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A patient undergoing hair transplantation, irrespective of any method, wants to have a realistic preview about the results likely to occur once it is complete. Here are some facts pertaining to growth of hair after 4 months of hair transplant by Follicular Unit Extraction and Follicular Unit Transplant technique. The hair grows much faster with the latest Direct Hair Implantation technique, in less than 4 months.
Table of Contents
What To Expect After 4 Months Hair Transplant?
Surprisingly, 4 months after the hair transplantation is still considered a nascent stage to experience any results. By the end of 4 months, the grafted hair should fall off due to shock. This is known as shock loss and a common side effect that occurs after hair transplantation with Follicular Hair Transplant or Follicular Unit Extractions. New hair starts to grow by this time. Furthermore, all the side effects due to hair transplantation cure by 4 months.
Although there is hair regrowth, the length of hair is still short and density is also less. However, one should remember that the progress of hair transplant growth after 4 months differs for every individual.
In some cases, there may be no hair fall at all even after 4 months into the recovery period. The reason being that the grafted follicles are still growing and strong enough to withstand the shock. Therefore, they continue to grow. This is a good sign as it proves that the follicles are implanted at the right place.
How Long Does it Take For Hair To Grow After Hair Transplant?
No person can experience the results of hair transplantation within a day or two. In order to experience the complete result of a hair transplant, the patient needs to wait for six to nine months. For some patients, the new hair takes almost 12 months. Within a year, the healing is complete and the grafted hair follicles grow and give a more natural appearance. However, patients opting for the Direct Hair Transplantation are more likely to experience quicker results than others who choose to undergo Follicular Hair Transplant or Follicular Unit Extractions.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Recover from Hair Transplant?
Timeline of Hair Regrowth After Hair Transplant
Here is a general overview of the timeline of the entire recovery process after hair transplantation.
0-4 Months: The Dormant Period
The dormant period is the first stage of hair growth. As the transplanted follicles experience shock, there can be swelling, redness and tenderness in the recipient area. The patient has to be extremely careful about not damaging the follicles in this stage. There may be some hair loss around 15 days into the recovery period. This is part of the normal healing process. Once the shedding is complete, there is a stage of resting.
4-8 Months: The Emergent Period
The hair starts emerging in the transplanted area. Active hair growth occurs in this stage. Although there is hair growth, these hair are thin and there might be no growth around the crown area. The donor area completely heals by 4 months and this area appears completely natural.
8-12 Months: The Maturation Period
During the maturation period, the thin hair becomes thicker and maximum hair growth is visible in this stage. The new hair grows about 75% to 80%. The patient can see due to the scarring, the new hair follicles curved. With time, these cure as the follicles heal. The patient can try different various hairstyles after 8 months.
12 Months and Beyond
By the end of one year, the patient should see the complete outcomes of hair transplantation. Now the transplanted hair grows fully and falls into a hair growth cycle which means. In case, the patient is not satisfied with results, he or she can think of undergoing another hair transplantation procedure.
Also Read: Results of FUE Hair Transplant From Day 1 to Month 12
Factors That Can Affect The Results of Hair Transplant
The ultimate results depend on numerous factors including the individual’s unique capabilities. Some of the factors that affect the results of the hair transplant are-
- Type of hair
- Extent of hair loss
- Contrast between hair and skin color
- Hair density in the donor area
- Elasticity of skin
- Follicular unit groupings
Aftercare of Hair Transplant Procedure
The initial 15 days after the hair transplantation procedure is very crucial. It is important to take great care of the grafts planted on the hair for long-lasting results. Here are some pointers to keep in mind after hair transplant-
- Do not lift heavy weights nor load excessively heavy objects.
- After the surgery, stop drinking alcoholic drinks absolutely.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions word-to-word to speed up the recovery process.
- Take the antibiotics or steroids as prescribed by the doctor to avoid infection or bleeding.
- Don’t use any kind of styling or non-necessary products for a few weeks after the hair transplant. The chemicals from the products cause irritation can hamper the outcomes.
- After consulting with the doctor, you can start with light exercises. Avoid any exercises that require a lot of effort.
- For a month or two, don’t go swimming. The is to protect the scalp from salt, dirt and chlorine.
- Avoid going under the sun without covering the head. Direct exposure to the sun can cause sweating affecting the hygiene of the hair and scalp.
Also Read: Dos and Don’ts After Hair Transplantation: Aftercare for Hair Transplant
Conclusion
After 4 months of hair transplant, there can be mild hair growth and the side effects such as inflammation, redness, swelling, itching also subside. There can be loss of hair which is part of the hair growth cycle. In rare cases, there can be no hair loss which is a good sign. One should keep in mind that it takes a year for hair to grow with the FUT and FUE technique.
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