What Is the Best Age for Hair Transplant? Is there an ideal age for having a hair transplant? Many people who consider having a hair transplant ask this question. Especially the younger candidates. But we have to say that there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. So how can you determine whether having a hair transplant at your age is reasonable? Do you have to wait for a few years to see your hair loss worsen?
Everyone wants to look attractive and stay in their best shape. And, of course, it is very natural to want that. It makes us feel good about ourselves. But losing your hair all of a sudden will unavoidably be problematic. It can consciously or subconsciously damage one’s self-esteem and even lead to deep psychological issues. Obviously, we wouldn’t want that.
Hair Loss in Younger Men
Younger men can sometimes have deeper insecurities about how others see them. Any physical or intellectual flaw may affect how they interact with other people. It is safe to say that our physical and intellectual integrity plays a huge role in our social lives.
So, we have to acknowledge the possible negative consequences of experiencing hair loss as a young man. Being less attractive to ones we want to impress is never a desirable thing. Getting a hair transplant can come as a miracle that enables young men to gain their confidence back.
Hair Transplant Methods
You might encounter many different terms, such as FUT, FUE and DHI, when researching hair transplant solutions. This may be overwhelming at first, as there is a lot to learn before heading straight for a hair transplant.
Let’s start with the FUT method. In the FUT method, which stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, doctors harvest the patient’s hair in the form of a thin strip-shaped tissue which carries hair follicles within. The doctors then use the follicles in this tissue to cover the balding spots with hair. The number of the hair follicles that a strip of tissue contains depends on its length, width and the patient’s hair density. It is obviously a huge determinant for your results. But the negative side of the FUT method is that there is a high probability of permanent scarring on the back of the head and the result may not look as good as you desired.
The FUE method, which stands for Follicular Unit Extraction, utilises a more advanced harvesting technique. In the FUE method, doctors extract each hair follicle one by one from the donor area using a device called micro-punch. Doctors harvest the exact amount needed for coverage and then place them in suitable areas.
And finally, the DHI method, which stands for Direct Hair Implantation, takes things to a new level. At its core, this technique is fairly similar to the FUE method. The harvesting process is exactly the same in the DHI method. However, the implantation stage is drastically improved thanks to the device called Choi-Pen. This device enables doctors to implant your donor hair follicles as par the desired depth, angle and direction. This provides more natural-looking results and is a remarkable advantage over the FUE method.
Both of these methods are recognised to be the most efficient ways of tackling the baldness issue. The transplanted hair will adapt to its new environment and begin to grow as if it is your original hair.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Now that we have established a better understanding of hair transplant methods, we should focus on every young men’s nightmare, which is male pattern hair loss.
Male pattern hair loss is a genetic condition. Almost 70% of all men experience hair loss due to male pattern hair loss. This genetic condition causes testosterone to convert into dihydrotestosterone which is a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. This shrinkage eventually leads to hair loss. In some advanced cases, male pattern hair loss may leave only a thin band of hair around the sides and back which gives the generic “horseshoe” shape to the head.
Being Able to Predict the Course of Hair Loss Is Crucial
Returning back to our original question, what is the best age for hair transplant, it is safe to say that being able to predict the course which your hair loss will take plays a very important part for your suitability as a candidate.
To make diagnosing the extent of the hair loss easier, experts in this field have categorised the hair loss stages for both men and women. For male pattern baldness, we use the Nordwood Scale. This scale shows remediable thinning stages as well as the more advanced hair loss stages. Using this scale, doctors can understand the present hair loss and determine the potential loss in the future. But it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Being able to predict a patient’s future hair loss requires a lot of experience and knowledge. After all, any miscalculation may lead to disappointment in the future.
Since we follow cross-checking methods in the calculation process, you do not need to worry.
Timing It Right
Getting your hair transplant too early or too late can both have bad consequences. For example, if you get it too late, your doctor won’t have enough donor follicles to work with. Getting it too early, on the other hand, may require you to get an additional hair transplant in the future. It is simply because your hair loss can continue after your transplant and cause some spots to go bald again. However, an experienced doctor can be able to predict that and take steps accordingly to minimise that consequence.
With that said, giving an ideal age for having a hair transplant is simply not possible. Each patient means a unique case. For some, the age 30 may be the ideal age while for others, it may be too late. The only way to know for certain is by getting your hair tested. So, be sure to get a consultation before it’s too late!
To Sum It Up
It is not possible to know whether you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant without consulting professionals. Our doctors can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and plan a course of action free of charge. Be sure to contact us for further information.
FAQ
- What is the ideal age for having a hair transplant?
– There isn’t any specific age for having a hair transplant as it varies patient to patient. Your doctor will determine your suitability for a hair transplant after assessing your condition during the consultation session.
- How long do hair transplant procedures take?
– Hair transplant operations usually take about 5 to 6 hours.
- Will my health insurance cover my expenses?
– Most health insurance packages do not cover the expenses of hair transplant operations since they are categorised as cosmetic procedures. However, you can get proper information by getting in touch with your insurance company.