How Does Post Hair Transplant Hairline Appearance Compare to the Final Result?

This question, from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums, was answered by a staff physician from Coalition hair transplant clinic Shapiro Medical:

I’m 3 weeks post hair transplant without much shed. I understand this may take some time and varies by the individual. As a result though, I’ve obviously had time to stare at the revised hairline created by Dr. Ron Shapiro a few weeks back.

I’m wondering how closely (or how great a departure) does the post-op design compare to the final result. I understand thickness and density cannot be predicted, but strictly in terms of the “lines”. I’m happy with placement, just looking for general feedback as to how closely their hairline design post-surgery matched up 6-12 months later.

Glad you are happy with how it looks at this point. Yes, as you suspected, the final result in a year will be slightly different from what you see now. Typically, as you mentioned, the difference is really in density. At Shapiro Medical Group we always transplant with the hair a couple centimeters long.

Now, this is primarily for us to prevent putting two grafts in one site and also to make sure we add as much density as is safely possible. The other nice thing about the “preview” length of hair is that it gives you a great idea of where the final hair will be. The hairline that you discussed with Dr. Shapiro and that you see now will be the same. It may only vary somewhat in a 3 dimensional aspect as the hair growth lengthens.

The one issue that some hair restoration patients note is the density aspect from post-op to final result. After hair transplant surgery, the scabbing along with the transplanted hair gives an illusion of more fullness and density than was actually transplanted. You can think of this like adding a topical cosmetic on the scalp to darken it.

You appear to be doing a great job of cleaning the scalp, so most of the scabs are probably gone. When all is said and done a year from now, the length of the hair that you decide on will help considerably in determining the “appearance” of density. If it is too short or too long it may appear thin. You will get a feel for the best length and look when it grows out.

-Shapiro Medical
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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

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