While getting a hair transplant is a personal decision, and there are numerous ways to ensure that you are happy with the results, you should still know a lot before making your final decision.
Of the many things you may be looking to find out, there’s always that main question that really matters: When will I see results after a hair replacement procedure?
The answer to this question is complex and requires a bit of explanation. While some people will see quick results within four months after the procedure, it can take others as long as 2 years before they notice an improvement in their hairlines. So let’s talk you through this process and why it can take such a varied amount of time.
First Things First: Braving The Shed
Right after your transplant, your hair naturally will have gone into a little bit of shock from the procedure. That means that your hairs go into the resting phase in preparation for the upcoming hair growth phase. You can expect these hairs to remain here for anywhere from 4 to 6 months before noticing additional changes. You’ll know you’re getting into the hair growth phase when your hairs begin to shed. Noticing your hairs fall out might feel a little disconcerting, but it’s just another step in your recovery process. You can expect this process to last another 1 to 6 months before its completion.The Home Stretch: Your Hair’s Growth Phase
Once the hairs get back into the growth phase – and this will usually be around the 4 to 12-month mark after your procedure – you’ll notice little sprouts of hair coming up on the previous shed areas. However, these hairs may not look exactly normal at first. They may come in a little thin or curly or even grow and fall out entirely. But, again, this should be expected, and the hair will eventually begin to grow. Something else to note is that the first couple of hairs you’ll notice will likely look and feel dry or fuzzy. This process happens because your oil glands haven’t yet kicked in to make the hairs well lubricated and smooth. Once the glands get right to work, the hairs will become much softer and smoother to the touch. The big difference to note here is that the final quality of your hair will depend on the type of technology you use to get the procedure. You can expect about 20% of your hair to become smooth if you got a basic FUE. However, with a PUE or Pineal-Sebaceous Unit Extraction process, we take the extra effort to transfer the oil glands with each follicle. You can, therefore, rest assured that most of your hair is going to turn out smooth and very natural looking.Conclusion
So there you have it! You should expect to wait anywhere from 4 months to 2 years before seeing the final results of your hair transplant procedure.Schedule a Consult
Interested in hair replacement? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Northwestern Hair specialist. Choose between comprehensive in-person and convenient virtual consultations.