Updated 08/11/23
Are you considering a hair transplant procedure? If so, you’re not alone. About 50% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by the time they’re about 50 years old. However, it’s not uncommon for hair loss to occur at an earlier age, even when some men are in their 20s or 30s.
A hair transplant procedure is a major step, and it’s best for anyone considering a hair transplant to take the time to research the procedure(s) and to choose the right doctor.
It’s best to choose a clinic based on the doctor and their experience. During your first consultation with a hair transplant doctor, there are some questions you can ask to ensure they’re the right physician for you.
If you’re not sure what questions to ask your surgeon, that’s OK. We’ve put together a list of questions to ask that can help you find the right doctor for your hair loss procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before a Hair Transplant Procedure
1. Am I Too Young for a Hair Transplant?
Each person’s hair loss must be carefully and thoroughly evaluated on an individual basis. When it comes to a hair loss procedure, there are some age-related issues that must be considered to ensure the patient is a good candidate for a hair transplant.
The main consideration is the degree of current hair loss and the future implication of the patient’s hair loss patterns. A hair loss surgeon needs to do everything possible to preserve the patient’s existing hair and prevent additional hair loss.
In addition, a surgeon should monitor their patient’s hair loss over time and then decide the best time for a hair transplant procedure to permanently restore lost hair.
A reputable hair transplant doctor will wait until their patient is at least 25 years of age before doing a procedure (in most cases). The reason is that the hormones responsible for adult hair growth stabilise by the age of 25.
What’s more, early surgery can result in hair growth patterns that don’t look natural. So, waiting until you’re at least 25 years old can yield improved results after a hair transplant procedure.
2. How Many Hairs Will I Need?
The answer to this question depends on the size of the surface you’d like to cover and the density you’d like to achieve.
The right hair transplant surgeon will be able to examine your hair loss and let you know how many hairs will be needed to get the result you want.
3. How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
Every FUE hair transplant procedure is designed to suit your specific needs. Each patient should be treated on a case-by-case basis. So, you can only get an accurate quote on the cost of the procedure by going to a consultation and scalp assessment in a clinic.
Each patient’s needs are different, and a reputable surgeon will work with the hair or graft to ensure the strongest and healthiest hair follicles are used. This is the best way to achieve the hair you want.
4. Should I Use Hair Loss Medication in Addition to my Hair Transplant?
Younger patients may be advised to use Finasteride or Minoxidil to keep their current hair for as long as possible. These treatments can slow the rate of hair loss.
An expert surgeon will offer advice on whether or not you need hair loss medication and if so, they will choose the right treatment for you. They’ll also let you know when to start using the treatment in advance of the hair transplant procedure.
5. Will I Need Future Transplants?
When your hair loss has not yet stabilised, it’s possible that you may experience additional hair loss transplant procedures in the future. This is one of the reasons it’s essential to consult with the surgeon in regard to your current amount of hair loss.
Additional hair transplant procedures are more common in younger patients. This is because a younger person’s hair loss may progress as they age. However, this is not always the reason why additional hair loss treatments are needed.
Some patients may want to increase the density of their hair. It’s possible that the density cannot be achieved with only one procedure, so an additional procedure may be necessary.
6. Do I Have Enough Donor Hair?
An excellent hair transplant surgeon will examine your donor area to determine how many hairs can be transplanted. The size of the hairless surface and the density you want determine if there’s enough donor hair or not.
A highly qualified hair loss doctor will work to preserve your donor area as much as possible to ensure the area can be used again if you need another hair transplant in the future.
In addition, the doctor will also work to ensure that there’s minimal scarring in the area. That way, you can wear your hair in shorter styles once your hair transplant procedure is completed.
7. Has my Hair Loss Stabilised?
A hair transplant surgeon has the required equipment to measure the degree of hair loss on various areas of your scalp. They usually use a special magnifying tool to check the percentage of hairs in the Telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair cycle.
They will also ask you to monitor any further hair loss or thinning in that area. While a hair transplant does not stop hair loss, performing the procedure when your hair loss is stable can make sure you achieve long-lasting results.
8. Will the Results Look Completely Natural?
It’s essential to choose a hair loss surgeon who has plenty of experience performing hair loss procedures, such as FUE and FUT. A surgeon that has done many procedures will have the experience to ensure that your results look the most natural.
The grafting techniques used with the FUE and FUT methods treat each hair follicle independently. That means the placement of the implanted hair can be managed, ensuring you have natural-looking, thick hair.
FAQs
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Procedure Take?
A hair transplant procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the extent of the treatment. It’s crucial to discuss the estimated duration with your surgeon to plan accordingly.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Your surgeon will use local anaesthesia to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
What Is the Recovery Time?
The recovery period varies from person to person. Generally, you can return to work and your daily activities within a few days to a week.
Will My Transplanted Hair Look Natural?
Yes, with modern techniques, transplanted hair looks and feels natural. Your surgeon will carefully design the hairline and place the grafts to achieve a natural appearance.
How Long Will It Take to See the Final Results?
It may take several months to see the full results of your hair transplant, as your transplanted hair will gradually grow in and thicken over time.
What Is the Cost of a Hair Transplant?
The cost of a hair transplant can vary widely depending on the clinic, surgeon, and the extent of the procedure. Discuss the cost with your surgeon during your consultation.
Summing It Up
The key to a successful hair loss procedure is finding a surgeon who has the experience necessary to ensure you have a natural-looking head of hair post-procedure.
The doctors’ answers to these questions can help you find the right surgeon, so you can achieve the hair of your dreams.
