The transplanted hairs maintain the genetic characteristics of the donor area and tend to continue growing normally after the procedure. Image Bank The transplanted hairs are removed from the so-called donor area, generally located in the posterior and lateral region of the scalp, where the hair has greater genetic resistance to baldness. When these follicles are transferred to areas with rarefaction or absence of hair, they tend to maintain this genetic characteristic and continue to grow even after being implanted in a new region. However, it is important to differentiate the temporary loss that may occur after surgery from the permanent loss of hair. Furthermore, natural hair that has not been transplanted may continue to suffer the effects of baldness over the years. Why do transplanted hair usually last a lifetime? Hair transplantation is based on the principle known as donor dominance. This means that the follicles removed from the donor region maintain their characteristics even after being transferred to another area of ??the scalp. As these hairs are resistant to the hormonal action related to androgenetic baldness, they tend to continue growing normally after the procedure. What is temporary hair loss after transplant? Many patients are alarmed when they realize that the transplanted hairs fall out a few weeks after surgery. This phenomenon is expected and is called post-transplant effluvium, also known as shock loss. Typically, this drop happens between two and eight weeks after the procedure. What falls during this period is only the hair shaft — the visible part of the strand. The follicles remain preserved under the scalp and new hairs begin to grow gradually. In general: First month: healing phase; Between the second and third months: temporary loss of transplanted hair occurs; Between the third and fourth month: new hair growth begins; Between the sixth and ninth months: growth becomes more evident; Between twelve and eighteen months: final result of the transplant. No matter how much we explain during consultations, the period in which the transplanted hairs begin to fall out scares the patient due to all the anxiety and expectations that involve all stages of the procedure. Although the transplanted follicles are resistant to baldness, the natural aging process continues to occur. Over the years, hair may undergo age-related changes, such as changes in thickness, texture or growth rate. However, this process is different from androgenetic baldness and normally does not significantly compromise the results obtained. The transplanted hairs are permanent because they are resistant to genetic baldness, but they age along with the patient. It is natural that, as the decades pass, there is a subtle lightening or thinning that is part of the biological chronometer of any human being. The transplanted strands remain resistant, but this does not prevent the development of baldness in natural hair, which remains susceptible to hormonal action. Therefore, surgical planning must consider not only the patient's current situation, but also the possible future evolution of hair loss. Treatment after transplant Depending on the age, stage of baldness and individual characteristics of the patient, complementary treatments may be indicated to help preserve the natural hairs that remain on the scalp. The need for this care must be defined individually during medical monitoring. Second session Some patients only have one surgery in their lifetime, while others may consider a new session in the future. This can happen when there is progression of baldness in areas that had not yet been affected at the time of the first procedure or in cases of more advanced baldness, when treatment needs to be carried out in stages. This does not mean that the transplanted hairs fell out. In many cases, the new session aims to treat areas that have started to show rarefaction or to complement the density obtained previously. Technical Responsible: Dr. Leonora Mansur CRM-MG 38734 | EQR 27802