If you have opted to undergo a hair transplant procedure, you may be wondering when you will be able to see the results. Read on to learn more about the hair follicle transplant process, as well as when you expect to see new hair growth.
The Hair Follicle Transplant Process
Hair restoration is a complex procedure that involves moving hundreds to thousands of hair follicles each containing one to four hairs. Each hair follicle has its own hair cycle which is programmed into the cells and dictates to the hairs when to grow and when to go into a resting phase. When the hairs enter the resting phase, they stay in the resting phase for up to four months. After the resting phase, they enter the growing phase again and that is when the visible hair shaft is seen. The growing phase for scalp hair lasts up to six years.
When to Expect Results
In hair restoration surgery, when the hair is removed from the back of the scalp (donor area) and transplanted (moved) to its new location in another part of the scalp (recipient area), the hairs of that follicle are forced to enter the resting phase. This is termed “anagen effluvium.” At that time, the hair shaft will be released about two to three weeks after the procedure and the hairs enter the resting phase. They remain in the resting state for up to four months. At some point during the resting phase, the follicle “wakes up” and starts to grow. Most people will see some hair growth by three months, and the majority of the hair will grow by six months.
It is important to understand that all the transplanted hairs are not on the same schedule (hair cycle) so they start to grow at various times. It has been reported in the literature that it took 18 months to start growing, which is extremely rare. However, it is important to note that by 1.5 years, all hairs will be fully developed and growing – hence it takes 1.5 years to see the final results.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more regarding hair restoration and how it can benefit you, please contact Gabel Hair Restoration in Portland OR today. As a diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgeons, board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Gabel is highly skilled in hair restoration surgery to provide his patients with outstanding results.
