Second Hair Transplant:
Things You Need to Know
One of the greatest advantages of hair transplant is that the results are permanent. However, before you go rushing to get a surgical hair restoration done, there is one fact about the procedure you need to know that may shock you. A hair transplant does not prevent future hair loss from happening to the natural hair area.
This is especially true for androgenic alopecia, also referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, which is known to be a persistent and progressive problem. If you are suffering from hair loss, you will know that the condition begins with thinning and can gradually develop to complete baldness. But this does not mean that it cannot be countered. That is why second hair transplant is common and may be needed among hair restoration patients years after getting their first procedure done.
The Hair Loss Progression
In the case of male pattern baldness, the progression of hair loss is measured using the Norwood Scale. This is classified into eight types, which can actually begin during puberty and quickly progress by the time you hit your 20’s. It typically begins with hair loss around the temple and crown area. Eventually, these two balding areas meet, resulting in little to no hair on the front and top of the head.
Norwood Scale
Photo Credit: www.profollica.com
Type 1. This is the stage where no visible hair loss is evident.
Type 2. There is minimal hair loss noticed on the temple.
Type 3. The hair begins to recede, creating the “M-shape” pattern.
Type 3 Vertex. The pattern evident in Type 3, but the crown area begins to thin.
Type 4. The frontal and temporal areas recede dramatically and the vertex demonstrates a bigger pattern.
Type 5. There is much less hair density on the balding areas, but there is a strip of hair that divides the areas.
Type 6. The strip of hair is already gone and only fine hair is visible.
Type 7. This is the most severe form of hair loss and the hair recedes all the way to the back of the head and the sides.
On the other hand, the` progression of female pattern baldness is classified using the Ludwig Scale. The nine types define the development of hair loss in women, which is usually characterized into diffused thinning and rarely progresses to complete baldness. It usually begins with thinning of the hair along the center of the scalp, which gradually widens until there is extensive hair loss on top of the head.
This can be seen based on the first seven types under the Ludwig Scale (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, II-1, II-2 and III). In very rare cases, this can get worse to Advanced type of hair loss or Frontal Recession, which is characterized with thinning of the hairline to the back of the head.
Ludwig Scale
Photo Credit: www.mediprima.com
Why Do I Need a Second Hair Transplant?
It usually takes several years before the full extent of the hair loss progression can be established and evidently seen. That is why it also takes several years after your first hair transplant procedure before a second one may be necessary. In essence, a second hair transplant is necessary to realize a full restoration of your hair loss condition.
One of the more prominent male celebrities who underwent a second hair transplant is UK footballer Wayne Rooney. In 2011, Rooney had an extensive hair transplant procedure performed at the young age of 26. Instead of keeping it under wraps, he valiantly shared his procedure in Twitter. However two years after, he had a second operation performed to remedy the two noticeable bald patches, which have progressed on his crown and the back of his head.
In certain cases, a second or even third hair transplant may be needed to provide more density to the hair. Since the final results can take several months to a year to be seen, as well as the recovery and healing of each patient is different, your personalized treatment may involve another procedure after six months to achieve the desired natural-looking results. In this case, it is important to wait for the transplanted hair from the first procedure to grow in before considering a second hair transplant. Some also seek a second procedure to further refine the hairline.
When seeking for a second hair transplant, there two important factors that need to be considered. The first is the availability of sufficient hair grafts in the donor site. Secondly, the laxity of the skin should also be taken into consideration. This factor can affect the technique in which the second procedure will be performed.
If there is enough skin laxity in the head, the Strip Harvesting or FUT technique may be possible. Usually, the incision is made over the existing scar to create a single donor site scar, rather than having a new strip. However, if there is limited skin laxity in the head, performing the procedure using the FUE method may be in order, where hair grafts will be meticulously extracted individually from the donor site before transplanting to the balding area.
Others Who Did “The Rooney”
Yet another celebrity who was proud of his second operation is The Hobbit actor James Nesbitt. Nesbitt said that he decided upon getting a second hair transplant done, as he feared that his hair loss is affecting his acting career. In a video testimonial of the Irish clinic where Nesbitt had his procedure done, he said that, “Several years ago, I began losing my hair and like a lot of men it was a major concern to me, in fact it was practically an obsession. But, also I’m an actor so I’m in the public eye a lot and I really felt that my hair loss could affect my career prospects.” “Since then I have had two hair transplants and I am very pleased with the results. In fact, I’d go as far as to say they’ve changed my life.”
Just recently, reality star and actor Calum Best revealed that he has had his third hair transplant done, who has been losing his hair since his 20s. The procedure sought to keep his hair, which has continually fallen out particularly his still receding temples. In fact, the 34-year old American-British personality is not ruling out a fourth procedure saying that, “I would have a fourth procedure. But let’s hope it is not necessary.”
You must realize that a second hair transplant does not necessarily mean a botched hair restoration result. Rarely will a second hair transplant be done to correct a previous procedure that went wrong, especially when performed under the hands of an experienced and highly skilled hair transplant surgeon.
True, a hair transplant is permanent. But, be ready also to realize that a second procedure will indeed be necessary to really achieve the best of hair restoration results. A consultation with a board-certified doctor will usually discuss this possibility when developing your personalized treatment plan.
If you are in Australia and ready to address your hair loss situation head on, you can trust that Dr. Andrew Kim of the Australian Institute of Hair Restoration will thoroughly look into your hair loss progression.
To learn more about hair transplant surgery in Australia, call us now or fill-out our inquiry form to schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Kim today!
