process. They blend well with the rest of your hair and are indistinguishable. Hair transplants follow the natural hair growth cycle and experience the normal phases of this cycle, like shedding and regrowth.
Factors That Affect The Longevity Of Hair Transplant Results
To achieve lifelong hair restoration outcomes, there are 2 major factors:
- THE SURGEON’S EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
- POST-OP CARE
But how each one of these can help?
The Surgeon's Experience And Expertise
An expert surgeon assesses the patient’s situation and requirements while making the surgery planning. They use the appropriate surgical techniques to achieve the optimal result while meeting the required aesthetic goals. After the surgery, the doctor provides each patient with post-op instructions specific to their needs and conditions.
The importance of finding an experienced doctor is undeniable.
Post-Op Care
Proper care after the surgery can help the grafts’ survival and the procedure’s overall success. Following the instructions of the surgeon makes the healing process comfortable as well as making sure the follicles are well taken care of.
Are People Happy With Hair Transplants In The Long Term?
Yes, patients are pleased with the long-term results of their hair transplant procedures. One study by the International Society of Hair Restoration Survey (ISHRS) reposts the surgery had a highly positive emotional impact on 95.2% of patients.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects Of Hair Transplant?
Yes, like any other surgical procedure, there may be some long-term side effects. These side effects include:
- PERMANENT SCARRING
- LACK OF AVAILABLE DONOR HAIR DONOR FOR FUTURE SURGERIES
- INFECTION-RELATED COMPLICATIONS
Now let’s discuss each.
Permanent Scarring
Based on the follicle harvesting method, the possibility of hair transplant scarring differs. FUT can leave a lasting and visible linear scar at the donor site. On the other hand, FUE leaves no detectable scar.
Lack Of Available Donor Hair For Future Surgeries
Overharvesting during the first operation, might not cause any problems at first. However, if the patient plans on having a second procedure there will be difficulties due to a lack of enough hair in the donor site to transplant.
This is why it is important to carefully choose a surgeon. An experienced doctor considers everything while planning for the surgery, proper harvesting being one of them.
Infection-Related Complications
Even though infection after hair transplantation is a short-term complication, it can have long-lasting effects. If left untreated, an infection in either the donor or recipient area can cause scarring, pigmentation, and even skin necrosis. Not only do they affect the appearance but also they impact the overall success of the surgery.
Proper aftercare and on-time treatment can prevent all these unpleasant outcomes.
Can I Get A Second Hair Transplant After 10 Years?
Yes, you can get a second surgery 10 years after your first hair transplant. Even though the results of hair transplantation are expected to last for a lifetime, it does not stop the natural hair loss process. By this, we mean that the native hair continues to thin while the transplanted ones are more resistant.
The hair transplant patient’s age plays an important role in the possibility of a second surgery a decade after the initial one. By the age of 30, patients experience receding hairline, while most patients in their 50s suffer from loss of hair in the crown area. So, a second hair restoration surgery is to deal with new areas of hair loss.
You should consult with your doctor for an additional hair transplant and discuss the possibility. Sometimes you might not be eligible due to unavailable donor hair. However, this is unlikely and most patients can have more than one operation throughout their lives.
