Hair Transplant Success Rate: Understanding What Really Matters?

What Is a Hair Transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to deal with hair loss. It is also called hair restoration, hair transplant surgery, or hairline transplant. While it gained popularity across the globe, hair transplants offer solutions to bald crowns, thinning hair, or a receding hairline. Qualified, highly skilled, and certified hair transplant specialists carry out hair transplant surgeries. They harvest healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp (specifically those with adequate hair density) and transplant them into the thinning scalp areas. So you don’t require a donor for hair transplants, and you can be your own donor. Hair transplant surgeons follow special methods using sophisticated tools to carry out the procedure. FUE, FUT, and DHI are the common hair transplant procedures with optimal success rates.  

When Do You Need a Hair Transplant?

The most common conditions requiring hair transplants are male androgenic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. While hair transplants are the ultimate solution for hair loss, doctors examine the hair loss pattern to decide on candidacy. They classify hair fall intensity in men and women using the Norwood-Hamilton and Ludwig scales, respectively. To be a suitable candidate for hair transplant surgery, you should meet the following criteria.^[1]

• Have a healthy scalp with at least 50% of hair left on the scalp.
• Show a pattern of hair loss with progressive balding (male or female).
• Do not show unusual patterns of hair fall.
• Are a healthy candidate free from autoimmune conditions.
• Not under chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Are aged above 25 years and have realistic expectations.

While determining candidacy is a critical first step for hair transplants, many patients ask about the effectiveness of treatment. We will detail this in the upcoming section.

How Effective Are Hair Transplants?

Hair transplants are an effective solution for pattern baldness. However, when it comes to results, the percentage of hair transplant success is indeed specific to personal goals. For some candidates, the goal of opting for a hair transplant can be to reclaim their receding hairline. For others, it can be adding density to a thinning crown. In this case, the hair transplant crown area success rate relates to achieving the desired density. Whatever the goal may be, the success rate after a hair transplant relies on patient satisfaction and overall outcome.    

Thanks to technological advancements, hair transplants, when carried out using the latest techniques, offer long-lasting results with optimal graft survival rates.^[2] The concept of graft survival can be too technical to understand. However, it's essential to have a detailed discussion with the hair transplant doctor about what you can really expect and the possibilities of achieving them. This will help you set realistic expectations.  

Talk to our experts by simply signing up with Envoy Health. Schedule a free consultation and open doors for a full wave of confidence. Take the first step to self-assurance with a trusted partner by your side.    

Hair Transplant Success Rate

The success of a hair transplant primarily relates to patient satisfaction. When the procedure is carried out correctly, around 76- 95% of transplants show successful results in terms of graft survival rate and density success rate per cm².^[3] Note that several factors influence hair transplant success. Knowing the factors deciding the success of your procedure is important. Now, let’s dive deeper into this.  

Factors Influencing Hair Transplant Success Rate

A successful hair transplant lasts a lifetime.  Various factors influence the success rate of hair restoration.

Clinic Hygiene and Cutting-Edge Technology

A hair transplant is a minimally invasive surgical method. Hair grafts are tiny scalp tissues holding 1-4 hair follicles. Doctors harvest them using specialized devices and implant them into the recipient sites. This should be carried out meticulously, as desiccation due to temperature or rough handling results in non-viable grafts. For instance, the crown hair transplant success rate is directly influenced by the harvesting methods. Further, the grafts implanted with reduced transit times have a high success rate. They are otherwise stored temporarily in the graft-holding solution (normal saline in most cases). Moreover, a rough extraction causes mechanical trauma, damaging the inner hair bulb or hair root. Using advanced tools like micro punches, scalpels, and implanter pens in the right way assures proper extraction and implantation. 

Moreover, donor site or recipient site infection is one of the major contributing factors to the hair transplant failure rate. The procedure should be carried out aseptically, and the grafts should be handled under sterile conditions. Deviating from safe protocols can cause severe infection, lowering the chances of hair transplant success rate.   

Hair Transplant Surgeon Skillset and Expertise

The success of a hair transplant largely depends on the doctor's expertise. Note that hair transplant is more of a skill. The naturality and effectiveness of the results rely on the doctor's skill set and the technology they use. A hair transplant is carried out by harvesting the healthy, viable grafts from the donor areas and transplanting them into the recipient areas. This should be carried out meticulously in order to protect the viability of the implants. Besides harvesting, the accurate implantation of graft ensures the naturality of the results. For instance, the hair transplants success rate male seeking natural hairlines relies on the right orientation of grafts. The implanted hair grafts, when aligned in the natural direction of the recipient's hair, yield natural-looking results. It's worth mentioning that this purely depends on the surgeon’s skill set. 

