A hair transplant is an effective way to replace hair loss in individuals who may need assistance getting natural-looking hair back where it used to be. Because the hair transplant comes from hair from other parts of an individual’s body, hair transplants are an excellent way to replicate the appearance of an individual’s natural hair.

However, if you are about to go through this process, you may wonder, how long do hair transplants actually last? The good news behind this question is that many hair transplants can last for quite a long time if they are executed in a professional enough fashion.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a process where donor hair is gathered from a part of the body where it is plentiful and transplanted to an area where it may have disappeared. For the most part, the procedure is used to restore hair on the scalp that has been impacted by pattern baldness. There are two primary methods for hair transplant:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
• FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

Your physician will determine which of the above is the most appropriate for your particular situation. A hair transplant can be completed in several hours, although it may take a few weeks for the full scale of your results to be apparent. Most healthy patients who are interested in receiving this type of treatment will find that they qualify.

What Occurs During a Hair Transplant?

There are certain steps you can expect to go through when you decide to receive a hair transplant. The general steps are as follows:

• You will undergo a consultation where your physician assesses your situation and makes recommendations about the best path forward.
• The donor area where your hair is extracted from is trimmed, and either local or general anesthesia is applied.
• The donor hair is extracted.
• The donor follicles are directly implanted into the thinning areas of the scalp.

After the transplant is complete, you will receive a set of instructions for your recovery period. Following these instructions will help you ensure that your procedure is a success.

How Long Do Hair Transplants Actually Last?

For all intents and purposes, a successful hair transplant has the potential to basically last for life. This is because a successful hair transplant can last for 60 to 70 years, which in most cases will exceed the need for a patient to renew or replace their results.

Part of the reason for this longevity has to do with the nature of the hair that is used in a hair transplant. Because this hair is often harvested from the back of the head, the donor hairs tend to be resistant to the impacts of aging and hair loss. This is owed to the chemical makeup of these hairs.

What Can Compromise a Hair Transplant?

As one can see, a well-executed hair transplant has the potential to offer a patient very long-lasting results. However, there are some things that can impact this potential and cause one’s results to disappear after a shorter time period. Some of the following elements have the potential to negatively impact an individual in this way:

• Poor execution: A hair transplant that is performed with poor technique can result in less longevity.
• Health factors: Certain medical conditions have the potential to impact even the hair of a hair transplant. One example is alopecia areata.
• Neglect: Ignoring the instructions of your physician, skipping your follow-up appointments, and neglecting your health all have the potential to compromise the results of your hair transplant.

You can discuss with your physician whether or not they think you are at risk for reducing the longevity of your hair transplant, either through lifestyle or external factors. This can help you mitigate the potential of these risks.

How to Make Your Hair Transplant Last Longer

On the other hand, there are certain habits and practices that you can engage in that can help ensure that the results of your hair transplant last for some time. Some of the following have proven useful in this regard:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Avoid using harsh chemical sprays on your hair
• Avoid heat styling your hair
• Follow the instructions of your doctor regarding care

The Top Eyelid Surgeon in Ohio

Columbus Eyelid is committed to the purpose of giving their clientele the highest level of quality procedures possible in the field of oculoplastic surgery. If you are interested in receiving hair transplants and want to discuss this possibility at our office, contact us today.