Why Does It Take up to Six Months to See Hair Regrowth After Treatment?
You might watch movies featuring celebrities older than you but with a full head of hair. It’s no secret that celebrities are constantly undergoing treatments and procedures to help keep them camera-ready.
Did you know celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Bradley Cooper, and Mel Gibson, are believed to have undergone hair transplants? But you don’t have to be a celebrity to undergo hair restoration. The truth is hundreds of men and women from all walks of life come into our office each year to improve their hairline for a more youthful look.
All you have to do is come into Hair Doc, located in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, to find the right hair regrowth treatment for you. But it’s important to understand that while hair restoration treatments are effective, the results are not immediate.
Read on to discover what options are available and when to expect hair regrowth.
Hair loss is more common than you think
You look in the mirror and notice your hair is much thinner than it used to be. It seems like just yesterday, you had a full head of hair. Did you know many people lose 50% of their hair before they notice it?
Hair loss is inevitable for many people. More than 80% of men and 50% of women experience hair loss due to factors like genetics, aging, and stress. Luckily, science and technology have provided a variety of hair loss treatments for any age and income level.
The best time to start hair restoration treatment is at the soonest sign of hair loss. Early intervention provides the best results while helping to strengthen and preserve existing hair.
Meet the treatments
Dealing with hair loss can be frustrating. You might have noticed it affects your confidence. When you don’t feel good about yourself, it can lead to a variety of psychological and emotional problems.
If your hair loss bothers you, just know you can do something about it. Here are some of the most common hair restoration treatments we provide:
Medication
Peter Panagotacos, MD, may suggest medication as a first-line treatment for patients just starting to experience hair loss. The two most common medications include minoxidil and finasteride. Medication is an affordable, easy, and effective way to improve your hairline.
Hair transplants
Do you have a moderate degree of hair loss? If so, Dr. Panagotacos may suggest a hair transplant. There are two options for hair transplants: follicular unit transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
Follicular unit transplant (FUT)
FUT is when a strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area, typically from the back or sides of the scalp. This strip is then dissected into individual follicular units.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
FUE involves extracting individual, circular follicular units directly from the donor area using small punches (usually 0.8-1.0 mm in diameter). Each extraction leaves a tiny, circular scar that is less noticeable than the linear scar in FUT.
Laser cap
The laser cap is a noninvasive option for people who don’t want to take medication or undergo surgery to improve their hair loss. The laser cap – filled with low-level laser diodes – is a portable device created for at-home use to encourage hair growth and combat hair loss.
Results that are worth the wait
Hair loss can be frustrating. You might have noticed it affects your self-esteem. If you’re like most, you want a treatment that offers quick results. But when it comes to hair loss, it pays to have patience.
The timeframe for visible results from hair restoration treatments varies widely. Here’s why:
Your hair regrowth cycle takes time
Your hair grows in three phases – the growing phase (anagen), the regressing phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen). Many hair regrowth treatments involve stimulating dormant hair follicles or elongating the anagen phase.
Hair regrowth is a gradual process that often takes months before results are noticeable. Most patients experience results after several months rather than weeks.
Results vary among individuals
Everyone’s body is different, and everyone responds differently to treatments. Because of their physiology and genetics, some individuals may experience quicker regrowth, while others may take longer to see results or may not respond as well.
Type of treatment
The time needed for regrowth depends on the treatment type you receive. You may experience an improvement in growth from medications in 3-4 months, while a hair transplant may take 6-12 months for regrowth.
Consistency is key
With any hair restoration treatment, consistency is key. Skipping doses of medication or not following the daily treatment plan can hinder or halt your progress.
Age plays a factor
Age contributes to hair growth results. Younger people may notice faster regrowth than older individuals because of the natural aging process and the stature of their hair follicles.
Most people who undergo hair restoration treatment with us are impressed by their results. Their only regret is they wish they had started treatment sooner.
Don’t wait any longer. Call 415-907-7354 to schedule your consultation or book online.