Poor results 6 months after my hair transplant. Will it get better? (Photo)

Question

I am 6 months into my hair transplant. So far it's been poor results. I'd say only about 50% of the grafts have survived. kept asking them how many grafts I was getting. I asked 5 times and every answer is you will find out tomorrow. Found out next morning I got 4300 grafts. An insane amount at 28 years old with only receding temples. And My main question is why were so many grafts placed in my middle region where I had decent coverage. Also would like input on how bad it is at 6 months and if it will get better, how much better. Thanks to all for the help.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

6mo is way too soon to find out if you have your final results. This is when the hairs are just starting to grow back in! All of the transplanted hairs are on different growth cycles so some of them start growing before others. You need to give yoursel fat least 1 year.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your concerns regarding your hair transplant results. Here are some points to consider and discuss with your healthcare provider:

Understanding Hair Transplant Results at 6 Months
1. **Typical Growth Timeline**:
   - **Initial Shedding**: It's common for transplanted hair to fall out within the first few weeks post-surgery. This is known as "shock loss" and is a normal part of the process.
   - **Regrowth Phase**: New hair typically starts to grow around the 3-4 month mark. By 6 months, you should see some growth, but the results are often not fully apparent until 12-18 months post-transplant.

2. **50% Survival Rate**:
   - **Survival Rate**: A 50% survival rate at 6 months might seem low, but it's important to consider that not all hair follicles necessarily grow new hairs at the same rate. Some may take longer.
   - **Expected Survival**: Generally, a well-done transplant should have a higher survival rate. If you're seeing only 50%, it could be due to various factors such as the technique used, post-operative care, or individual biological response.

Concerns About Graft Placement
1. **Distribution of Grafts**:
   - **Placement Strategy**: The placement of grafts should be done strategically to ensure a natural look and coverage. If you feel too many grafts were placed in areas with decent coverage, this might be a point to discuss with your surgeon.
   - **Surgeon’s Plan**: Surgeons sometimes place grafts in areas with existing hair to add density, anticipating future hair loss. However, this should be clearly communicated to the patient beforehand.

Prognosis and Next Steps
1. **Improvement Over Time**:
   - **Continued Growth**: Hair typically continues to mature and thicken over 12-18 months post-transplant. The appearance at 6 months is not the final result.
   - **Expectations**: While some improvement can be expected, the final density and coverage will depend on various factors including the quality of the grafts and the skill of the surgeon.

2. **Consultation with Your Surgeon**:
   - **Follow-Up**: It's crucial to have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns. They can provide insights into why certain decisions were made and what to expect moving forward.
   - **Second Opinion**: If you're not satisfied with the responses or results, consider seeking a second opinion from another experienced hair transplant specialist.

Tips for Post-Transplant Care
1. **Patience and Care**: Continue to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. Proper care can significantly impact the success of the transplant.
2. **Healthy Lifestyle**: Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and minimizing stress can support hair growth.

Summary
- **6-Month Mark**: It’s common for the full results of a hair transplant to not be visible until 12-18 months post-procedure.
- **Graft Concerns**: Discuss the distribution of grafts and your survival rate concerns with your surgeon.
- **Follow-Up**: Regular follow-ups with your surgeon are essential to monitor progress and address any issues.

If you are not seeing expected progress or have significant concerns, a detailed discussion with your transplant surgeon or a second opinion from another specialist could provide more clarity and guidance.

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

At 6 months post-transplant, it’s still too early to fully judge the final results. Most patients have only experienced about 50% of the new hair growth by this point, and the remaining growth will continue over the next 6-12 months. It's common to see uneven or slower growth in certain areas during this phase, but that doesn’t mean your final outcome will be poor. Patience is key&mdash;significant improvements are typically seen between months 9 and 12 as the hair thickens and matures.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Unfortunately, some of your questions can only be answered by the surgeon who performed your transplant. I will say that 4300 grafts is a lot, especially at your age. This would be a question for your surgeon.  The six-month post-op point is still early to see substantial growth. You should see some growth, but 12-18 months is when you should see full growth. I suggest a meeting with your surgeon or perhaps a second opinion.
Best wishes to you.

Dr. T

Poor results 6 months after my hair transplant. Will it get better? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: 6 months post op

Answer: 6 months post op

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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Poor results 6 months after my hair transplant. Will it get better? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: 6 months post op

Answer: 6 months post op

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.