Age and Hair Transplants
For some of our
San Jose hair transplant patients, age is a tricky topic: It's common to wonder whether there is a certain age at which transplants are - ”or are not - ”appropriate. The answer, as is the case with many medical topics, varies from patient to patient, but the following covers some general guidelines and helpful information to keep in mind.
Hair Loss Early in Life
A widespread sentiment is that it's best to engage in hair restoration before hair loss becomes overly advanced. That's absolutely true - ”to a point. In the case of people who begin losing hair in their
early 20s, the sight of hair loss so early in life can be alarming, leading many to inquire about procedures such as an
FUE hair transplant in San Jose.
However, while earlier treatment may be ideal in some circumstances, in others, it may be better to wait. For example, at an early stage, it may be difficult to tell what the ultimate pattern of hair loss will be. Before pushing forward with a procedure, a surgeon will examine the patient's cause of hair loss, the pattern that it takes, and how much hair has been lost so far. Another consideration is the suitability and availability of hair that can be translated.
While they usually work well, performing a procedure such as a hair transplant may lead to undesirable results. For instance, imagine a hair transplant that places "fresh" hair near the patient's original hairline at the top of the forehead. That hair will be essentially permanent, but if hair loss continues behind that front line, the appearance will not be a natural one, possibly necessitating a follow-up procedure. Additionally, if too many follow-up procedures take place, the donor hair may be depleted over time. An alternative to a hair transplant in younger patients may be an over-the-counter treatment that slows hair loss, with a
San Jose hair restoration procedure being an option in the future.
None of this is to say patients should wait indefinitely. Hair loss procedures are much more practical while the back and sides of a patient's head still have ample donor hair.
Want to Further Explore a Hair Transplant in San Jose?
As mentioned earlier, every prospective hair transplant patient will have a unique situation and needs. What is appropriate for one patient may not be for another. That's why it's important to consult with a professional. To do so in the Bay Area, just
contact the MHTA Clinic for a consultation with Dr. John Diep, a leading San Jose - “area hair restoration expert. For our Los Gatos office, dial (408) 356-8600, and to reach our San Francisco office, dial (415) 230-2367.