Furthermore, qualified hair transplant specialists perform a careful examination before proceeding with the procedure. Determining candidacy is an equally crucial step as the procedure is. Hair transplantation, when performed for candidates with keloids, infectious scalp, and autoimmune diseases like lupus and pemphigus, cannot yield successful results. Improper diagnosis can be a leading cause of hair transplant failure rate. Hair transplant experts perform detailed examinations, including hair pull tests, scalp assessments, and dermoscopy. They also consider the familial history of pattern baldness and overall medical history.^[4] A decision made thoroughly by considering several factors yields successful outcomes.  

Type of Procedure

Hair transplant methods follow a similar pattern of extraction and transplantation of hair grafts. However, they vary with the equipment used. For instance, the most advanced sapphire FUE uses sapphire microblades, ensuring precise results. The success rate of FUE hair transplant is typically high, which makes the method the most chosen one. On the other hand, DHI hair transplant uses a specialized Choi implanter pen that reduces the transection time, thereby enhancing graft survival rates and treatment success rates. Meanwhile, choosing the conventional FUT method leaves a long scar on the donor region. While the scar comprises aesthetic expectations, in some cases, the long cut delays healing and can cause infection. 

Donor Hair Quality and Quantity

Typically, healthy hair from the back of the scalp serves as the donor hair. The quality and quantity of the donor's hair indeed influence the success of hair transplants.^[5] Healthy and strong donor hair follicles can lead to better coverage and added density to the recipient areas. Further, the sufficiency of the donor hair follicles also decides the overall results. Too thin donor hair in advanced balding stages can yield poor results. This is the main reason for hair transplant doctors to determine the eligibility before performing the procedure.     

Aftercare

Along with the choice of doctor, procedure, and clinic, following proper aftercare is important for the success of a hair transplant procedure. Even though the hair grafts are extracted from the same donor, the new hair grafts should adjust to the transplanted scalp areas. The transplanted areas should heal properly and start growing like normal hair. Harsh conditions can result in death and falling of the transplanted grafts. To avoid this, follow the proper post-op guidelines mentioned by your doctor for assured success.      

Supportive Procedures  

Adopting supportive treatment methods enhances the success rate of hair transplants. One popular choice is the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. Doctors use a combination of the patient's platelets and growth factors with cytokines.^[6] Getting PRP after a hair transplant stimulates hair growth by promoting scalp recovery and lowering the hair transplant death rate. ^[7] Doctors also suggest the use of hair loss medications like finasteride after hair transplant surgery. Finasteride is a popular hair loss medication used for dealing with hair loss. It blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the major cause of male pattern baldness. Although it's not mandatory, using finasteride before and after getting a hair transplant improves hair density.^[8]

Is It Important To Consider the Hair Transplant Success Rate?

Yes, indeed, it’s crucial to consider the hair transplant success rate to make the right decision. While the choice of surgical or medical hair loss treatment is entirely dependent on the case, patients need to know the success rate of hair transplants. We listed some important points below.

Estimate of Surgeon’s Expertise

The hair transplant success rate is indeed a measure of the surgeon's expertise and skillset. Knowing how often does hair transplants failed for a hair transplant surgeon will make you understand the surgeon's expertise. While it's practically impossible to expect a 100% success rate of hair transplant surgeons, choosing those with low complication rates can assure peace of mind.  Hair transplant before and after are indeed a testimonial of the surgeon's competence. 

Addresses the Individual Considerations

The hair transplant success rate varies with hair transplant type and patient condition.  For instance, the hair transplant success rate female differs from the hair transplants success rate male. It’s because, for women, the success of hair transplant is more complex with diffused patterns and relates to length and volume. However, for men, it's defined as specific popular patterns and relates largely to density. Furthermore, knowing the success rate also emphasizes the right hair transplant type. For instance, the DHI and FUE hair transplant success rates are relatively higher than the conventional FUT. Choosing the more advanced and suitable method ensures success.  

Make a Wise Financial Decision

Consider the hair transplant success rate to make a wise financial decision. Relate the hair transplant cost and success rate. While higher costs don’t guarantee exceptional quality, it's important to compare costs and quality among a few providers. It's because hair transplant results are permanent, and the choice is, of course, a long-term investment. Speaking financially, its crucial to consider investment per returns. Rather than solely focussing on the overall treatment cost, you may consider the per graft cost of hair implants. For instance, Turkey’s per-graft cost is between $2-$3, which is far lower than the Stateside cost of $6-$10.  Note that the quality of results is more or less similar. 

