Hair transplant surgery allows bald men to replace the hair that Father Time has taken away. However, it’s not simple or cheap.
The best way to determine if it’s right for you is to talk with a dermatologist about your hair loss history. They can give you more personalized information. Here are some hair transplant reviews.
What Causes Hair Loss?
A typical person loses about 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. In most cases, new hair grows to replace the lost strands. However, when this doesn’t happen, you may begin to notice a receding hairline and bald spots. Hair loss and thinning affect millions of people worldwide. It can happen to men and women at any age, though it tends to occur earlier in men. Hereditary baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia or male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, is the most common cause of thinning hair and baldness.
Other causes include stress, certain medications, thyroid disease or anemia, and radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Trichotillomania, a mental health condition that causes compulsive pulling and bending of the hair, can lead to permanent hair loss. Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that can cause bald patches that are itchy and scaly. When you see your doctor, they’ll probably perform a physical exam and ask about your diet, medications, family history, hairdressing habits, and other factors that might be contributing to your thinning or baldness. They may also order blood tests to check for conditions like thyroid disease and low iron.
Treatments
Hair transplants have come a long way since the days of poorly fitting toupees. They are minimally invasive and can offer you renewed confidence in your appearance.
They usually start with a doctor numbing your scalp with a local anesthetic. They will then remove follicles from a dense area of your head, typically the back of your scalp, which is called your donor site. They will then separate these follicles into tiny units that contain one or more hairs, which the surgeon will then implant into the areas of your scalp with thin or thinning hair.
This surgery is often successful, although it can take up to nine months for the new hair to grow. You should also expect some shedding of the transplanted hairs, which is normal. However, a good doctor will give you realistic expectations about the results. They can even recommend platelet-rich plasma to encourage more growth from the transplanted hairs. They can also prescribe medications to help manage any pain or swelling after surgery.
Cost
While cost is one of the most prominent considerations when it comes to hair transplants, the price tag should not be your primary factor. The most important factor is choosing a clinic that has the experience and results you’re looking for. Many hair loss specialists offer services that go above and beyond for their patients. For example, they may provide a travel package with a hotel stay if you’re traveling to have your procedure performed.
Additionally, some providers offer payment plans that make it easier to pay for treatments that aren’t covered by insurance. This is an important consideration because hair restoration surgeries are considered cosmetic and are therefore not reimbursed by most health insurance policies.
Preparation
Your hair transplant surgeon will provide detailed instructions for your preparation, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Following these instructions carefully will help your surgery go more smoothly and improve your recovery time.
In FUT, a strip of skin with hair follicles is removed from the back of the head, and individual grafts are transferred to the bald or thinning areas of the scalp. Skilled surgeons create an undetectable scar in the donor site, so that it blends seamlessly with your existing hair.
It’s important to attend all of your pre-treatment appointments, as they offer an opportunity for thorough evaluations of your health and scalp condition while fostering open communication with your surgical team. Additionally, it’s a good idea to start massaging your scalp 10-30 minutes each day in the weeks leading up to treatment, as this promotes blood flow and can aid in the healing process.
Surgery
During the hair transplant procedure, your surgeon sterilizes the area where they will be working and then numbs it. Then, they remove a strip of skin with healthy hairs from the back of your scalp and separate it into smaller pieces. They then use a needle or a blade to create holes in the part of your scalp that is bald or thinning, so they can place grafts there.
The grafts appear as small scars, and they usually heal within a month. After a few months, the new follicles grow new hairs. Your doctor might recommend platelet-rich plasma treatment to promote this growth.
Your surgeon should explain that a transplant is not a permanent solution to baldness and that you might require multiple sessions to get the results you desire. In addition, they should discuss the cost and insurance coverage. Because hair transplants are considered cosmetic surgery, they are usually not covered by health insurance.
Recovery
Your surgeon will wrap your scalp in gauze or bandages for a few days following the surgery. Some transplanted hair will fall out 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, but it will make way for new growth. Your surgeon may recommend medications to improve regrowth or slow future hair loss, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia).
Around days two and three, you’ll notice tiny dry crusts forming around the transplanted hair follicles. This is normal and a sign that the grafts are healing well.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding how to wash and care for your hair so that you don’t disturb the grafts. You should also avoid any rubbing, scratching or excessive physical activity. In addition, prioritize getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet to support your recovery.
Results
The results of a hair transplant are dramatic and long-lasting. It’s no wonder that so many male celebrities – from Lebron James to David Beckham and Elon Musk – are on Team Hair Transplant. The procedure looks completely natural and can reverse the effects of baldness or thinning hair.
Following the surgery, it’s important to take care of your scalp to avoid swelling and itching. Using gentle shampoos and avoiding products that are too abrasive or irritating can help you achieve optimal transplant results. It’s also important to manage your stress levels and eat a healthy diet.
After a transplant, it takes a few months for your new hairs to grow in. This is why it’s essential to stick to your surgeon’s aftercare advice. Taking medications and supplements that promote hair growth can also speed up the process. It may take a year or more before your transplanted hair reaches its full potential, but it’s worth it in the end to have a full head of natural-looking hair.