Hair transplants are considered a revolutionary treatment in the world of hair loss solutions, and here at The Hair Loss Recovery Program we perform them in a professional manner with the help of only the most experienced specialists. If you’re a young man, however, you may be curious if you are even able to get a hair transplant done. To learn more, check out the information our team would like to provide in this blog post.
The Short Answer
When you ask most, if not all hair clinics out there what the right age is to get this transplant, almost every one will say that if you’re under the age of 25, you should not get this treatment. In other situations, they will just simply state that it isn’t recommended or that it isn’t a good idea.
Why Is This So?
A small fraction of men (approx. 20%) will go through some degree of hair loss in their 20’s. While significant hair loss during this time isn’t considered very common, it can be embarrassing regardless of the scale to how much hair one is losing. If we see these numbers and know it’s a cause for concern, then why can’t a man in his early twenties have a transplant done?
The main reason this is not possible/not recommended is due to the amount of donor supply.
When a transplant is being performed, hair from what is known as the “donor area” (at the back or sides of your head) is removed and transplanted to other spots on your head where hair loss is present. Most men with good donor spots have anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 follicles available to move.
So, Why Not Get One Done at An Earlier Age?
The issue with getting a hair transplant before the age of 25 is that no one can truly determine the future course of your hair loss journey. While some people may just lose a little more in their lifetime, others will lose lots following their 30’s, 40’s and so on. In the chance that you lose more hair than your donor supply would be able to fill, your hair transplant could actually leave you with more significant hair loss than you would have had without it. If we could predict one’s hair pattern into the future, our answer regarding a candidate’s age would likely be different, but unfortunately we cannot.
What Can You Do Instead?
Although this may sound bleak and even disheartening, the good news is that there are many other ways in which you can encourage hair growth if it’s causing you issues in your early twenties. The best way to determine which treatment will be best for your needs will rely on talking to the right hair loss specialist. A good surgeon will perform a thorough analysis on your hair and find the perfect solution for your needs at your specific age.
Some evidence-based hair growth treatments that are currently on the market include:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A very well documented solution for those with hair loss, especially in their earlier years.
- Finasteride: A DHT-blocking med that minimises hair loss. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits and side effects of this medication.
- Minoxidil (AKA Rogaine): An effective treatment that is available over the counter and applied topically onto the head.
- LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy): While a lot of laser devices out there are not helpful, there are a select few that work incredibly well to encourage hair growth.
How Our Clinic Can Help
When you want guaranteed solutions from a team with the most qualified experience, look no further than The Hair Loss Recovery Program. Here at our clinic, we have helped hundreds of men & women of all ages recover from their hair loss and live a more confident, happier life. To learn about how to get a hair transplant in Toronto with our team, be sure to call our front desk at (647) 919-4247 today.