Hair Transplant Procedures: To Tell or Not to Tell?

If you’re considering a transplant procedure, it’s normal to wonder how others might react to your new look. What might friends, family or co-workers say? Would they say anything? Would they notice? What if they notice but don’t say anything for fear of offending you?

These are normal questions. Every patient we’ve consulted at Limmer HTC has thought about such issues. Just as with other cosmetic procedures like liposuction or face lifts, you might wonder: If I have a procedure, should I be open about it and tell people? Or should I keep it secret? Maybe I should only tell certain people, while keeping my procedure private with others?

There Were No Secrets Among Early Hair Transplant Patients

As we previously mentioned on the hair blog, the early decades of hair transplantation yielded unnatural results. Early hair transplants produced the “hair-plug,” which resembled doll hair.

In those days, most patients didn’t have a choice in regards to telling; results were so artificial-looking that transplants were difficult—if not impossible—to hide. The fact that modern patients can consider not telling owes to dramatic advances pioneered by Dr. B.L. Limmer himself.

Why Would I Want to Keep My Hair Transplant Private?

Societal Expectations & Norms Regarding Hair Transplants

Some view hair transplantation as a needless vanity. Others consider male pattern baldness a normal part of life. Many people joke about the problem at the expense of those with hair loss. Female hair loss is viewed a little differently, but hair restoration for women is still considered 100% cosmetic. Insurance policies validate these attitudes—or help create them—by refusing to cover many basic evaluations and treatments for hair loss.

Hair Transplants Are Inherently Personal & Private

Keeping a hair transplant secret then, is largely a matter of personal choice. Many patients fear that being open will cause people to view them in a less-favorable light. Other patients, regardless of how they think other people might react, simply view a hair transplant as nobody’s business.

At Limmer, we understand these concerns, and we deeply respect your privacy. The fact that patients require 12-14 months to reap the full benefits of a hair transplant aids in maintaining your secret. Your regrowth will be gradual and thus, not immediately obvious.

Why Might I Want to Tell People About My Hair Transplant?

Modern Hair Transplants Exist in a Smarter, More Accepting World

In many ways, society is far different now compared to the early decades of hair transplantation. We live in a far-more transparent world—a far-more educated world, too. For example, at one time, frank discussion of colo-rectal cancer was taboo, greatly impeding awareness, prevention, and survival of this deadly disease. Media coverage of Ronald Reagan’s battle with colon cancer in 1985 helped initiate a national conversation around the problem, leading to changes in public attitudes that endure to this day.

Our society is obsessed with youth and vitality, too, making it more acceptable for men to “have a little work done.” According to Fox News Health, in 2016, surgeons performed some 45,000 male liposuctions, 31,000 male breast reductions, 28,000 male eyelid procedures, 16,200 male nose surgeries, and 450,000 male Botox injections. Cosmetic surgery has become mainstream for both men and women. Hair transplantation is no exception. The fact that Limmer hair transplants look completely natural doesn’t hurt.

Modern Hair Transplants Speak for Themselves

Many people in your life may notice something different about your look without realizing it’s due to a hair transplant. Even if you choose not to tell, you’ll likely begin to hear certain, recurring questions as your hair grows in, including, “Did you get a haircut?”or “Did you lose weight?” People may notice that you look better or younger, but may not be able to pinpoint the precise transformation.

A Hair Transplant Truth Can Set You Free

For some patients, admitting a transplant can be therapeutic, allowing them to release the weight of unnecessary secrets. Telling can help increase your self-confidence, while decreasing your uncertainties about the procedure and your anxiety over the social stigma. Far too often, the anxiety over such matters proves far worse than the reality.

Inspiring Others Through Your Choice to Tell

Additionally, there are many men suffering from male pattern baldness. In fact, some two-thirds of American men suffer noticeable hair loss by age 35. That number jumps to 85% among men aged 50. Statistically speaking, nearly all the men to whom you reveal your “secret” will likely have concerns about their own hair loss. Openly discussing your transplant may inspire them to do something about their own male pattern baldness, while reducing the social stigma of hair restoration.

The Limmer HTC: Hair Transplant Results that Speak Volumes

Whether you decide to keep your hair transplant private or to tell the world, Limmer HTC will create a personalized restoration plan where the natural-looking results speak for themselves. We’ve helped thousands of clients achieve a new outlook on life through a fuller head of hair. We can help you too. To schedule your consultation, contact Limmer Hair Transplant Clinic today.