11 months post op - Has my FUE hair transplant procedure failed? (Photo)

Question

I had a FUE hair transplant procedure at a reputable clinic here in Australia exactly 11 months ago yesterday. Procedure and after care seemed to go well. 2500 grafts were transplanted, mostly to fortify the hairline, temples and front of the scalp. I’ve never really noticed new growth. I’m a diffuse thinner on top of the scalp, hairline is thin and patchy and still is. Scalp appears bald and shiny. I’ve noticed no increase in density or thickness. Is this a failure?

Mehmet Erdogan, MD · Answer

At 11 months post-FUE, it is reasonable to expect a visible improvement in density, especially in the hairline and frontal areas. Based on what you are describing persistent scalp shine, patchy hairline, and no noticeable increase in thickness or density the result does appear significantly sparse for this stage.
The primary goal of a hair transplant is to create a clear visual improvement compared to the pre-operative state. Results like the one you describe are not the intended or expected outcome of a properly planned procedure.
That said, whether this represents a true “failure” cannot be determined without reviewing your pre-operative condition and the surgical planning. These details are critical. For example, if 2,500 grafts were distributed over a very wide area in a diffuse thinning pattern, rather than being strategically concentrated, the final appearance can remain thin and underwhelming even if graft survival itself was reasonable.
Diffuse thinning cases, in particular, require very careful planning, often with higher graft density in prioritized zones and strong medical therapy support. When grafts are spread too thinly, the cosmetic impact may be minimal despite technically successful implantation.
At this point, it would be appropriate to:
Review pre-operative photos
Clarify how the grafts were allocated and at what density
Assess whether there is any delayed maturation or whether the result has plateaued
If the appearance remains unchanged at 12 months, it is reasonable to seek an independent professional evaluation to determine whether revision, additional surgery, or alternative strategies are indicated.

11 months post op - Has my FUE hair transplant procedure failed? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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