Hair transplant is the permanent solution for addressing pattern baldness, hair loss, and thereby, helping individuals regain confidence. Undoubtedly, a person can experience hair loss at any stage of life. However, with the advancements in medical science, the hair transplant techniques like FUE and FUT can help an individual achieve natural as well as minimally invasive results. The commonly asked question by patients before undergoing the surgery pertains to the right age to consider hair transplant. As a matter of fact, a person who is 18 year old or above can plan to get hair transplant procedure done.
This phase is deemed as ideal for balding pattern to settle and take shape. Considering hair restoration before 18 can deliver disappointing outcome. This certainly does not mean all the individuals get approval for hair transplant surgery right away. In short, healthy donor area, pre-assessment to ensure a person does not have auto-immune disease or any other factor that can complicate restoration process are evaluated by the doctor. Based on the report, the eligibility of patient is determined for the hair transplant surgery.
Is it common to experience hair loss at a young age?
Generally, alopecia or hair loss is caused as a direct consequence of increased age. Nevertheless, people in young age can experience hair loss due to hormonal changes, genetics or environmental factors. Let’s take a look at the factors that may not be linked with age, yet lead to hair loss:
- Hormonal changes
There are many health conditions like thyroid, pregnancy, menopause, and childbirth which result in hormonal imbalance or changes. As a result, hair loss can be experienced by the person.
- Health issues
A few medical conditions including trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and alopecia areata (auto-immune disorder) often cause hair loss.
- Radiation therapy
The radiation therapy used in the cancer treatment affect the head and interrupt the natural hair growth. This eventually results in hair loss.
- Stress
People who experience physical or mental shock leading to stress witness hair thinning. This causes temporary hair loss.
- Hairstyle and hair treatment
The excessive use of hair styling and treatment chemical causes hair loss. Alternatively, the tight hairstyle or frequent hairstyling damage hair and result in hair loss too.
- Genetics
Androgenic alopecia or female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness is caused due to genetics. This aging-based hair loss begins with the thinning of hair strands and shrinking of hair follicles.
- Constant use of few medications
There are some prescribed medications which have side-effects related to hair loss. Whether the medication related to arthritis, chemotherapy, heart problems, blood pressure or depression is prescribed, the person can experience hair loss gradually.
Does age impact the hair transplant surgery results?
The hair transplant results entirely depend on the age-based considerations. Whether it is the quality of hair follicles, treatment outcomes, flexibility of skin or medical conditions, age is certainly the essential aspect that influences hair restoration results. Here is a quick brief of the points which can impact the outcome of hair transplant in terms of age:
- Elasticity of the skin
The amount of flexibility and tension of scalp required during hair transplant gets hampered as an impact of increased age. Thus, the low elasticity of the skin on the scalp can affect the desired hair restoration results.
- Medical conditions
The safety and success of hair transplant procedure get influenced in the case of patients with certain medical conditions. The health issues like hypertension, depression, and blood pressure are aging based aspects that need to be considered before planning hair transplant session.
Inferior quality of hair follicles interrupts the process of transplantation and harvesting.
- Treatment results
The hair transplant results vary on the basis of individual’s immune system. However, if the body’s immune system is strong despite increased age, the positive results of hair transplant can be witnessed.
- Quality of hair follicles
Aging affects the quality of hair follicles which in turn falls off. Since the protein cells weaken, the
Hair transplant results for young vs old candidate
There is no particular age when a candidate gets declared as too old for the hair transplant procedure. The skilled and trusted hair restoration specialist evaluates the medical history and conducts initial clinical tests to determine the eligibility of a person. Additionally, the selection of hair transplant surgeon with a vast experience in hair transplant also delivers desirable results. Furthermore, when the results for younger and elderly person are determined for hair restoration, the good health is the prime attribute. In short, an individual who does not smoke, has no medical conditions and keeps realistic expectations will experience the positive outcome through hair transplant surgery irrespective of age.
Age group recommendation for hair transplant success
Even though hair transplant success depends on the scalp health, quality lifestyle and the aspects mentioned above, but the hair transplant specialists recommend age group during the consultation. Let’s quickly take a look at these age groups and the results that can be expected by the patient.
Candidate who is less than 25 years old
Primarily, doctors give thumbs up for hair transplant to patients who are under 25 years. Since the age group 20-25 years is the phase, hair loss patterns are likely to change. On the contrary, opting for hair transplant at an early age may lead to unnatural results due to the fall out to native hair.
Candidate who is in 25-40 years age group
This age group is considered to be the right phase for hair transplant. The predictable and stable hair loss pattern during this phase helps the doctor in designing a customized hairline according to patient’s requirements. Besides, the strength and abundance of donor hair in this age group play a vital role in achieving natural hair transplant results.
Candidate who is above 45 years
Candidates who are above 45 years are definitely eligible for hair transplant due to sufficient donor hair and good health. Even though the healing or recovery results may be quite delayed, people of this age group achieve excellent hair transplant results
It can be summarized that donor hair quality & quantity, stability of hair loss, overall health, and realistic expectations vary in the different age groups. Hence, it is always ideal to understand the pros and cons of hair restoration from a qualified doctor for a better understanding.
Still wondering whether you are in the right stage of your life to consider hair transplant surgery? Consult the experienced hair restoration specialists of Neoaesthetica Hair Transplant Clinic to get transparent & customized recommendations!