The timeline for when a person will notice newly transplanted hair growing will vary from person to person as genetics, quality of donor’s hair, and other factors will impact the frequency. For a guideline that most people will accept as a general timeline, see below.
• Day of surgery to day 5: These days are important and the doctor will provide information on how to care for the newly transplanted hair. Make sure to follow the instructions provided as failure to do so may negate the wanted results.
• Days 6 to 10: Swelling should be subsided and the redness should be very minimal, if even present. Patients may notice “crust” over the skin where it has dried but this is not causing worry. People should continue to follow their doctor’s orders on how to remove crusts to prevent the risk of infections. By the end of the second week, the scalp should not have any more crust forming.
• Weeks 2 to 3: Don’t worry if the newly transplanted hairs disappear at this point. This is completely normal and no need for an alarm that the procedure has failed. The process is still “working below the surface”.
• End of the fourth month: At this point, you should start to notice some of the newly transplanted hairs appear. Be aware that they will be thin but it’s normal as they’re still new and going through the growth process. They will get thicker in time.
• End of month 9: You should see a considerable amount of donor hair arise from the scalp at this point. The length of them should be about two to three inches. It still may appear thin but will thicken in the near future.
• End of the first year: Approximately 75% of the donor’s hairs will now have come about and have a little curvature to them. Most of the hairs will have achieved desired thickness and the patient will notice a significant amount more hair coverage.
• End of the second year: This will be the final result of the procedure. It’s hypothesized that most men realize the full result of the procedure by the first year but doctors agree patients will recognize their full potential by the end of the second year.
If you trust everything you read online, you will be confused! But if your ultimate goal is to find a surgeon who can get you actual results, come for a free consultation. We care, and we do everything the way we do anything, with precision and with the utmost care.
