A hair transplant is the permanent solution to baldness and hair thinning. This procedure involves taking hair follicles from the back and sides of the head, called the donor area, and crafting them into the bald area, called the recipient area.
Although hair transplant surgery is effective and the success rate is usually above 95%, patients do not need a second hair transplant. But there are some reasons in which the patient himself or the doctor advises for a second hair transplant.
A hair transplant is the only permanent solution to thin hairs and baldness. A second hair transplant is the subsequent hair transplant after a period of some time to achieve your desired results.
Turkey is considered a popular destination for first hair transplants and the subsequent ones because of its expert clinics and cost-effectiveness.
This blog post will clarify the conditions in which a second hair transplant is needed and necessary steps to be taken to achieve your desired results without compromising the donor area.
Am I Eligible for a Second Hair Transplant?
You may wonder whether you are eligible for a second hair transplant or not after having the first one. The eligibility for a second or even subsequent hair transplant depends upon certain factors like
- Hair density in the donor area
- Graft availability
- Overall health of person
If the donor area has sufficient grafts available to be taken and crafted into other bald areas, then you are eligible for it.
Why Do People Get a Second Hair Transplant?
Most people get their first hair transplant to have the desired outcomes. But there are certain conditions in which a second hair transplant is needed and necessary. Some of the major reasons due to which people get second hair transplants are:
Failure of first hair transplant
A hair transplant procedure is a one-time procedure having a maximum success rate. But still there are chances of failure. The failure of the first hair transplant is linked to many underlying factors. Limited number of grafts in donor area, quality of grafts, expertise and skills of surgeon and team, and post-op care. If there is a failure of the first hair transplant, the second one is needed.
Hair loss after the first hair transplant
Hair loss is the main reason why people get hair transplants in the first place. It is called androgenic alopecia. When you get your first hair transplant in the period where the hair loss has just started and not yet stabilized, you will need a second hair transplant.
Although the first hair transplant will cover the bald area where hair loss has already occurred, it cannot stop the progression of hair loss.
Accident and trauma to head or hairline
Another condition in which people needed a second hair transplant or multiple hair transplant surgeries is when there was trauma to the head or hairline. If something causes scars in the head that need to be covered, that is when the second hair transplant becomes necessary.
Hair transplant of large surface area
If the bald area to be covered is large and the grafts available are limited, then your surgeon may schedule the hair transplant in two or more sessions. In such cases surgery is planned in advance to be carried out in two phases with the time in between for healing and effective results.
Second hair transplant for density
Some people want to have a second hair transplant to have denser hair.
How Long Should You Wait Before Getting a Second Hair Transplant?
If you had your first hair transplant and wanted to have a second one or it’s needed due to any of the above conditions. You may wonder how long you should wait before getting a second hair transplant. The minimum time required between the first and second hair transplants should be at least 10-12 months.
This time frame allows the donor and recipient areas to heal properly and the results to evidently become visible.
How Many Grafts Do I Need for a Second Hair Transplant?
How many or how few grafts you will need for a second hair transplant greatly depends upon the intention for the second hair transplant.
If the intention is to cover the bald area due to shock loss or any scar, then it will need the grafts required to fully cover that area.
If the intention is to have a denser look, then it will need fewer grafts. It also depends upon the number of grafts available in the donor area and the health of those grafts.
Usually the estimated second session graft counts range from 1000 to 2000.
How Many Hair Transplants Can You Get?
Technically, there is no limit to the number of hair transplants, and one can have as many hair transplants as possible. It depends upon
- Donor health
- The number of health grafts available
- Technique used (FUE vs. FUT)
- Body hair option
But doctors strongly discourage transplants after the third session, as the donor area is a limited portion of hairs available on the back and sides of the skull. There are fewer grafts available after a third session until planned in advance.
Can I Have a Third Hair Transplant?
Yes, you can have a third hair transplant if the donor area and graft availability allow you to and there are no technical contraindications to it. However, most medical professionals strongly discouraged multiple hair transplants, as the donor area may be jeopardised.
Second Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey
A second hair transplant in Turkey is popular because of its cost-effectiveness and experienced clinics. The cost usually has to do with the number of grafts needed for transplant and the experience level of the surgeon and the team. The cost for a second hair transplant is lower as compared to the cost of the initial hair transplant, as fewer grafts are needed, and in Turkey it usually starts from $1.000.
Have Final Transplant with Emoria!
A second hair transplant is not necessary for everyone but may be needed by some. Therefore, the selection of a surgeon or hair transplant clinic is important. The whole purpose is to get the desired results without compromising your donor area.
Reach out to Emoria Hair Clinic in Turkey for personalized advice. Our clinic offers cost-effective second hair transplant services with a team of experts!
References
Ramsay, J. D., & McCollough, P. J. (2007). “Hair restoration surgery: a review of techniques and outcomes.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 1(1)
G. M. Shapiro, et al. (2015). “The role of hair transplant surgery in patients with androgenic alopecia and the benefit of multiple procedures.” Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, 41(3)
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after the first procedure. This period allows for complete healing and assessment of the initial transplant’s results.
While there is no strict limit, the feasibility of multiple transplants depends on the availability of donor hair and the health of the donor area. Overharvesting can lead to thinning or scarring in the donor region.
Yes, the results are generally permanent. However, ongoing hair loss can affect both transplanted and non-transplanted areas over time.
Yes, shock loss is common after any hair transplant. It typically resolves within a few months as the scalp heals.
If not performed carefully, a second transplant can affect the appearance of the initial transplant. Surgeons must avoid overharvesting from the donor area and ensure the new grafts blend seamlessly with existing hair.