Second Hair Transplant to Add Density: Best Time & Process

While a second hair transplant is not that common, it can be a viable option for those unsatisfied with their first FUE or FUT hair transplant results or those who have experienced further hair loss due to genetics, hormonal changes, aging, etc.

Should You Get a Second Hair Transplant?

Getting a hair transplant needs a significant decision, and it's important to have realistic expectations about the results. In some cases, the outcome of a hair transplant may not meet the patient's expectations. The surgeon can suggest additional treatments or procedures to improve the results in this case. 

Sometimes, a second hair transplant for density may be a good option. However, patients should wait until the final result of the first hair transplant is visible (when all transplanted hairs have fully grown) before considering a second procedure. This usually takes around 12 to 18 months.

It is also important to note that everyone is not a good candidate for a second transplant. Some factors can affect the success of a second transplant, such as:

• Availability of the donor's hair,
• The degree of hair loss,
• The quality of the scalp tissue, and
• The healing process from the first transplant.

What Are the Reasons for Getting a Second Hair Transplant?

There are several reasons why people get a second hair transplant. Various factors, including the skill and experience of the hair transplant surgeon and poor aftercare by the patient, can cause a failed hair transplant. 

Common reasons for getting a second hair transplant include:

• Ongoing hair loss in non-transplanted areas,
• Unsatisfactory results from the first transplant,
• The desire to conceal a scar from trauma or surgery or improve the appearance of a previous transplant, and
• Planned multi-stage process for hair restoration.

What to Know Before Going Through a Second Hair Transplantation?

Before undergoing a second hair transplant, patients must consult a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon to determine their eligibility for the second procedure and learn about its potential risks and benefits.

During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient's needs and determine the viability of a second transplant by evaluating the quality of the donor hair and scalp tissue.

Which Procedures Are Suitable for a Second Hair Transplant?

Both FUE and FUT can be effective options for a second hair transplant. However, the choice of procedure will depend on the individual patient's needs and the availability of donor hair.

• FUT for a second hair transplant can be used if the patient has sufficient healthy donor hair remaining and if a linear scar is not a concern.
• FUE for a second hair transplant may be a good option if the patient has limited donor hair remaining after the first transplant or if they prefer to avoid the linear scar resulting from FUT. The procedure can also be used to harvest hair from areas that are not accessible with FUT, such as the nape of the neck or behind the ears.

Read more: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): How Does It Work?

How Does the Second Hair Transplant Surgery Work?

The second hair transplant surgery works similarly to the first hair transplant. However, it requires more skill and precision as the surgeon must consider the existing hair follicles and the scarring from the first hair transplant.

The procedure may involve follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or extraction (FUE). 

• If FUT is used, a strip of hair-bearing scalp tissue will be harvested from the donor area and then dissected into individual follicular units for transplantation; 
• If FUE is used, individual follicular units will be harvested directly from the donor area using a specialized tool.

Once the donor's hair is harvested, the surgeon will carefully transplant the hair follicles into the recipient area, creating a natural-looking hairline and ensuring the even distribution of the hair grafts.

How many grafts can be implanted in a second hair transplant?

Depending on the extent of hair loss, the quality and quantity of the donor's hair, and the patient's goals and expectations, the average amount of grafts needed for a second hair transplant is about 500 to 1,500.

How Long to Wait for A Second Hair Transplant?

Patients should usually wait 6 to 18 months before undergoing a second hair transplant to allow the scalp to heal fully and the transplanted hair to grow. The ideal time gap between two hair transplants can vary depending on several factors, including the individual patient's healing process, the extent of the first transplant, and the surgeon's recommendations.

Does A Second Hair Transplant Take Longer to Grow?

No! The growth timeline for a second hair transplant is similar to the first procedure. However, there may be some differences due to some factors, such as the extent of the previous procedure, the healing process of the donor and recipient areas, the quality of the transplanted hair, and the patient's overall health.

Is It Worth Getting a Second Hair Transplant?

A second hair transplant may be worth it for patients looking to refine the results of the first hair transplant by improving overall hair density and providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, depending on the individual patient's circumstances, it may not always be advisable. Alternatives may better cure some patients.

How Many Hair Transplants Can Be Done? 

There is no specific number of hair transplants people can undergo. However, most patients are not good candidates for this many hair transplants. The maximum number of hair transplants depends on the quality of the patient's donor area and the number of grafts taken during each procedure.

Can I Have a 3rd Hair Transplant?

While there is no fixed limit to the number of hair transplant procedures a person can have, it's important to note that each hair transplant procedure can deplete the donor area to some extent. Therefore, a third or fourth hair transplant may not be feasible for all patients. The quality and quantity of donor hair depend on several factors, including the patient's age, hair density, and scalp laxity.

How Much Does a Second Hair Transplant Cost in Iran? 

The cost of a hair transplant in Iran depends on several factors, including the extent of hair loss, the number of required grafts, and the specific technique used. Second, hair costs in Iran range from $800 to $2,000, much lower than in other countries.

Hair transplant in Iran

Conclusions

Hair transplant surgery has come a long way in technology and efficiency, allowing for better results with less invasive techniques. Sometimes, patients may benefit from multiple hair transplant sessions to achieve maximum coverage and density in the recipient area.

Schedule an online consultation with our team at Raadina Health. We can help you through your medical trip for performing a hair transplant in Iran, including clinic and doctor visits, medical tests, medical visas, pick-up, transfer, accommodations, etc.