Individuals may encounter hair loss issues at different ages and often wonder about solutions such as the hair transplant session intervals. Hair loss can begin in men in their twenties and progress until a certain point, forming patterns according to the Norwood scale. These patterns are crucial when planning a hair transplant.
In cases of early-onset hair loss and advanced stages, a single hair transplant session may not be sufficient to achieve the desired density. Therefore, planning for a second or even a third hair transplant session may be necessary in the medium and long term.
Hair transplant session planning for men aged 20-30:
In cases where hair loss starts from the temple areas, the goal should be to strengthen the hairline, increase density in the central region, and fill in the temples. If there is thinning in the crown area simultaneously, treatments for that region should be planned, considering the option of a second hair transplant session for the crown in the long term.
For more widespread hair loss in this age group, the size of the bald area and the size of the donor area should be proportioned. The goal should include hairlining on the forehead and the area around the middle of the skull. Considering that hair loss is still dynamic in the 20s and 30s, a donor area should be reserved for a second session.
Hair transplant session planning for men aged 30-40:
Hair loss may become apparent at an earlier age in this group. Depending on the type of hair loss, applications can be made to both the temple areas and the crown, where the hair loss is more defined. When the situation involves thinning and slow growth rather than baldness in these areas, and considering that hair loss is still dynamic, hair transplant planning should be based on these factors.
Hair transplant planning for men aged 40 and above:
In men aged 40 and above, hair loss is expected to be static when other accompanying illnesses are absent. Planning should be based on the pattern of hair loss, and if baldness is extensive and significant, the option of closing the area in two sessions should be considered.
Why 2 sessions of hair transplant?
Patients seeking hair transplants often express a desire to cover the entire bald area in a single session for financial reasons and the desire to go through the hair transplant process only once. However, in most cases, achieving a good density with a single hair transplant session is unrealistic, especially in cases of significant baldness. Individuals who encounter stories in the community or social environments may sometimes believe that physicians or health professionals deliberately follow such a path for financial gain. However, this scenario is entirely incorrect.
When attempting to extract a high number of hair follicles from the donor area in a single session, localized baldness and thinning may occur due to excessive hair follicle removal. The appearance, commonly referred to as the “moth-eaten” look, is generally a result of taking too many hair follicles from the back of the head and is irreversible.
Also, attempting to distribute the roots taken from the back of the head in the first session throughout the entire bald area to meet the patient’s expectations can result in a sparse appearance, damaging the patient’s trust in hair transplant and healthcare professionals. Therefore, when planning a hair transplant based on the type of hair loss, patients should be transparently informed about the possibility of 2nd or 3rd hair transplant sessions.
It is generally recommended to wait 12-15 months between hair transplant sessions for adequate time for the healing of subcutaneous scar tissue and the hair to reach the desired thickness.
If you have further questions on this topic, feel free to contact us.
