Once the transplanted hair has reached its full thickness, it will then begin to shed at the same rate as your natural hair.
Have you recently undergone a hair transplant procedure? Are you nervous about what to expect in terms of growth and results? Well, never fear! In this blog post, I’ll be walking you through the different stages of hair transplant growth and maturation. From popping up to full maturation – we’ll cover it all so that you can feel confident in every step of your recovery process.
Overview of Hair Transplantation Surgery
Undergoing hair transplantation surgery is a big decision. Not only does it involve changing your appearance, but it also requires a fair amount of commitment in terms of time and money. Before you undergo surgery, it’s important to understand the different stages of hair growth following transplantation. This will help you set realistic expectations for your own results.
The first stage of hair growth after transplantation is the ‘pop-up’ phase. This is when newly transplanted hairs begin to grow in and around the incision site. The hairs are usually very fine and barely visible at this stage. Around two to three weeks after surgery, you may start to see some new growth in the form of fine vellus hairs.
The second stage of hair growth is the ‘maturity’ phase. This usually begins around four to six months after surgery. During this phase, the transplanted hair follicles continue to grow and mature, producing thicker and longer hairs. The majority of patients will see significant results during this phase, with fuller, thicker-looking hair.
Finally, the third stage of hair growth is known as the ‘maintenance’ phase. This is when the results of your surgery are fully mature and stable. Most surgeons consider 12 months post-surgery to be the end of the maintenance phase; however, some patients may require touch-ups or additional surgeries to maintain their results over time.
What is Popping?
When hair follicles are transplanted from one area of the scalp to another, they go through a process called ‘pop up.’ This is when the newly transplanted follicles start to grow out of the skin. The rate of pop up varies from person to person, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for all of the transplanted follicles to pop up.
Once the transplanted follicles have popped up, they will begin to mature. The maturation process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. During this time, the follicles will slowly become thicker and longer. Once they have reached maturity, they will look and function just like any other hair on your head.
What is Maturation?
Maturation is the final stage of hair growth after a hair transplant. In this stage, the newly transplanted hair will continue to grow and thicken. The rate of growth may vary from person to person, but most people can expect to see significant growth within 6-12 months after their transplant. Once the transplanted hair has reached its full thickness, it will then begin to shed at the same rate as your natural hair.
Postoperative Care
After your hair transplant surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for postoperative care. This will help ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
You will likely need to take antibiotics for a week or two after surgery to reduce the risk of infection. You may also be prescribed medication to help with pain and swelling. It is important to take these medications as directed.
Most people are able to return to work and their normal activities within a week or two of surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous activity and exposure to the sun for at least a month after surgery.
During the first few weeks after surgery, you will need to come back for regular check-ups with your doctor. They will check to make sure that your grafts are healing properly and monitor your hair loss.
Around 3 months after surgery, you should start to see new hair growth in the transplanted area. This hair will be very fine and light-colored at first but will eventually thicken and darken over time. It can take up to 18 months for full results from a hair transplant to be apparent.
Effects on Different Ethnicities
Hair transplants have different growth stages, which can vary depending on the individual. It is important to remember that each person will experience hair transplant growth differently. The following are general guidelines for what to expect during the pop-up and maturation stages of hair transplant growth.
Pop-Up:
The pop-up stage is when the newly transplanted hairs first start to grow. This usually starts around 2-3 weeks after the surgery. During this time, the hairs will be very fine and may be hard to see. Some people may also experience some itching and redness at the transplant site. This is normal and should go away within a few days.
Maturation:
The maturation stage of hair growth typically starts around 3-4 months after surgery. During this time, the newly transplanted hairs will continue to grow and thicken. Most people will see significant hair growth during this time period. Some people may also experience some shedding during this time as well. This is normal and should not last for more than a few weeks.
Treatment Combinations
There are many different ways to combine hair transplant treatments in order to get the best results. The most common combinations are FUT and microneedling, or FUE and PRP. These two treatment types work well together because they target different areas of the hair follicle. Microneedling stimulates the dermal papilla, which is responsible for hair growth, while PRP treats the scalp and hair follicles directly.
FUT is usually combined with microneedling or PRP because it is a more invasive treatment that can damage the hair follicles. This means that it is not always possible to get the best results from FUT alone. However, combining it with other treatments can help to improve results.
FUE is often combined with PRP because this combination can help to improve the overall health of the scalp and hair follicles. This combination can also help to stimulate new hair growth.
Side Effects & Risk Factors:
As with any surgery, there are potential side effects and risks associated with hair transplant surgery. These include infection, bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage. There is also a risk of losing some of the transplanted hair. In rare cases, death can occur. Before undergoing surgery, be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
How long it takes to see results after a hair transplant can vary depending on the individual. It typically takes 3-6 months for newly transplanted hair to start growing, and results are usually visible by 6-9 months. Complete growth may not be seen until 12-15 months after the procedure.
Is Hair Transplant Permanent?
Yes, hair transplantation is considered a permanent solution to hair loss. The new hair that is transplanted into the balding area will grow just like your natural hair. The hair will also be just as thick and will possess the same color and texture. There are however a few things you should know about a hair transplant before you make the decision to undergo the procedure.
Hair transplant growth stages can often be a bit confusing, but with this guide you should now have a clear understanding of what each stage involves. The pop up stage is the most immediately visible, as your new hairs will sprout and emerge from the scalp in as little as four to eight weeks after the initial procedure. After that it’s time for maturation where these tiny hairs continue to grow until they reach their full length and thickness. With patience and consistency, you’ll eventually get to experience fuller head of hair that looks natural!