Is One Hair Transplant Enough Over A Lifetime?

I have some minor recession and I want to get a hair transplant, but I don’t want to get multiple procedures. I want one hair transplant and that’s it. Do you think one hair transplant is enough or will I need to get multiple?

Androgenic alopecia, or genetic hair loss, is a progressive condition that gets worse over time. Right now, you may only see a minor recession, but over time your hair loss can spread to the middle and your crown. One hair transplant is enough to address the recession in your hairline, but it will not be enough to handle your hair loss for the rest of your life.

Hair transplants are like chips. You can’t have just one. It’s simply unrealistic to expect one hair transplant procedure to keep you happy for the rest of your life. Unless you’re okay with losing additional hair and decide to shave your head later, getting multiple procedures throughout your life is likely. There are various factors that will determine how many procedures you need and how often.

Hair Loss Prevention/Medication

Surgical hair restoration does not prevent further hair loss. It doesn’t stop your hair loss. Hair transplantation relocates existing hair to an area void of hair. It does not multiply hair, which is another big misconception. So what can you do to keep your hair? Two medications Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). Both of these medications have been around for over twenty years, and to date, they are the only two medications approved by the FDA to treat hair loss.

Finasteride is an anti-androgen. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for triggering genetic hair loss. Unfortunately, finasteride has some undesirable side effects. Sexual dysfunction, low libido, cognitive issues such as brain fog and testicular pain are the most common reported side effects. However, only a small percentage of men suffer from side effects. If you have a lot of hair left, definitely consider taking finasteride, at least in topical form.

Minoxidil is the oldest treatment. It works by prolonging the hair follicle’s growth cycle and supplying the hair follicles with more oxygen and blood supply. It does not inhibit any hormones – minoxidil is a topical solution. The most common side effects are itchy/flaky scalp and minor irritation. It doesn’t work as well as finasteride, but together they work well.

Conclusion

If you plan on getting a hair transplant, make sure you’re stopping further hair loss. Otherwise, you will be chasing your hair loss with hair transplants, and eventually, you’ll run out of hair to transplant. If you don’t want to take medication and only want one hair transplant, it’s probably best to do nothing. Doing nothing is never a bad option. If you’re not willing to take the preventive measures or invest the time and money- do nothing. If you’re serious about restoring your hair loss and want to consult with elite hair transplant surgeons approved by a community of patients, click HERE.