At what age should I get a hair transplant?
Hair loss can be an exasperating and self-esteem shattering ordeal. Many patients think about undergoing hair transplant surgery in order to regain the hairline of their younger years. Nonetheless, the question of when the appropriate time to undergo a hair transplant is has many patients confused and unsure. Ascertaining the ideal age for a hair transplant is not always a straightforward task, as it can differ according to a patient’s individual circumstances.
When figuring out the opportune time to undergo a hair transplant, there are many factors that must be taken into account. In cases where the hair loss is still in its early stages, the patient may want to hold off on surgery. This is simply due to the fact that the hair loss will most likely continue to advance, and undergoing a hairline rejuvenation too soon can leave one with an unnatural-looking hairline. On the other hand, if the hair loss is already at an advanced stage, it may not be a good idea to delay the surgery as it can make the transplantation process more difficult. For this reason, it is usually recommended that patients first consult with a specialist and receive an evaluation of their condition before committing to any plan.
At what age can you get a hair transplant?
In most cases, it is advised that patients wait until they are at least 30 years of age. That said, exceptions to this rule can be made in individual cases. The most important factor in determining whether it is the right time to undergo hair transplant surgery is whether or not the patient’s hair loss has stabilized. Hair transplant procedures are able to put back hair in areas that have seen extensive thinning, and the newly transplanted hairs are often permanent. If the patient continues to lose large amounts of hair after undergoing their procedure, they will be left with areas of transplanted hair and large bald areas, giving their scalp an unnatural look.
Generally speaking, hair loss tends to slow down and become more predictable around the age of 30, meaning that a hair transplant surgeon can properly assess the state of their scalp and implant follicle grafts according to their current hair loss pattern and the projected future pattern.
A lifelong commitment
Beyond the logistical considerations, it is also important to keep in mind that surgery is a major life event and should be taken seriously. As such, it is a good idea for patients to exhaust all other hair loss treatments before resorting to hair transplant surgery. It is also worth noting that many hair transplant surgeons recommend that their patients go on finasteride, a drug that blocks DHT from minimizing the hair follicles, and minoxidil, a drug known as a “vasodilator” (it dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, improving blood flow).
As such, the perfect age for a hair transplant surgery will depend on where the patient is in their hair loss journey. While the age of 30 is usually recommended as the minimum age to undergo a hair transplant procedure, some younger patients may have already done years of finasteride and minoxidil to no avail. If their hair loss has progressed far enough that the pattern is predictable, they will be considered candidates for the treatment.
What is the takeaway?
Hair transplant procedures are a serious endeavor that require a lot of planning. While younger patients may want to get work done as soon as possible, it is often advised that they wait until they are at least 30 so that their hair loss pattern can be better understood. That said, younger patients may be able to undergo the treatment if they are further along in their hair loss process.