Norwood 7 Hair Loss and Hair Transplant Surgery

Norwood 7 hair loss is the most advanced stage of hair loss with balding extending from the hairline to the crown. Patients who have suffered from this level of hair loss may be able to undergo surgery if their donor hair capacity is high and they are willing to explore a multiple stage process to restoring their hair with surgery. In this article we aim to explore this advanced stage of hair loss and how surgery can help restore hair.

Norwood 7 Hair Loss

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 this advanced stage of 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 an experienced hair transplant surgeon will help to determine your eligibility.

Norwood 7 Hair Transplant Considerations

As part of your consultation, your Surgeon will calculate how many grafts can be transplanted from your donor area to the areas of baldness. This will require careful assessment of:

1. The total number of grafts you have
2. How many grafts can be safely transplanted without risking over-harvesting of the donor area
3. How many grafts are required for your transplant in the context of your hair calibre, texture and skin/ hair colour
4. How hair transplant surgery can be safely carried out to ensure maximal graft survival

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

• Your overall health
• Any medications you are taking, patients who are taking blood thinning medication may not be eligible for surgery
• Underlying medical conditions

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

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. You will need to discuss how you wish to style and cut your hair after surgery to ensure this method of surgery doesn’t restrict your hair styling preferences.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit excision 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). 

Combination FUE + FUT surgery for Norwood 7 hair loss

For patients who are extensive areas of hair loss and would like to undergo surgery in a specific calendar, undergoing a consecutive day surgery with FUT performed on the first day and FUE performed on the second day can help achieve results quicker. The reason for this is that this type of surgery will maximise the number of grafts transplanted without having to undergo another hair shave if the second surgery was delayed to another time.

Consecutive day FUE surgery for Norwood 7 hair loss

For patients who would like to cut their hair short across the back sides, undergoing an FUT procedure may not be the best option as the scar that is left will be visible. In such circumstances, undergoing an FUE hair transplant is advisable but over 2 consecutive days. The first day will aim to achieve coverage in the hairline and the second day will aim to achieve coverage in the crown. Splitting surgery over 2 days allows for a safe number of grafts to be transplant without compromising their survival. Patients who choose to undergo this type of surgery may well need a 3rd surgery later to help give more density. It is important to note that careful donor analysis is required to ensure surgery is safe and achievable. This will be discussed in your in person consultation with your Surgeon.

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 

The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. On average, in the UK, the cost of 1 session of hair transplant surgery can range from £4,000 to £10,000 or more. If you have Norwood 7 hair loss, you may require 2 sessions or more of surgery so the costs of the procedure would likely range between £10,000-£20,000. 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 11 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.

Norwood 7 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