Hair transplant surgery is usually the last option in a long line of treatments for male hair loss. Men will typically try medications, lasers, and other methods before finally turning to surgery. If you are considering this option, then you are likely looking for a permanent solution to your receding hairline. Here we will discuss all you need to know about the transplantation procedure.
The major benefit of hair transplant surgery is that the results are much more permanent than any other treatment available. Medications can be effective for a few years, but typically the results do not last for the rest of your life. A transplant, on the other hand, uses hair that is resistant to balding, and therefore can last for a very long time. For most patients, the majority of the transplanted hair will stay there for life.
A hair transplant surgery basically takes hair from the back and side of your head, and moves it onto the top. These hairs are genetically resistant to the balding process, and therefore will not disappear like the hairs before them. The hairs are harvested from the donor area and then implanted into tiny little slits in the scalp. If done properly, a very large percentage of these hairs will survive. At first these implanted hairs will usually fall out, but after about six months the hairs will grow back and you will notice a much fuller head of hair.
There are two main techniques for hair transplants that are used today. One method is to cut a strip of hair from the back of the head and then harvest the individual follicles out of it. The other method uses a punch to harvest the follicles directly out of the scalp. The method of choice depends on the patient and their needs, but both are highly effective ways to transplant hair. You will obviously need to talk to your doctor about which technique is right for you.
Recovery times after a hair transplant surgery can vary. The strip method usually requires a longer healing time due to the size of the wound. It may take a couple of weeks for the head to heal up to the point that you can resume your normal daily activities. The extraction method is less invasive and you can typically go back to work the next day.
The costs for the surgery will depend on where you have your surgery done, and who does it. It is typically more expensive to have the work done in North America as opposed to Asia. The important thing to remember is that quality is more important than price. You are going to be living with the results for the rest of your life, so make sure you choose the right doctor.
Choosing to have surgery done is a huge step, and doing some research will definitely help to put your mind at ease. Now that you know more about the process, you will be able to make a good decision about where and when to have your procedure done. A successful hair transplant surgery will allow you to regain your confidence, and feel good about your hair again.