As they grow older, many men and women start to bald or notice a receding hairline. Both can be a cause of concern for people who long to have youthful looking hair. A hair transplant is a popular procedure for those interested in improving thinning or balding parts of the scalp.
Many assume a hair transplant leads to the creation of new hair. Rather, the procedure simply moves hair from one part of the head to another. Since the newly-moved hair is healthy, the treated part of the head will grow normally.
The best candidates for a hair transplant are people who are over the age of 25 and suffer from some sort of baldness. For men, this usually occurs on the top and front of the head. Women usually experience baldness at the part.
Patients who are interested in improving their existing hairline are sometimes put off by a hair transplant. They might instead opt for topical treatments, like Rogaine, to try and stimulate growth on the scalp.
These treatments might seem appealing since they can be minimally invasive and cost less. They are not a permanent solution to hair loss. A hair transplant is the only way to permanently say goodbye to balding.
Keep reading for several advantages a hair transplant gives over more temporary treatments.
Provides A Natural Look
Plastic surgeons who carry out hair transplants work diligently to graft hair so treated areas maintain a natural look and fit well into a normal-looking hairline. Surgeons usually perform either a follicular unit transplant (FUT) or a follicular unit extraction (FUE).
A FUT moves a strip of skin from the back of the head and reallocates the hair to the targeted area. The procedure results in a natural look since the plastic surgeon precisely closes the incision.
For a FUE, individual follicles are extracted and planted in a new area. Effects of the procedure are barely noticeable, aside from small tiny dots on the back of the scalp. Both procedures lead to a natural looking head of hair that is even and aesthetically pleasing.
In contrast, the use of topical regrowth treatments can lead to uneven or spotty hair growth that can be hard to groom.
Low Maintenance & Cost Effective
After the initial hair transplant, very little maintenance is needed. Since the transplanted hair is just from another part of your scalp, you will not have to buy and use any sort of special chemicals or shampoos to try and maintain hair density.
Many temporary treatments require a regimen of topical application and careful aftercare to make sure hair does not fall out and grows with an even appearance.
Additionally, a hair transplant is a one-time procedure. There is no money to spend on additional trips to a plastic surgeon. A variety of other temporary balding remedies cost more in the long run because the restoration process is longer.
Temporary Treatments Come With Side Effects
Many topical hair regrowth creams and oral medication come with side effects. Rogaine (Minoxidil) often leads to scalp irritation and can result in facial hair growth for women. Treatment must be carried out on a continual basis as hair loss will restart if the medication is not being applied.
Some men choose to take Propecia (Finasteride) to combat the effects of hair loss. However, side effects can be noticeable and severe since the medication blocks testosterone. Steroids, often used in a situation where hair loss is due to inflammation, can lead to a thinning of the skin.
Other oral supplements, like biotin, are a choice for some patients who are not looking for a transplant and are interested in more natural treatments. However, these types of supplements can lead to an upset stomach and might not work to promote hair growth.
Your Consultation With Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in achieving a fuller head of hair, a hair transplant is an effective and permanent way to regain a natural look.
Our office works with each patient to determine their hair treatment goals and then carefully provides an overview of different transplant techniques in order to determine the most effective option.
We offer effective and professional hair transplant surgery in Hartford County and Farmington, Connecticut. Contact us today to learn how you can regain a youthful look through new hair growth.
Contact us today or call 860-676-2473