Can you reverse a bad hair transplant?

Author: Zackary Kreiger  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Fortunately, patients can quickly fix bad hair transplant results with modern techniques. Providers are able to extract the previously placed grafts and replant them. During this procedure, the doctor will remove the follicles and any cysts if they are present.

Is it possible to reverse a hair transplant?

In some cases it may be possible to for your previously transplanted hair grafts to be removed and placed in a different area, to correct or rectify the mistakes. We do not often recommend this option however as it can lead to a less natural-looking hairline and further scaring.

What to do if you are not happy with hair transplant results?

You should contact the clinic where you had your hair transplant as soon as possible if you have severe pain or any unexpected symptoms. If you're not happy with the results, or you think the procedure was not carried out properly, speak with the surgeon who treated you.

What to do if a hair transplant fails?

There are certain ways to repair a failed hair transplant:
  1. Body hair can be used to rescue patients with a depleted donor area.
  2. FUT scarring on the back of the scalp can be concealed with the aid of scalp revision or scalp micro-pigmentation.
  3. Extraction of the extra hair from the FTA and temple.

How to fix an unnatural hair transplant?

Some techniques involve first removing completely or partially some of the unnatural grafts. After that, depending on donor availability and the plan, more grafting may be done to increase density in various areas that need it or to help camouflage other areas.

How to repair a bad hair transplant?

Can you fix a botched hair transplant?

Fortunately, patients can quickly fix bad hair transplant results with modern techniques. Providers are able to extract the previously placed grafts and replant them. During this procedure, the doctor will remove the follicles and any cysts if they are present.

What is an example of a bad hair transplant?

What is considered a bad hair transplant? A hair transplant is considered bad if the results are not satisfactory or do not meet the expectations of the patient. This can include an unnatural hairline, patchy or irregular hair growth, an uneven hairline, and a visible scar.

What does a failed hair transplant look like?

Signs of failure include poor hair growth, resulting in sparse or patchy areas, and an unnatural-looking hairline, which may appear too straight or asymmetrical. Excessive scarring, infections, and prolonged inflammation are other indicators of a failed transplant.

Can you sue for a failed hair transplant?

Can you sue for a failed hair transplant? You can sue the clinic you've had your hair transplant in if you believe and can prove that there was negligence and medical malpractice on the clinic's or physician's end.

Why do some hair transplants look bad?

Hair transplants can go wrong if the surgeon isn't skilled, the techniques aren't right, the donor's hair isn't enough, the aftercare isn't good, or there are problems like infection or graft rejection. If you know what to look for after a bad hair transplant, you can save the damage and get better faster.

How common are failed hair transplants?

The chances of a hair transplant failing are around 43%, according to an ISHRS study. This study, however, analyses failure based on the patient's satisfaction and whether hair transplant patients get their expected results.

Can you laser off a hair transplant?

This presents another possible hair transplant reversal method, as you can use laser hair removal to stop hair growth from the transplanted follicles. However, once your transplanted hair has been lasered, it will not grow back. In addition to this, your hair transplant scars will be more visible.

Is it normal to be still thin after 8 months hair transplant?

It is common for hair to appear thin 8 months post-transplant. Full growth usually takes 12-18 months, so patience is vital. What should I do if my hair is still thin after 8 months? Consult a specialist to assess progress and rule out any underlying issues.

What if I am unhappy with hair transplant?

For some men, a hair transplant might result in an asymmetrical hairline, a noticeably still-too-thin area, or results that appear less natural than anticipated. Some men also experience temporary effects like swelling or bruising, and some may have allergic reactions to the products used.

What are the options after failed hair transplant?

A failed hair transplant can be disheartening, but it doesn't have to be permanent. With advancements in hair restoration techniques, options like revision surgery, PRP therapy, and scar camouflage can restore confidence and achieve natural-looking results.

Can you pull out transplanted hair?

Can You Remove Unwanted Hair From A Hair Transplant? The good news is that if you have received a hair transplant that is unsatisfactory, it is possible to remove those hairs and place them in a different area.

Do people regret hair transplants?

In other cases, too much hair is transplanted or at the wrong angle, creating an unnatural result. This often results in regret as a result. A good consultation from a knowledgeable doctor with a lot of experience can prevent this kind of unpleasant experience.

Can hair transplant be undone?

Is it possible to remove the transplanted hair? If you are unhappy with your FUE hair transplant outcome, there is some good news about reversing the procedure. To fix or rectify the errors of your previous surgeon, your transplanted hair grafts may be removed and replaced in another region.

Can you pay off a hair transplant?

Payment Plans

While your actual monthly payments will vary based on the lender, the amount financed, your credit score, and your individual payment terms, most patients end up paying between $70–$300 per month. Depending on the amount you finance, you may be eligible for 24- 36- 48- or 60-month payment terms.

Can you fix a bad hair transplant?

Poor follicle quality repair

If a poorly performed procedure results in insufficient hair follicle quality, these can be removed and replaced with new grafts taken from a donor area. This is also performed using the FUE procedure to extract poorly implanted follicles.

What are the red flags for hair transplant?

Hair Transplant Clinic Red Flags to Avoid

No clear information about the doctor performing the surgery. Clinics highlighting staff or results but not the doctor's experience. Doctor listed in name only, with little involvement in procedures. Clinics that let unlicensed technicians perform the procedure.

Can you reverse a hair transplant?

You are able to reverse and rectify a hair transplant procedure that's gone wrong, so long as you see a surgeon with experience in reversing hair transplants, such as the Surgeons at Treatment Rooms London.

What percentage of hair transplants go wrong?

Hair transplants have a 97% and above success rate

Hair transplant success rates are 97% and above in the overall market. For Wimpole Clinic, our success rates are between 97% and 100%.

Can stress ruin a hair transplant?

There is no direct impact of stress on the result of Hair Transplant as in this procedure hair follicles are transplanted from one area of the scalp to the other.

How do you know if your hair transplant is bad?

What are the key signs of a failing hair transplant?
  1. Hard, painful swelling on the affected area that lasts for a long time.
  2. Bleeding and a yellowish leakage that does not alleviate.
  3. An over-harvested donor area with a cobblestone appearance.
  4. Donor scarring situated too high and/or outside the safe area.

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