On the other hand, the hair transplant success rate UK, is genuinely high. Thanks to the higher standards adopted by the healthcare providers! However, providers located in urban areas add up premium charges, escalating the prices. Conversely, the fairly high Turkey hair transplant success rate, along with affordable Turkey hair transplant cost, makes the choice a globally popular one. While cost concerns matter, it's important to focus on the safety of the procedure. Hair transplants in countries like India, Sri Lanka or Thailand have gained popularity due to emerging medical tourism opportunities. However, you need to be careful with the decision as some providers lack being competent. For instance, you can expect a higher hair transplant success rate in India only by choosing reputed clinics or renowned surgeons. Choosing a random provider can result in complications like scarring, bleeding, or infection. 

Now that you know the importance of making the right choice by considering the overall factors. We also recommend that you know what a failed hair transplant looks like.  

Signs of a Failed Hair Transplant

A failed hair transplant can be a compromise of aesthetic results or a bundle of side effects worsening over time. Here are a few signs of what a failed hair transplant looks like.

Unnatural Hairline

While hair transplant is a customized treatment, each patient requires a different hairline that fits them best. A too-high or too-low hairline does not fit everyone and deviates from the overall facial appearance. Highly skilled aesthetic hair transplant specialists utilize advanced software to design a true hairline that naturally fits the patient. 

Uneven Density of Donor and Recipient Areas

Uneven harvesting of the hair follicles leads to a patchy scalp. Some hair transplant specialists use large punches for graft extraction resulting in uneven donor spots. Furthermore, donor hair density varies with the candidate. Excessive extraction on thinner scalp areas also reduces the quality of results. Hair transplant specialists should make the right estimate of the required hair grafts based on the bald area on the crown. Picking healthy hair strands while maintaining the desired, uniform density along the donor region ensures better aesthetic outcomes.     

Unnaturally Oriented Hair Strands

Hair stands on each part of the scalp follow a specific orientation. Hair transplant specialists should open the channels in the right direction to fix the grafts. This ensures natural-looking results. Typically, hair transplants 6 months post-op manifest the effect of alignment in the right angle. During this period, you will start noticing visible results, and the disoriented hair follicles will deviate from the overall look. 

Hair Transplant Side Effects 

Hair transplant surgery, when done correctly, offers lifetime results that are no less than the natural look. However, when done inappropriately, in compromised conditions, or by unprofessional doctors results in worse outcomes.  Here are the possible side effects of the hair transplant surgery.^[9] 

• Uncontrolled bleeding associated with pain
• Scalp itching  
• Surgical site infection 
• Severe red and raised scars on the donor and recipient areas
• Loss of sensation due to nerve damage or tissue death 

Hair transplant side effects can be serious when done incorrectly. Avoid this with a mindful decision. By approaching the best hair transplant provider, you can expect the best possible outcomes. 

Tips To Maximize the Hair Transplant Success Rate

Adhere to the below-mentioned tips to ensure a successful hair transplant.

• Get treated by qualified, board-certified hair transplant specialists with adequate expertise and skillsets. Check the patient testimonials and treatment before and after photographs before making a choice.
• Verify the clinic website and social media pages to ensure you get treated at a legitimate place. Make sure they use advanced technology and maintain hygiene throughout the procedure.
• Compare the prices among a few providers. Note that hair transplant cost does not relate to quality. However, considering the per graft price charged by the provider. This helps ensure you're not overpaying and also helps avoid choosing a clinic solely based on the lowest overall price, which might indicate lower quality or less experienced surgeons.
• Follow the doctor's pre-hair transplant instructions. This will prepare your body and mind. Ensure that you follow the required aftercare measures and care for your new implants.   

Don’t let hair loss hold you back any longer. Sign up with Envoy Health and schedule a consultation with world-class hair transplant specialists. Learn more about the advanced techniques and witness the renewed confidence that comes with a full head. 

References 

1. Is Every Patient of Hair Loss a Candidate for Hair Transplant?—Deciding Surgical Candidacy in Pattern Hair Loss
2. Review of Factors Affecting the Growth and Survival of Follicular Grafts
3. Hair Transplantation in Burn Scar Alopecia After Combined Non-Ablative Fractional Laser and Microfat Graft Treatment
4. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead
5. A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis on the Long-Term Survival of Hair Transplants
6. Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review
7. Outcome of Intra-operative Injected Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomised Study in Forty Patients
8. Effects Of Finasteride (1 Mg) On Hair Transplant
9. Complications of Hair Transplant Procedures—Causes and Management
10. Review of Factors Affecting the Growth and Survival of Follicular Grafts