The question of how old a hair loss sufferer must be before undergoing hair transplantation is a popular subject on our Hair Restoration Discussion Forums. In most instances, experienced experts recommend that younger patients begin a proven regiment of preventive therapies (such as minoxidil/Rogaine and finasteride/Propecia) for some time before undergoing hair transplant surgery. This type of treatment helps stabilize progressive loss and potentially restores some level of natural hair.
There is no reason to exclude any patient from hair transplantation based solely on age. This is a very simplistic view that confuses people and is more of an internet myth than solid medical criteria. Yes, there have definitely been hairlines that were placed too low on young people, but this does not mean that hairlines of appropriate height cannot be performed on the young.
The youngest patient I’ve transplanted was only 15 years old and it worked out great. As far as the average patient goes, it wouldn’t matter if he were 22 or 32 as long as the hairline was placed appropriately. This is especially true if the patient possesses enough donor hair to fill in any spots of progressive hair loss behind the transplanted hairline.
Whether or not age is a crucial factor in undergoing hair transplantation will probably be debated for quite some time. However, what is not debatable is the fact that patients should undergo a thorough evaluation with a talented hair transplant surgeon, review all treatment options, and consider age and progressive balding before committing to hair transplantation.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair transplantation, Hair Restoration, minoxidil, Rogaine, finasteride, Propecia, hair transplant surgery, hair transplant surgeon, hair transplant procedure, hairline, balding
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