One question that always pops up when it comes to a hair transplant is “Is a hair transplant a permanent procedure?” We can safely say that yes – FUE hair transplant procedures are permanent. If the hair transplant is performed correctly, the results of a hair transplant are visibly long-lasting and are considered to be permanent.
Key Takeaways
- Hair transplants, particularly the Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure, are considered permanent as they involve transplanting healthy hair follicles from one part of the body to the hairless areas of the scalp. These follicles continue to grow, offering long-lasting results and high success rates without scarring.
- FUE is a minimally invasive procedure that extracts hair follicles from healthy scalp areas and implants them into balding areas. It does not damage the skin, allows quicker healing, and effectively combats androgenic alopecia, making it a popular choice for hair restoration.
- Other hair restorations may be very effective in the short term but may not be permanent. For example, mixed, finasteride and PRP treatments fall into this category.
Firstly, how is an FUE hair transplant carried out?
Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE) is a procedure that involves extracting hair follicles from anywhere on the body and transplanting them into the hairless part of your scalp. Normally, to get the correct angle and direction, and to achieve a better uptake, hair follicles are taken from the healthy part of the scalp.
The excellent thing about the FUE procedure is that it doesn’t cause damage to the skin, unlike previous follicle extraction procedures. Because of this, the procedure is non-evasive and thus the scalp heals quicker.
What makes FUE Hair Transplants Permanent?
If you suffer from male pattern baldness, you may be concerned that the new hair will fall out once again. The secret with the FUE procedure is that it is effectively immune to androgenic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is caused by the shrinking of hair follicles due to hormones.
So, by removing healthy hair follicles from a different part of the body and inserting them into the hairless parts of the scalp, it means that hair can regrow on the hairless parts of the scalp, resulting in a full head of hair! A hair transplant is considered a permanent procedure as after the hair follicles are relocated, they will continue to grow.
For FUE procedures, the permanent ‘uptake’ is incredibly high, because it simply involves implanting healthy hair follicles from your body, so the follicle will be the exact same everywhere. This is why FUE hair restoration is so popular – it is a permanent procedure that results in no scarring, gives excellent results and makes you feel better in yourself.
What about other hair restoration treatments?
There are a number of hair restoration treatments to improve the appearance and it can be difficult to see which type of treatment is permanent or temporary. We’ve summarised the most popular hair restoration treatments below:
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Other Hair Restoration Treatments
- Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Type: Topical solution or foam.
- Permanency: Temporary.
- Description: Minoxidil is a topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles and increases blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair growth. However, the effects only last as long as the treatment is continued. Once usage stops, hair loss typically resumes.
- Finasteride (Propecia)
- Type: Oral medication.
- Permanency: Temporary.
- Description: Finasteride is an oral medication that inhibits the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Continuous use is required to maintain hair growth; stopping the medication will likely result in the return of hair loss.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Type: Injectable treatment.
- Permanency: Temporary.
- Description: PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp. The growth factors in the platelets can help stimulate hair growth. The results are typically not permanent and require ongoing treatments.
Read more about our PRP hair treatments here.
- Laser Light Therapy (LLT)
Type: Non-surgical treatment.
Permanency: Permanent.
Description: LLT works under the principle of photo biotherapy, where laser light penetrates deep into the skin tissue and is absorbed. This stimulates the skin tissue, increases blood circulation, stops hair loss, and stimulates hair regrowth. It permanently breaks down the hormone DHT, which causes male pattern baldness.
The great thing about LLT is that it has been scientifically proven to regrow hair. It has been proven that LLT increases blood supply to the scalp by 54% after just one treatment, resulting in an increase in hair growth. Because it was initially used to treat wounds and scars, it repairs damage normally caused by chemicals and also repairs and improves hair shaft quality, meaning you will have thicker hair as well.
The reason why this procedure is permanent is because, as discussed, it breaks down the hormone that causes male pattern baldness, so once this hormone has been broken down, hair can start regrowing. When used in conjunction with DHT blockers and hair care products that promote hair growth, LLT is a worth-while procedure to undergo and the results will be permanent.
- Eyebrow Hair Transplants
- Type: Surgical procedure.
- Permanency: Permanent.
- Description: Similar to scalp hair transplants, eyebrow hair transplants involve transplanting hair follicles from another part of the body to the eyebrows. The transplanted hair will continue to grow, providing a permanent solution for thinning or sparse eyebrows.
Read more about our FUE eyebrow transplants here.
- Beard Transplants
- Type: Surgical procedure.
- Permanency: Permanent.
- Description: Beard transplants involve transplanting hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back of the scalp) to the beard area. This procedure results in a fuller, thicker beard that continues to grow naturally, offering a permanent solution.
Read more about our FUE beard transplants here.
Summary Table
| Treatment | Type | Permanency |
| Minoxidil (Rogaine) | Topical solution | Temporary |
| Finasteride (Propecia) | Oral medication | Temporary |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) | Injectable treatment | Temporary |
| Hair Fibres | Topical application | Temporary |
| Wigs and Hairpieces | External application | Temporary |
| Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) | Cosmetic tattooing | Semi-permanent |
| Hair Extensions | External attachment | Temporary |
| Laser Light Therapy (LLT) | Non-surgical treatment | Permanent |
| Eyebrow Hair Transplants | Surgical procedure | Permanent |
| Beard Transplants | Surgical procedure | Permanent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible that you’ll need another hair transplant?
Yes, it is possible that you may need another hair transplant in the future. Hair loss can continue in untreated areas of the scalp, which might lead to the necessity for additional procedures to maintain a balanced and natural look. The need for another transplant depends on factors such as the progression of your hair loss, the initial transplant’s success, and your individual response to the treatment.
How long will it take to see permanent results?
It typically takes around 9 to 12 months to see the full, permanent results of a hair transplant. In the initial few months, you may experience some shedding of the transplanted hair, which is normal and part of the process. New hair growth usually begins around 3 to 4 months after the procedure, gradually increasing in density and length over the following months until the final results are achieved.
What can I expect long term?
Long-term, you can expect the transplanted hair to continue growing like natural hair. The results of a hair transplant are generally permanent, and the transplanted hair should not fall out like the original hair affected by male pattern baldness. However, ongoing hair loss in other areas might necessitate additional treatments. Consistent care and follow-up with your hair specialist will help manage and maintain the results effectively.
Speak To KSL about your permanent hair treatment today
We know that talking about hair loss and hair procedures can be a sensitive topic, which is why our incredibly professional, friendly and caring members of staff are always there to help. You can visit us at the following hair transplant clinics in the UK:
