What results can realistically be achieved from a hair transplant?

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Hair transplants are an excellent option for many people who want to address hair loss and thinning hair.

Whilst the treatment can certainly give a huge confidence boost, it is not a miracle cure and there are limits on what a hair transplant procedure can achieve.

In recent media headlines, Strictly Come Dancing judge, Anton Du Beke was quoted saying “I want to be like Bobby (Brazier), wafting in the air, gorgeous and youthful.” Whilst we understand this was likely to have been said in good humour, the reality is that Du Beke who is 57, is having unrealistic expectations that he will be able to achieve a hairline like Bobby Braizer who is in his 20s.

Our consultations for hair transplants are private and judgment-free. You will be able to candidly talk about your issues regarding hair loss and your expectations for hair restoration surgery. Our surgeons are dedicated to giving their patients accurate and reasonable expectations so that they can help you make an informed decision about your hair transplant journey.

Being honest about the right time to have a procedure is crucial if you want to successfully achieve a natural and longer-lasting result.

Who is suitable for a hair transplant?

Overall, a good candidate for a hair transplant is someone who is experiencing male pattern baldness, or female pattern baldness.

If you have Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA), Cicatrical Alopecia, Unstable Hair Loss, Trichotillomania, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder then you are not suitable for a hair transplant procedure. All our patients undergo a medical check to ensure they are deemed physically and mentally fit and well with no contraindications.

Other reasons why a patient may not be suitable for a hair transplant is that they are too young, have unrealistic expectations or have insufficient hair loss.

A successful hair transplant depends on the appropriate selection of patients by the surgeon.

Unrealistic Expectations

If a patient has substantial hair loss but has hopes that the procedure will make their hair appear like their teenage pictures, then this would be considered an unrealistic expectation.

A strong hairline may look great while you are in your twenties, but it will begin to look unnatural as you reach your 40s. This is because it is normal for everyone’s hairline to alter over time. We see many men who have had hairline restorations performed elsewhere placed too low that then need altering as they look unnatural.

If our surgeons feel your expectations are unrealistic, they will be honest and let you know what you can look to achieve and make a decision based on their professional advice. We want you to get it right the first time and don’t believe in sub-par results.

Our Hair Transplant surgeons have been perfecting their FUE techniques since 2008 and are known worldwide for their expertise and results.

Too Young

Many younger patients are quick to rush into hair transplant procedures to correct the first signs of balding. Whilst this may seem logical at the time, they will likely need additional treatment in the years following as their hair loss will continue naturally.

Our surgeons work meticulously to ascertain the pattern of baldness for each patient so they can determine the best time for treatment for longer-lasting results.

Related: Young Men and Hair Transplants

Restoring baldness

For completely bald patients, a hair transplant is not going to be suitable. Hair transplants work by taking hair from one area of the scalp to another. If there is no suitable hair to transplant, then a hair transplant is not going to be possible.

Poor Donor Area

During a hair transplant consultation, the donor area of the patient will need to be examined to ensure there is a good supply of hair follicles. Patients with poor donor areas will need to plan their hair transplant procedure carefully as their options may be limited when seeking further treatments in the future.

Our Hair Transplant expert surgeons take the greatest care during each procedure to ensure there is minimal trauma to the donor area. They are not going to overharvest the area to create density, which is not going to last, out of consideration for your donor area.

What results can realistically be achieved from a hair transplant?

The results of a hair transplant will vary from person to person based on factors such as hair colour, texture, and volume. Our hair transplant surgeons will carefully manage the expectations of all patients.

Treating minor hair loss

A hair transplant can be an effective solution to recreating a receding hairline or temples. It can also restore density to other areas of the scalp including the crown. However, when performing a hair transplant, the surgeon needs to preserve the donor area as much as possible and many skilled surgeons will aim to give the illusion of density.

This means that instead of overharvesting the donor area and placing an excessive amount of hair follicles into one area, they adopt a 50% rule. The aim is to restore at least 50% of the patient’s original density, resulting in the illusion of fuller and thicker hair.

Improving Density or Coverage

Overall, there are two options when it comes to a hair transplant, especially in patients with more advanced hair loss that progresses up into the frontal region of the scalp.

They can choose to increase hair density which means prioritising the placement of hair follicles towards the front of the scalp meaning there may still be thinning further back, but this will be less noticeable.

The other option is coverage, patients who would prefer full coverage across all areas of thinning can do so, but the hair cover will not be as dense.

Hair Transplant Longevity

Our surgeons are very knowledgeable in managing the individual limitations of donor supply over a lifetime. They think ahead to what hair loss is likely to occur in the future and look to place the appropriate number of follicles to give a longer-lasting result.

See our Hair Transplant Before and After Photo Results

FUE Hair Transplant, 5725 hairs, 2021 grafts

FUE Hair Transplant, 2913 hairs, 1075 grafts

FUE Hair Transplant, temple restoration, before after photos 3741 hairs, 1559 grafts

FUE Hair Transplant, 3741 hairs, 1559 grafts

FUE Hair Transplant, 6966 hairs, 2347 grafts (2-day procedure)

FUE Hair Transplant, 3931 hairs, 1402 grafts

View more FUE Hair Transplant before and after results.

Helping you to make an informed decision and get it right the first time.

Expertise of our surgeons

Our hair transplant surgeons are UK based surgeons registered with the GMC. They will be supporting you throughout your entire hair restoration journey and beyond.
Our Hair Transplant Surgeons have many years of experience in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.

Best techniques to achieve natural and long-lasting hair.

We offer the advanced Micro FUE with Implanters technique. We use the finest instruments, resulting in minimal trauma to your scalp.
We focus on achieving undetectable scars.
We ensure hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth achieving natural results with denser packing.

High Quality Care

Expert aftercare advice 24/7 and regular post-operative appointments with your hair transplant surgeon.
Comprehensive hair restoration patient information.
Our prices reflect our offering of the best hair transplant clinics and surgeons in the UK, we do not cut any corners.
Over 30% of our patients come to see us for revision hair transplant procedures from low quality clinics. Find out more here.