There are so many hair loss restoration cures, treatments, and systems on the market today that it can be difficult for a discerning consumer to find out which ones work, which hair growth products are merely snake oils dressed in a modern-day package and of the ones that do work; what is most appropriate for them and their situation.
Hair transplantation surgery, like any other kind of surgical procedure, is a big step for most individuals. Most people are at least curious about the hundreds of other hair loss products on the market and want to know whether or not these cheaper products and systems can live up to their claims or not; before they invest thousands of dollars in a surgical hair transplant procedure.
To figure out if hair transplant surgery is right for you, it’s best to know what hair transplant surgery is not first. Before we move on to discussing hair transplantation surgery, we’ll take a few minutes to look at the other products on the market.
Propecia, also known as finasteride, bases its claim as a hair loss cure on the fact that it blocks the ability of the enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase to convert testosterone to DHT. It was first marketed as Proscar for the purpose of treating prostate problems and symptoms; as DHT is known to create problems in this area as well. In this regard, Propecia does have some merits to its claim as a hair loss cure; in as much as it may tend to slow down the hair loss process some.
To date, however, there has been no drug or prescription that has been proven to 100% stop the loss of hair. The hair loss will continue, even though it may have been briefly halted.
The drug minoxidil is frequently marketed as Rogaine. Surprisingly the drug first began its prescription use as a treatment for high blood pressure; however, it proved to be less than popular because of the number of side effects noted in users.
One of the side effects that frequently appeared was a growth of hair, usually in the facial region, referred to as hypertrichosis. As the drug was no longer popular as a treatment for high blood pressure, the advantages of the less than desirable side effect began to be marketed under a different name and thus Rogaine was born.
Rogaine is similar to Propecia in that it appears to delay the hair loss process. Again, however; no drugs have been proven to be able to completely stop the loss of hair. Besides the fact that drugs such as Rogain and Propecia are not 100% effective, studies indicate that they may very well need to be continuously used in order to be effective at all. Discontinuing the use of the drug will halt whatever small restorative benefits they may have contributed to the user.
Neither of these drugs appears to be effective in growing any hair in areas that had already become completely bald. In addition, both drugs appear to work best in the crown hair and do not appear to be effective at all in the frontal and temporal areas.
In recent years, a number of natural products containing various herbs and vitamins have been marketed for the purpose of reducing hair loss and even restoring lost hair in some cases. One of the most popular herbs used as an alternative to hair transplant surgery is Saw Palmetto. This natural product is derived from a palm-like plant native to the North American continent.
The extract used in natural and herbal remedies is taken directly from the berries produced by the plant. Saw Palmetto extract is reputed to provide many benefits, one of which is the ability of the fatty acids contained within the plan to inhibit the effects of testosterone. Since the effects of testosterone, particularly when converted to DHT, are believed to be responsible for both prostate problems and hair loss; this has proven to be a popular herbal remedy for both conditions. While Saw Palmetto extract continues to be aggressively marketed as a natural and safe cure for hair loss and hair restoration, there are no scientific results to prove the validity of this hair transplantation alternative.
Hair systems is the phrase commonly used to refer to a wig, hairpiece, toupee, or the less appealing term of a rug. There are a number of ways of obtaining hair systems. The most prominent, probably because they are cheaper, are basically purchased off the rack, so to speak. This means that the hair system is mass-produced, rather than being custom-made for the individual wearer. This can present a number of problems.
Hair systems that are not custom-made tend to be of poorer quality; resulting in a lower price. Individuals who can afford the high dollar price tag of a custom-made hair system will soon discover that creating such a piece requires quite a bit of time and several fittings. The cost of hair systems can vary.
In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular for many people to seek a hair weave as a solution for thinning or balding hair. The problem with this process is that it requires constant maintenance, which continues to increase the price of upkeep every time the user has to return to have a new weave done. While hair transplants are expensive, costs are actually cheaper in the long fun than hair loss treatments that require constant maintenance.
Hair Transplant Surgery is the best option for permanent hair regrowth. Hair tranplantation has evolved a long way from the hair plugs popular in the 1970’s. Modern hair transplant surgery uses micro-grafts or follicular unit transplantation to achieve a more natural look. Micro-grafts are much smaller than the large hair grafts used 30 years ago, and can mimic natural hair growth almost flawlessly.
Micro-grafts use follicular units of hair comprised of microscopic groups of 2-4 hairs. Hair transplant surgeons, doctors, and clinics use intense magnification and the latest tools to keep the integrity of follicular units intact, thus preserving natural looking hair. By maintaining the composition of follicular units, hair transplant surgeons can imitate the way hair grows in real life and restore the hair in bald or balding regions. The best hair transplant surgery keeps three things in mind: achieve maximum hair growth, replicate natural hair growth patterns, and minimize trauma to the scalp. Hair transplant recovery is minimum, usually within 72 hours, some can even return to work the next day.
By using micro-grafts, hair transplant surgeons can make hair virtually indistinguishable even from a hair salon. When hair transplant surgery is successful the results are just as good as natural hair growth, this is living hair that you can style the same way you would before hair loss occurred.
Before we discuss what a hair transplant is, let’s take a look at:
Now that we know what a hair transplant is not, let’s review a basic hair transplant procedure.
A hair transplant is the transference of hair grafts from a donor region to another region affected by normal male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.
This is done by removing a strip of hair-bearing scalp from the back or sides of the head where hair growth is permanent and not affected by Dihydrotestosterone. (The most common donor area is from the back instead of the sides).
This strip of hair-bearing scalp can vary greatly in size but as just an example: can measure 1-2 cm wide and 10 or more cm long. After it is removed, the doctor will suture this donor area back together. These stitches will need to be removed in approximately 7 days.
A doctor or medical staff member then divides (with a surgical tool under a microscope or microscope-like “goggles”) the hair-bearing scalp into grafts. These grafts can vary in size but include: follicular (most common) micro, mini, and sometimes even maxi size grafts.
Once divided into grafts, a doctor or staff member will prepare the recipient area of your hair loss-affected region for graft implantation. Tiny incisions are made with a surgical instrument in the recipient area which is where your scalp will “receive” the grafts.
Often, a hair transplant team will work together – one making the recipient incision while the other implants the new graft.
Once your procedure is finished, your doctor will advise you on how to care for your newly implanted grafts over the next few days. Keep in mind, in all cases of hair transplantation, the newly inserted grafts will “scab” as they heal and fall out in 7 to 21 days.
Yes, the newly implanted hair will fall out.
However, do not worry for in about 3-6 and sometimes up to 12 months later, new and permanent hair will grow in its place.
Is the procedure painful?
Most hair transplant procedures are performed in a doctor’s office under simple anesthesia. The only time patients might feel pain or discomfort is when the local anesthesia is administered in the donor area (to remove the donor scalp) and the recipient area where the new grafts are implanted.
How come the newly implanted grafts aren’t affected by normal hair loss?
Have you ever looked closely at a man with severe hair loss? He still retains hair on the back (below the crown) and sides of his head. The hair follicles in this region are resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As the new grafts from this DHT-resistant donor area are implanted, they retain their resistance to DHT.
Can I use Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil) in addition to hair transplants?
Yes. In fact, many doctors suggest using a combination of hair transplants and either one to help combat hair loss.
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