Can you have a successful hair transplant with a Norwood 7 stage hair loss?

Losing your hair can be tough, and you may feel that once you have reached a significant loss you won’t ever be able to get it back. But there are options available that could potentially restore your hair. 

There are different stages of hair loss with male pattern baldness, which can be measured using the Hamilton-Norwood Scale. The scale identifies seven stages of hair loss, ranging from no visible hair loss (stage 1) to complete baldness (stage 7). The scale is used by doctors to assess the degree of hair loss and to determine the best course of treatment for patients.

Norwood 7 hair loss is the most advanced stage — characterised by complete baldness on the top of the head and front hairline, leaving only a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides and back of the head.

This severity of hair loss can have a significant impact on your confidence. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame and even social anxiety, particularly when meeting new people. Some men may experience depression and low self-esteem as a result of their hair loss. 

Norwood 7 hair loss is an extensive level of hair loss for patients. For many, surgery might not be suitable but for some with a healthy amount of hair on the back and sides of the scalp, surgery can be a viable hair restoration procedure. I always go through how much is possible with my patients as having such extensive hair loss limits the possible outcomes surgery can achieve.

Dr Dilan Fernando, Hair Transplant Surgeon

However, hair transplant surgery can be a viable option for those looking to restore their hair who are Norwood 7. This will be dependent on the following factors: 

• The available hair in the donor region
• The expectations from surgery and whether only a certain area needs to be covered (frontal hairline or crown)
• The expectations for how thick a result is desired (from thin coverage to thick coverage)

Eligibility criteria for hair transplant surgery in Norwood 7 patients

The eligibility for hair transplant surgery depends on several factors, including the severity and extent of hair loss, the amount of donor hair available, your overall health and your expectations of the procedure. 

Generally, if you have Norwood 7 hair loss, you might still be eligible for hair transplant surgery, although the extent and success of the procedure will vary. A consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon will help to determine your eligibility.

Before undergoing hair transplant surgery, it is important to consider any medical factors that may impact the procedure’s success. These can include:

• Your overall health
• Any medications you are taking
• Underlying medical conditions
• Allergies

Additionally, men who have undergone previous surgeries or have certain scalp conditions may have limited eligibility for hair transplant surgery.

There is a psychological impact of hair loss, so a hair transplant can be life-changing. However, you must have realistic expectations and understand the risks and limitations of the procedure. 

Different techniques for hair transplant surgery

There are different types of hair transplants that can all have varying degrees of success for Norwood 7 hair loss. 

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

Follicular unit transplantation is a hair transplant technique that involves removing a strip of your scalp from the back of the head and dividing it into individual hair grafts. These grafts are then transplanted to the balding areas of the scalp. 

FUT can be an effective procedure for individuals with Norwood 7 hair loss, as it allows for a larger number of hair grafts to be transplanted in a single session. However, it does leave a linear scar at the donor site, which may be visible if your hair is cut short.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit extraction is another hair transplant technique that involves harvesting individual hair grafts from the donor site. The grafts are then transplanted to the balding areas of the scalp. 

FUE does not leave a visible linear scar, and the recovery time is typically faster than with FUT. However, because the grafts are harvested individually, FUE may be more time-consuming and may result in a smaller number of hair grafts being transplanted in a single session.

For this reason if you have a Norwood 7 level of hair loss and want to undergo FUE hair transplant surgery you will likely require a number of sessions of surgery to achieve a result that gives coverage across the scalp. This will also be dependent on the health of the hair on the back and sides of the scalp (donor area). 

What are the costs involved in hair transplant surgery for Norwood 7?

The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary depending on several factors including:

• The hair transplant technique used
• The extent of hair loss
• The number of hair grafts required
• The location of the hair transplant clinic 
• The experience of the surgeon performing the procedure 

Additional procedures or treatments may be required, such as Finasteride , which can add to the overall cost.

The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. On average, in the UK, the cost of hair transplant surgery can range from £4,000 to £10,000 or more. Clinics often offer services that include a certain number of hair grafts, medications and post-operative care.

If you are unable to pay for your hair transplant surgery upfront, some clinics offer financing options, such as monthly payment plans or medical loans. It is important to consider the interest rates and terms of these financing options carefully, as they may result in additional costs over time. 

At The Treatment Rooms London, we offer financing options. Instead of paying upfront, you can spread the cost over 12 months.

Recovery process and timeline for Norwood 7 patients

After hair transplant surgery, you will experience some discomfort, swelling and redness in your scalp area. Your scalp may also be tender and itchy. 

It is important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.

Below are some tips for a successful recovery: 

• Take care of your scalp – avoid scratching or rubbing your scalp after the procedure. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for when to start washing your hair. Use a gentle shampoo and avoid any hair products that could irritate your scalp 
• Avoid strenuous activity – avoid any activities like exercise that may cause sweating or strain on the scalp for 2 weeks after the procedure. 
• Get enough rest – resting and avoiding stress can help promote healing and hair growth.
• Follow a healthy diet – eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote hair growth and overall health.
• Be patient – hair transplant surgery is a process that takes time. Be patient and follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully for the best possible results.

Hair transplant recovery timeline

The recovery timeline for hair transplant surgery can vary from person to person and the technique used can impact it too. It typically takes between 10 and 14 days for you to recover from the procedure. During this time you need to take good care of yourself and your new grafts. 

Generally, you can expect to see some new hair growth within 5 months after the procedure, but it may take up to a year or more to see the full results. This is because your hair only grows about half an inch per month, so it can take a while to see noticeable changes to the length of your hair.

For more information about the recovery period, please read our in-depth guide on the recovery timeline for hair transplant surgery.

Book a consultation with The Treatment Rooms London

If you’re experiencing hair loss at a 7 on the Norwood scale, reach out to us at The Treatment Rooms London. Our expert team of hair specialists will be able to create a tailored treatment for you that helps to restore your hair. 

Book a consultation today and begin your hair growth journey.

Sources

• https://www.healthline.com/health/norwood-scale 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/ 
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/hair-transplant/ 
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-transplants 

https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-transplant