How Long After Hair Transplant Surgery Until I See Hair Growth?

I had a 2617 follicular unit graft hair transplant surgery for my hair loss in in mid November, 2007 (a little over three months ago), and am curious about the average time frame that others have noticed results?

The first 5 months (the beginning phases) of surgery are often depressing and can leave you full of doubt as to whether or not the hair replacement procedure was a success. This is often due to the misinterpretation of when a [surgeon says that hair growth will start in 3 months. Though the transplanted hair may very well start growing, very few patients notice any visible change in the appearance of their hair at this early stage. But be patient; the result will come with time. In order to help give you an understanding of what to expect, I’ve described a little bit about the hair restoration hair regrowth process below.

Keep in mind that every patient is different and hair will start to grow at different times. This is also sometimes why hair transplant patients will see some nice growth on one side of their head and not the other. This often leaves the balding patient concerned. Rest assured however, this is perfectly normal.

Hair growth from surgery is a gradual process that only starts between 3 to 5 months. Hair will typically start to grow as thin, colorless, and wispy and continue to mature up to 18 months. At around 9 months, most of the hair has at least started to grow and is well on its way to maturity. But hair thickening and darkening will continue for some time and will have a significant impact on the overall cosmetic result.

The word “result” therefore becomes very subjective. If you are talking about seeing a cosmetic difference in your hair density and coverage, most hair transplant patients see some nice growth around 6-8 months. The final mature hair replacement result won’t come until 12-18 months after surgery.

Bill
Associate Publisher

Technorati Tags: follicular unit graft, hair transplant, hair loss, hair replacement, hair growth, transplanted hair, hair restoration, hair regrowth, hair transplant patient, balding, hair thickening, hair density

Bill

Bill successfully restored his hair with three hair transplantation procedures. He is now the Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network.com and the Hair Loss Learning Center.org

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View Comments

George L says:

November 19, 2015 at 1:00 am

I had fut about 6 months ago. My hair started to fall out at the 4 to 5 month period , because of this late stage of hair loss will it take longer for me to see some good growth? Is it normal to lose hair at the 4 to 5 month term? Am worried.
Chris says:

June 17, 2015 at 9:33 am

Hi,

I've read a lot information in the posts above which have put me more at ease with the overall coverage.
I had 1600 FUE grafts done 9 months ago for male pattern baldness. I'm not as happy as I would like to be however I also know I need to wait for the 12 month mark. With the right amount of hair product and certain styling, I can make it more passable. My only other concern is the recipient area. When I wash my hair, the whole area feels different to the rest of my scalp plus the scarring is still visible for every implanted follicle. It is a tiny tiny scar however it still resembles the plug look.
Do you have any recommendations in regards to minimizing the scarred recipient area or will that in turn disappear with time also?
Coolbreeze says:

June 16, 2015 at 7:06 pm

Hello, I did Neograft In January of 2014. I immediately had great results and it continued even into the first 6 months after, where my hair was dense and full. At about the 1 year mark, I started to see less life and thinner hair happening. At this point, it seems like its continuing to go down hill. Does the hair go through a shedding phase at different times, and will it get thicker and have more life again? I still have quite a bit but the texture and body is a lot different now.

Thanks!
prateek says:

December 15, 2014 at 5:19 am

Is it shock loss
prateek says:

December 15, 2014 at 5:00 am

Hi
I did FUT hair transplant more than 2 months ago but i fell insted of gaining hair.. i have lost a lot of hair and i look more bald than what i use to look before the procedure ... i am really concerned now
Waj says:

September 29, 2014 at 1:06 pm

Hi i recently had my 1st hair transplant. The doctor gave me a new hairline for a younger look. The hair/crust has started to shed now. A week on now i've started to heel and shed crust/hair. The place where he constructed the new hair line feels all bald now. Is this normal or should i be feeling a stubble touch there?
David aka - TakingthePlunge says:

April 30, 2014 at 4:24 am

Mark,

It's very common for one side to develop faster than the other. At only 5 months post-op, you've got lots more growth and maturation to come. It will likely fill in over the coming months.

However, it's always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your hair transplant surgeon and talk about what your options are if your results are sub-par after one full year.

Good luck!
David
Mark says:

April 24, 2014 at 10:08 am

Hi,

I am at 5 months post op with super results and full coverage on my right side(hair size 2 inch.)

On the left side unfortunately till now no good coverage!

Can I still expact new hair growth?

I remember well, that between 10 and 18 days post op most of my 4750 graft were gone and I guess that the 2 inch hair which I can see now are the transplants which didnÂ´t fall out.

I am really scared that there wonÂ´t grow much hair on my left side and wouldnÂ´t combine with the other side.

Thanks in advance

Mark
David aka - TakingthePlunge says:

July 31, 2013 at 2:52 am

Chintu,

Don't worry. At only three months after hair transplant surgery, you will not yet see any significant hair growth. You are only just entering the start of the growth phase.

It is also much too soon to see any benefits from Rogaine (minoxidil). I suggest that you continue applying it as directed for between 6 months and one year before assessing your results. If you do see hair growth, you'll need to continue using it indefinitely in order to maintain your results. Once you discontinue use of Rogaine, hair loss will eventually resume.

Shaving your head should have no negative effect on the final outcome of your hair restoration procedure.

Try not to worry too much. I'm sure things will be looking just fine in a few more months.

Good luck!
David
Chintu says:

July 21, 2013 at 12:12 pm

Hi David,

This is my second post.It has been 3 months after my transplant surgery. I am applying minioxidil regularly over the transplanted area, but very less hair has started growing till date. I had to shave my head after 3 months due to some cultural traditions with rezor. I am really scared whether it will have any negative impact over my result.Please suggest.
Regards,
Chinu