Posted on 10th May, 2023 at 5:33:37 AM
As advertisements and the world of cinema have always demonstrated, hair represents youthfulness and machismo in men and feminine glory in women.
Our society too, emphasizes on appearing 'young' so much that it pressurizes every man, to conform to such shallow constructs of youthfulness.
That being the case, hair loss or balding has always been a matter of stress as well as anxiety for many people worldwide.
It is a medical issue that affects men and women almost equally. Although women are a little less likely to get bald, men are certainly at a higher risk.
It is said that 80% of men become bald by the age of 70. So much so, every 3 in 10 people are facing problems like reduced hairline, bald patches, alopecia, etc. by the age of 21.
Age is one of the primary risk factors for hair loss which is what makes it a discomforting experience when it happens to young men.
When life follows a predictable pattern, it is easy to accept these changes. But untimely hair loss of any 20-21 year old can have a devastating psychological impact on them resulting in depression.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Is Age a Bar? Let us discuss this below.
However, it is important to remember that while hair loss can be distressing, it can be treated, especially with today's advancement in cosmetic surgeries like hair transplantation.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Is Age a Bar?
A Hair transplant surgery involves the transplantation of hair follicles from a region of your scalp more resistant to hormonal loss, to the temples or the crown area where the pattern has been detected.
Since the hair follicles at the back of the scalp are generally permanent, they can be transplanted anywhere else on the scalp and the results will be permanent.
This is done only, considering the loss is entirely fostered by DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) or conditions like Androgenetic Alopecia.
Since most transplants take place only if one has existing hair on their scalp, it is important to note that they don't work for patients with widespread thinning, baldness, and patients with hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medications.
But when should you really go for the surgery? Is it too early to invest in it, or did you wait too long? You're 20. Are you old enough?
You're 50. Should you drop the plan as you're aging? You're 70. Are you too old? Chances are, you have constantly baffled your mind with these questions.
But your concern is understandable. Below are a few points that will help you come to a conclusion.
Although, technically age is no bar for Hair transplantation, the pros and cons of a transplant need to be carefully evaluated before taking a medical decision.
While in some cases, doctors may find the age of 20 and above 'too young' for a hair transplant surgery, a child suffering significant hair loss caused by accidents or injuries could be a medical requirement.
This way it's more about the 'pattern', 'rate', and 'cause' of hair loss through which the treatment option is determined. In other words, as long as a patient has a pattern that is not associated with any underlying health condition, they can have a transplant surgery at any age.
Now, this may be an overstatement as any experienced and ethical doctor would still consider the 20s too early, even when the minimum age limit for getting any type of cosmetic surgery is 18 years.
Experts suggest waiting, even if it is unpleasant for you at the moment. With the onset of the 30s or even late 20s, the pattern of loss can be evaluated rightly. When you're as young as 20, your hair loss may not have taken its real pace and hence its advancement is unpredictable.
Another major factor would be the 'loss pattern' establishing itself again. For example, implanting a low adolescent-style hairline may seem natural at the time, or even in the following years.
Unfortunately, hair loss is progressive and so it will make its way again making the previous hair or hairline, unfitting to the facial bone structure as they age.
This way one may have to go through the surgery again in order to maintain the lushness of hair. Hence making young patients who undergo surgery, are more likely to lose more hair and want surgeries afterward, fairly adding to their expenses.
However, this shouldn't stop you from surgery as long as you are aware of the outcome and are willing to invest in the ongoing process of surgery.
Moreover, Hair transplants are well-suited to individuals who still have hair on the back and sides of their heads, as the front and crown are mainly restored to match the orientation of the native hair follicles.
On that note, surgery is not advised for patients with widespread thinning, baldness, and patients with hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medications.
Now you probably expect that there are patients who are simply 'too old' for a transplant or that patients must reach an age where they simply don't go for it as it is no longer effective. This is not right as far as the eligibility is concerned.
Assuming the 'older' patient does not suffer from any health issues like diabetes, does not have a long history of poor health habits, and is not subject to widespread thinning, they should do just as well as a young patient.
Hair transplants are very minimally complicated and very well tolerated. Transplants are almost painless, very resilient, and tend to grow well in just about any environment.
Hence, based on the above, it can be determined whether a person is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery solely based on the severity of hair loss and medical urgency.
Therefore, and bearing in mind that this is a cosmetic procedure, there are no age restrictions; if you are in good health, and have a dense and strong donor area, you are rightly befitting, regardless of your age.
Still, confused about whether Hair Transplant Surgery: Is Age a Bar? Seek personal consultation from an experienced hair surgeon who will be able to provide you with options that are specific to you.
