My Transplanted Hair Keeps Falling Out
Doctor, I’m having the worst time of my life and I’m hoping you’d take the time to answer my question.I’ve had 5 HTs over the past decade all in the frontal area totalling around 4000 grafts including one at NHI back in 2000. The problem is I keep losing more hair in the area and it keeps getting thinner. My last 2 HTs were done by a very reputable doctor here but when I went to see him last time to get his opinion he said I am apparently one of the rare cases where transplanted hairs end up dying over time. This was a complete shock to me. From what I see, there seems to be very gradual loss -in an area that I think is totally made of transplanted hairs- over time but then at one certain time I lose a whole bunch of hair in a period of 1-2months. I am told that there’s no point of getting more HTs because they’ll end up dying. I am devastated and don’t know what to do. Am I really out of luck ?? Is there anything left for me to do?? I’ve been using Fin and minox for a long time.
I’m going crazy looking for an answer. I’m thinking about FUEs to fill in the thin areas but don’t know if I should do it. I hope that you have the time to reply to this as this doesn’t seem to be a common problem here. I appreciate it.
As a former patient, I feel compelled to answer your question. There are rare cases where transplanted hair is lost over time. On the few times I have seen it, I really do not have an explanation.
It is possible that you could have a telogen effluvium or a more diffuse type of hair. Your donor hair should be having the same process going on so the presence of miniaturization in the donor area may point to a clue for a diffuse type of hair loss like diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA)… but without examining you, I can not tell you much.
There may be other options, as there may be other causes (metabolic abnormalities, dietary deficiencies, the existence of hormonal problems, etc), and these are things that I would want to know and would ask that if you visited me in Los Angeles.
I have the same problem. I’m losing my transplanted hair(about 50%)and it is more common then they say. I’ve had 5 procedure over a 11 year period and continue to lose transplanted hair. I hate to say it but IMO long term results are mixed. I’ve had a hard time finding good long term results (10 years or greater). If anyone knows where I can find long term before and after shots let my know. In my case I’m considering another procedure. It’s too late to shave my head with all the scars. I feel for you.
How old are you? Maybe the shock from the transplant is accelerating a form of senile alopecia, which you may be prone to getting when you are older? Just thinking out loud. Regardless, this is an awful situation and I feel for you!
I’m 49 and have a norwood VI pattern of hair loss. Like I stated I think transplants are a life time commitment until you run out of donor hair/ money or you finally accept your fate. The results are temporary, you continue to lose transplanted as well as native hair as you age. The industry over hypes the long term results(HT hair last forever.I say show me the data!). The last HT I had I said this is my last one, but now I lost more hair seeking another HT.
I felt compelled to chip in on this one. I’ve had 3 HTs. Little less than 4K. My procedures were done in 96, 97,& 02. All in the frontal hairline w/in a 1/2 in area across entire hairline. My native hair has always been thick w/ no hairloss issues. I’ve lost at least 80% of my transplanted hair. I was told that its very rare, and the doctor had no explanation for the loss. In my case it hasn’t lasted. I’ve used minoxidil once a day and avodart for 6yrs, and propecia for 7 years before that. Yes, I was using finasteride long before it was ever approved. My hormone levels are fine, I’m in excellent health, though do endure a lot of stress. Possibly more than most.
I’m having the same problems. I’ve had 2 procedures with a prominent surgeon for a total of around 3700 grafts. My first was at age 51, second 54. I felt I was a good candidate since the hair on the back and sides of my head was thick. My first procedure grew-in nicely but I had a lot of dry, itchy, flaking scalp issues. I began to notice thinning hair in the transplant area about 1.5 years ago. The 2nd procedure is still thickening up but I suspect it will thin as well in a year or so. I think this is partially due to my age since all my hair is getting thinner. I’m not convinced HT’s last as long as the hype would like you to believe. I’m really concerned for guys in their 20’s going through this procedure expecting it to last a lifetime.
Crawdad