Contemplating Hair Transplants: Is Waiting Until 25 Necessary?

Question

Do you think it's necessary to wait until the age of 25 for a hair transplant? Isn't the period between 19 and 25 when we want to enjoy life and look our best? If hair loss affects self-confidence, wouldn't a temporary solution like a hair transplant be better? Additionally, is it really certain that waiting will give us a clear understanding of the hair loss pattern? Can we be sure that getting a hair transplant at a young age won't lead to further hair loss?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

If a hair transplant is done too early, there's a risk that the transplanted hair may look unnatural or out of place as more natural hair loss occurs. This is why many professionals recommend waiting until your hair loss pattern has stabilized, which typically doesn't occur until your late 20s or early 30s. While a hair transplant can provide a temporary solution, it's important to understand that it's not a cure for hair loss. The procedure involves moving hair follicles from one part of your head to the area where the hair is thinning. While the transplanted hair is resistant to the hormones that cause hair loss and should remain, you can still lose your existing, non-transplanted hair.If hair loss is significantly affecting your quality of life, there are other treatments you can consider in the meantime. These can include medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia), low-level laser therapy, or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. These treatments can help to slow down hair loss and in some cases, even regrow hair.Ultimately, the decision to have a hair transplant is a personal one and should be made in consultation with a professional. They can assess your individual situation, discuss the risks and benefits, and help you make an informed decision.

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

While there is no "written in stone" age before or after which a hair transplant should be done, in very young patients (late teens to early-mid twenties) I tend to not recommend it. While I understand that this is the age where hair loss can be particularly tough to deal with, transplanting very young patients can lead to severe problems later in life. With effective medical treatments such as finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil, I have become a little more comfortable recommending small procedures in young patients, but it is a case-by-case decision, made together with the patient after there is an understanding of the risks and the likelihood of more transplants as the years progress. The best thing to do is to come in for a consultation.

Christine M. Shaver, MD · Answer

If you are experiencing hair loss at a young age (before age 25), then it is an indication that you have a strong genetic tendency to continue to lose more hair - as hair loss is progressive over time. Medications should be advised so that hair loss does not continue. Surgery is permanent. If you cannot control hair loss in a young patient then they will end up losing more hair as they age and the transplant will remain while all the surrounding hair thins. The transplant will end up looking awkward.

Kulakarn Amonpattana, MD · Answer

Hello I'm Dr. Wipawan Vathananai, a co-worker of Dr. Kulakarn Amonpattana, from BHI Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Nowadays, it is not necessary to wait until 25. However, it is important that the hairline should be put not too low in case you need the donor for future hair loss. Furthermore, you should start taking finasteride and minoxidil (either topical or oral) in order to slow down the hair loss and maintain the existing hair.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Typically doctors suggest you wait until after 25 for a transplant because you can continue to lose hair at that age. It’s beneficial to wait until early 30s to explore the idea of aa hair transplant.  If you do want to try a transplant earlier know that additional work may need to be done as you age. I wish you the best of luck.

Contemplating Hair Transplants: Is Waiting Until 25 Necessary?

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Contemplating Hair Transplants: Is Waiting Until 25 Necessary?

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