Is one transplant enough?

[Tesar]

One of my main fears about having surgery is that, rather than it being the end of my insecurities, I'm actually starting myself down a long road of anxiety and unhappiness. I'm presently a NW 3. I've been quoted 1700 grafts to improve my hairline. But is that going to be enough? Or will I need a 2nd transplant to improve the density, then a 3rd transplant and so on? (That's assuming that this is feasible, which it isn't; I only have the funds for one transplant.) What I want to ask is: is it possible to be content after a single transplant? Or is one only the beginning?

 

[Bobbins]

That’ll very much depend on your individual circumstances. It’s possible for some (most?).

How old are you? What’s your family history of hair loss? Do you currently take meds, and can you tolerate them?

 

[Tesar]

How old are you? What’s your family history of hair loss? Do you currently take meds, and can you tolerate them?

I am forty years old, and I first noticed my hairline thinning about ten years ago. Since then I've been on finasteride and, while there hasn't been any regrowth, I don't think it has gotten any worse. So far (touch wood) I haven't had any side effects. My father is in his seventies and is also a NW3. My grandfather was the same. My uncle (lucky bastard) has a full head of hair. I would like to get surgery and, indeed, have been for a number of consultations. My only worry, as I said, is that I be dissatisfied with the results, which will necessitate further surgery and exacerbate, rather than calm, my anxieties.

 

[Bobbins]

I am forty years old, and I first noticed my hairline thinning about ten years ago. Since then I've been on finasteride and, while there hasn't been any regrowth, I don't think it has gotten any worse. So far (touch wood) I haven't had any side effects. My father is in his seventies and is also a NW3. My grandfather was the same. My uncle (lucky bastard) has a full head of hair. I would like to get surgery and, indeed, have been for a number of consultations. My only worry, as I said, is that I be dissatisfied with the results, which will necessitate further surgery and exacerbate, rather than calm, my anxieties.

It sounds like you’re in a good position.

A surgeon should be able to give you a good indication of the density you’re likely to achieve with their suggested approach/plan.

Only you know what you’d consider acceptable.

There are some people who have undiagnosed conditions that provide low yield. Similarly there are a small percentage of people who inexplicably get a bad yield.

There’s a high chance that if you choose a good surgeon and make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your expectations and what they believe can be achieved for you, that a single operation will suffice.

 

[Tesar]

Thanks, Bobbins. I appreciate your advice.

 

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

Can you share some pictures of your scalp for evaluation?

 

[Bigmac]

I think the question should be can a certain area be a one and done. You`re a norwood 3, this would usually require more than 1700 grafts if you were to create a full hairline, filling in the temple corners and any thinning behind. 1700 may be enough is you’re wanting a more mature hairline or you’re not expecting a high density hairline.
To answer your initial question. Yes, you could get a single hair transplant and be done. This is providing you get good yield and the result meets with what was discussed between you and the doctor prior to surgery. Your family history is a good indicator on how your loss will be but it’s not a guarantee. You may take after a great great grandfather and start to lose hair elsewhere such as the crown. Then you’d need another HT if it bothered you.
Being on meds which you are will give you the best possible chance of it being a one and done.

My family history. Grandfather was completely bald. Father had huge crown loss. Older brother completely bald. Another older brother no hair loss, just a slightly receded hairline.
My loss. Mainly crown which was expanding towards my hairline. Middle of hairline a lot of loss and hairline generally receding. So my family history I can’t use.

The issues Bobbins mentions are factors too.

If you could add a picture showing the loss, we will better understand how the 1700 grafts will be used.

 

[Tesar]

Thanks everyone. I will post some pics once I get a camera. (I only have the camera in my phone at the moment, and it's pretty useless.)

 

[Bigmac]

Maybe try taking one with your current phone and post. It may be good enough to give an idea on your loss.

 

[Tesar]

Maybe try taking one with your current phone and post. It may be good enough to give an idea on your loss.

I've tried a few times, but the quality's not good enough. The miniaturized hairs make it look like the image has been airbrushed. Sadly, the illusion only exists on camera, and no one meeting me in the flesh would be fooled for a second. However, I've been reflecting on what people have been saying, and I suppose, ultimately, it's a personal matter. Some people want to recreate their boyhood hairlines. Thankfully, I've given up such grand ambitions. I really just want to soften the recession, to make it less obvious.

 

[Bigmac]

Sounds like a good game plan to me.

 

[Skinsolutionz]

Most men do not choose to get a hair transplant on a whim. One of the most thoroughly studied medical treatments and dermatologists. Before deciding to undergo hair transplant surgery, many of our patients took several months to learn everything they could about the operation. Therefore, it makes sense that the possibility that one surgery could not be sufficient to address the issue increases anxiety. Does one hair transplant really suffice?

Why Hair Transplants are One-Time Procedures

The beauty of hair transplant surgery is found in the very essence of hair loss. Men's hair doesn't simply fall out in random areas as they age. The baldness, often known as male-pattern baldness, instead follows a pattern. The top of the scalp is often affected first, followed by a receding hairline, especially in the corners. However, the area behind the back of your head is one where hair seldom ever sheds.

Why is this advantageous, you might wonder? As per professionals it is "safe" to take hair follicles from the back of your head can now be transplanted to the balding areas, which is a positive thing. At the back of your head, where hair will continue to grow until old age and the freshly transplanted hair won't be prone to fall out, the difference won't be very visible. This new hair, in contrast to the hair that was previously on the top and front of your head, is resistant to hair loss.

 

[Bigmac]

I've tried a few times, but the quality's not good enough. The miniaturized hairs make it look like the image has been airbrushed. Sadly, the illusion only exists on camera, and no one meeting me in the flesh would be fooled for a second. However, I've been reflecting on what people have been saying, and I suppose, ultimately, it's a personal matter. Some people want to recreate their boyhood hairlines. Thankfully, I've given up such grand ambitions. I really just want to soften the recession, to make it less obvious.

Maybe use a friend or family member's phone to take some clear pictures.