I get asked these questions all the time - "Will i only need one session?"

The answer to this is more than likely NO - Its very rare indeed that any patient only has one session unless they have a very small amount of loss - or limited donor supply, then you potentially aren't a viable HT candidate unfortunately.

Even if your hair loss is absolutely stable and doesn't progress any further the chances are your first session will be the foundation for a potential second session to top up/refine/add density/close angles/ work further back ..etc - regardless of technique used. Hair is like money you always want more - You will always want to make it better, we ALL do!

Top Dr's will endeavour to achieve the appropriate no. / highest number of grafts possible without jeopardising you in order to create as much coverage/density as possible in one session where warranted - whilst maintaining your donor area/further supply's integrity.

The initial session will come in so slowly and gradually that you become so used to it that it becomes the normal and YOU will not necessarily notice the change bang on month 3! - The realisation takes time!! It is only until you compare pre op pics that you actually realise how far you have come and have a glimpse at what your situation actally was.


You will scrutinise your results constantly, inspecting it every chance you get - and feel that you will always want more hair - Even at month 5/6/7 patients are planning their 2nd session but my advice is WAIT and allow for the first session to reach its max potential

It doesn't matter how many times i say it to people or write it they still feel that their growth has stopped at month 4/5/6...... then come month 10/11/12 they say - wow you were right.. I did get more.

Growth doesn't stop for many many months - it can take upto 18 months to reach the max potential from your HT so why guys are convinced after 5 months their growth has stopped is just beyond me
If you have received your HT from one of the reputable clinics around today then your growth will continue upto a year along with a great deal of maturing.

Many Dr's have commented on time scales for growth and established posters as well who have all been through the HT process and they all agree that you need to assess your HT at at least the 1 year mark in terms of reaching full growth.

You the HT recipient will not see the growth just occur - it takes months for the realisation to kick in. It is important to take pictures at monthly intervals to clearly see the progression.

Its important that guys realise that HT's are a commitment long term and you must realise that you will always want to refine your hair and wish it were thicker/fuller/denser - This is the nature of hair.

Hair greed

Grow well everyone!!!!

Regards
Spex

Spex,

Good points. I agree. Virtually everyone who needs/wants a hair transplant should typically plan on doing at least two sessions - even with "dense packing". There is virtually no hair transplant that couldn't benefit from a second pass. A "one pass" surgery may look natural but virtually all who get one would still like to fine tune it and add density.

Best wishes to all, Pat

Good post spex

Hopefully as technology advances and even better techniques evolve, the need for a second or more procedure will be unnecessary. We have come a long way since the tranplants of the 80's and am confident that this one day will become a reality. One surgery and your done!

Great post Spex...very informative.

I think it's possible to be "satisfied" with what you get...whether or not it's one HT or five, it all depends on the individual. But this will help newbies who think that one HT will give them their high school head of hair back, especially if they are a NW4+.

But I agree...hair greed can kick in and we will want more, for it to look fuller, better, stronger, etc.

Falc

Excellent thread, Spex!

I agree. Though it certainly happens, it's very rare a person gets 1 HT with results that satisfy them. Anyone going into the chair needs to realize the journey on which they are embarking. Not just the HT, but what should be a lifelong commitment to preventing further hairloss and taking care of the hair they have.

The more educated we can make those attempting to try and halt hair loss or those wanting to opt for a HT to restore their lost hair, the better off they will be in so many ways.

Great post, Spex!

Spex,

Nice post, I agree with you and the hair greed should come with some hair "patience".

Spex,

Thanks for sharing your insite on this subject. Very informative and useful!

No worries guys! - Hope its helps!!

I'm a little surprised to hear you all say that even with dense HTs there is the likliehood of another down the line. Are you guys talking about adding density to the previous HT? or simply working on other areas of the head? I may need another HT, but only because I am still receding on the top of my head. I don't believe I need to touch the front 1/3 where I had my first HT.

It all boils down to personal choice but once you have had a taste you generally want more

great post. Here is my situation. I love my results now I basically look like I have a full head of hair, however one more pass would make it look incredible. the question, should i have another HT, or if I did could the ht possibly shock my native hair and not really make any progress? Shockloss was not an issue at my first session, would it be for my second? This is something I have not seen commented about. I agree totally about the hair greed- I have it, lol. but I am concerned about shockloss. If I could have another session of 2500 and not go backwards I would do it, what do you think?

Personal choice Troy.................If I were you, why risk it?? It looks great now, right? Since you only had 2500 grafts first time you should have mega-grafts in reserve for later.

Purely personal choice, my friend. In your case, if you're on Propecia and go to a quality surgeon, hopefully you needn't worry too much about shock loss..........just IMO.

Hair Greed.................ahhhhh, will we ever really have enough follicles on our heads for it really to go away??

ill cut my hair short and go in and have a consult with Shapiro and see what they think, but i wouldnt do it again for a session under 2500.

Troy, Best guy to answer that Q is your doc! Great Doc as well so he will only have your best interest at heart and advise you accordingly - all the best greedy guts!