When is the best time for a second hair transplant?
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Kuddusi Onay
In some hair loss cases, a single session might not be sufficient to cover all the areas. A second session might be required to reach complete coverage. For those cases, if the patient’s conditions are suitable then a second session can be performed. But between the 1st session of a hair transplant operation and a second session, there has to be a period. This is usually 10-12 months.
For many hair loss patients, the wait is very difficult. Understandably, a hair loss patient wishes to have the perfect results they have been dreaming of as soon as possible. However, it is important to allow enough time to see the full results first.
Full results are reached usually in 10 to 12 months. This is 15 to 18 for the crown areas. With taking supplements and PRP treatments the progress can be accelerated. For more information on supplements, you may read our ‘biotin after hair transplant’ article.
Before the operation, the treatment plan is drafted by the doctor and patient together. The treatment plan is created according to donor capacity, recipient area, and patient’s age expectation.
In which situations multiple session planning is necessary?
In some cases, a second session can be the result of an unsuccessful hair transplant. So that is essentially a revision operation. There are times, however, when a second session might be scheduled alongside the first session. These cases include:
- Insufficient/poor donor area capacity
- Wide bald area
- Planning hair transplantation at a young age (because hair loss may continue in the future and a second session may be needed)
- Hair transplantation for hair that continues to fall out
- Diseases leading to hair loss that negatively affect the enrootment of transplanted hair.
- Patient having an higher expectation
- For revision purposes
How Long Should I Wait for a Second Hair Transplant?
The ideal time recommended for a ‘second hair transplant’ is 10-12 months.
There are two main reasons for this. First and foremost, we want to see the final result in order to prevent unnecessary processing. The second reason is allowing a sufficient recovery time. It should not be forgotten that hair transplantation is a surgical operation. ‘Second hair transplants’ should be performed once your wounds have healed enough and once your blood circulation in the scalp area recovers to a healthy level.
Find out how many sessions of hair transplantation will be needed for your desired result by filling out our online enquiry form.
Yes, a second hair transplant is generally safe as long as it is performed by an experienced surgeon. The safety depends on the condition of the donor area and the scalp’s overall health. A thorough consultation with your surgeon is essential to assess whether you’re a good candidate.
It is recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after the first hair transplant before considering a second one. This allows time for the transplanted hair to fully grow in and for the scalp to heal properly.
A second hair transplant can significantly improve density and coverage, especially in areas that may not have responded as well to the first procedure. However, results vary depending on the individual’s hair characteristics and scalp condition.
Yes, a second hair transplant can help correct issues from a poorly performed first procedure, such as uneven hairline, unnatural-looking grafts, or inadequate density. However, the success depends on the availability of a healthy donor area.
The availability of donor hair is a critical factor. Your surgeon will assess the donor area to determine if there is enough hair for a second procedure without over-harvesting, which could lead to thinning in the donor area.
The number of grafts that can be transplanted in a second session depends on the availability of donor hair and the extent of the area that needs coverage. On average, a second transplant can involve anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 grafts.
Pain levels are generally similar to the first procedure. Most patients report only mild discomfort, which can be managed with local anesthesia and pain medications.
The recovery process for a second hair transplant is typically similar to the first. You can expect swelling, redness, and some scabbing in the transplanted area, with full recovery usually taking 7 to 14 days.
The cost of a second hair transplant can be similar to the first, but it varies based on the number of grafts needed and the clinic’s pricing structure. Some clinics may offer package deals for multiple sessions.
If the donor hair is taken from the same area as the first transplant, the new grafts should match your existing hair in texture, color, and thickness, providing a uniform appearance.