The British-American model and actor Calum Best made the news recently when he announced that he’d just had his sixth hair transplant. It’s natural to assume when one hears of someone needing a second or third hair transplant (never mind a sixth!) that something has gone wrong. That’s not always the case, however. Best explained his unusually high number of procedures by mentioning his ‘very aggressive hair-loss gene.’ While all the hair he’s had transplanted over the years continues to grow, he has lost more hair from other parts of his head. He has, therefore, required several ‘top-up transplants.’ To fully understand why this happens, we need to look at the nature of male hair loss.
That’s what this article is going to do. Keep scrolling!
Multiple Hair Transplants
Hair loss can have a significant impact on a man’s self-esteem and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and even depression. However, with the advancement of medical technology, hair transplant procedures have become increasingly popular, and many men have found success in restoring their hairline and improving their overall appearance.
Calum Best is an example of this. Now forty-two years old, he started losing his hair in his early twenties and had his first transplant about ten years later. As mentioned above, he’s had five more since then.
Best is not on his own when it comes to multiple hair transplants. Other male celebrities have walked that same path. Former England footballer Wayne Rooney has undergone multiple hair transplant procedures to combat his hair loss, while actor Jimmy Nesbitt is another who has spoken openly about his various hair transplants.
No Regrets
Let’s be clear about one thing. None of these men regrets having gone down the hair transplant route. Best is sure that his treatment has been good for him professionally, while Jimmy Nesbitt credits his hair surgery with giving him access to a wider selection of acting roles. They look upon the need for additional treatments almost as part and parcel of the hair transplant process. But are multiple transplants really that common?
While a hair transplant can be a game-changer for those experiencing hair loss, it is essential to understand that the procedure is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the severity of hair loss, the quality of the donor hair, and other factors, some men may require more than one hair transplant procedure to achieve the desired results.
Male Pattern Baldness
One reason for this is the progressive nature of male pattern baldness (MPB). MPB is a genetic condition that affects up to 70% of men and is characterised by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the top of the head.
Hair transplant procedures involve taking hair follicles from the back or sides of the head and transplanting them to the balding areas. However, as the balding areas continue to expand over time, a man may require additional hair transplant procedures to maintain a full head of hair. If, like Calum Best, you have a particularly aggressive case of MBP, you may need more treatment further down the line.
That’s one reason why reputable clinics will sometimes advise younger clients who want a hair transplant to wait a year or two. Surgeons will want to see the pattern and pace of the client’s hair loss before deciding if hair surgery is the most suitable treatment option.
Procedures
Another reason why men may require multiple hair transplant procedures is due to the nature of the procedure. There is a limit to the number of hair follicles that can be transplanted in a single procedure, both for safety and aesthetic reasons. Clients may therefore have their treatment done in two or three separate operations with months in between to allow time for the scalp to recover.
Things are improving on this front, however. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) published a survey of its members in 2022 showing that the number of procedures required for a successful transplant had been dramatically reduced from an average of over three to just one.
End Note
While hair surgery is an effective solution for hair loss, some men may require more than one transplant in a lifetime due to the progressive nature of male pattern baldness. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is vital that you seek the advice of a qualified medical professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. With the right treatment plan, you can restore your confidence and improve your overall quality of life.
If you’re not sure where to turn for advice on your hair loss, Vinci Hair Clinic is a good place to start. We’re one of the world’s leading hair restoration outfits, with a network of clinics around the globe. We provide every new client with a free, no-obligation consultation, in person or using photographs over the phone. Get in touch today and schedule an appointment!
