Hair Surgery
Hair surgery is one option many people can use to effectively replace lost or thinning hair. This treatment may give a more natural appearance than a wig and can be beneficial to both men and women.
There are several different types of hair surgery available, but have such an operation is not without risk. Two of the most common risks involved are infections and shock loss. Shock loss is when much of the transplanted hair is lost quickly, leading patients to think the surgery didn’t work. But hair shock is very common and the transplanted hair almost always grows back. Another risk is that the regrowing hair may not present the appearance people wanted (or had hoped for). Some people experience inflammation, especially right after the surgery.
For the procedures, patient is put under anesthesia and the surgeon takes functioning follicles from the back or sides of the scalp and transplants them to the bald parts of the head. A three inch strip is removed from the scalp and the scalp. This strip is then separated into many tiny grafts, each containing a hair follicle. The surgeon creates holes in the area where the hair will be transplanted and then places the grafts into the holes.
A newer technique in transplanting hair is the FUE (follicular unit extraction) method. This method is less aggressive than traditional techniques for hair surgery. A punch is used to remove hair. The FUT (follicular unit transplant) method is the traditional option that has been in use longer. This FUT method is also sometimes referred to as the STRIP method.
Both methods are effective. In general, keeping hair follicles together will give hair will a better appearance. The circulation of blood keeps the follicles functioning and the transplanted follicles usually respond well because they are known to the body. The procedure for either method may take up to eight hours and cost up to $15,000. Factors in the cost are the amount of coverage needed, the type of baldness, and how extensive the air loss is.
Hair surgery is a good option for many men with thinning hair because the hair used actually comes from the individual. Men who do not appear to be going completely bald are more likely to benefit from this treatment.
There are not as many women who would benefit from hair surgery because most women, even women with thinning hair, tend to keep their frontal hair. Hair thinning in women tends to be all over the scalp, making it hard for both hair donation and coverage. Women who would benefit from this procedure include women who have lost hair because of burns, women who have had plastic surgery that has caused hair loss, and women who have lost hair because of traction alopecia.
People typically see significant improvements in hair growth from six to nine months after the treatment. After completing the surgery, most patients can return to normal activities after two to five days. It’s important to remember that even after this treatment, additional hair loss can occur. Hair is replaced, but the process of losing hair is not stopped. Many patient often opt for additional procedures as hair loss continues.
Many men who have a continuous pattern of thinning hair would benefit from hair replacement surgery. This is also a good option for people of any gender how have lost hair due to accident or illness. For anyone who feels their situation meets the right conditions, and has an understanding of the costs involved, this treatment is definitely an option to consider.