The Skinny
There are an abundance of hair care products claiming to reverse hair loss and create a fuller hairline. While the science behind the claims on these products is not very reliable, surgical hair transplants are trusted, well-practiced procedures that can truly provide the full, healthy hair you desire. A board certified cosmetic surgeon can help to create your ideal appearance through various hair transplantation methods some of which are robot-assisted and highly specialized. Depending on the cause of hair loss (think: genetics, underlying medical illnesses, stress, hormonal imbalances, etc.) a surgeon can work with you to determine which procedure would be most beneficial and appropriate.
The Specifics
Who might consider surgical hair restoration treatments?
Surgical hair restoration procedures are mostly targeted to alter hair loss on the scalp. Men and women with bald spots, thinning hairlines, or receding hairlines may consider a procedure. Male pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness typically begins with hair receding from the forehead, while female pattern hair loss usually causes a widening of the natural part. Alopecia areata causes patches of hair loss most commonly on the scalp, but it can also occur on the face in the beard or eyebrow areas.The Anatomy of a Hair Follicle
There are numerous other causes of hair loss ranging from physical damage to hair follicles to underlying hormonal imbalances. A discussion and work up with a medical professional can better determine what may be occurring (learn more in our complete guide to Hair Loss Concerns).
What can you expect from a surgical hair restoration procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, patients should expect longer recovery times and more post operative discomfort, however, results are permanent and do not require maintenance like non-surgical hair restoration options. Generally, swelling, discomfort, and possibly scarring, are common side effects of surgical hair restoration procedures.To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to hair transplant recovery.
When should you consider a surgical hair restoration procedure?
Potential candidates should consider a surgical hair restoration procedure when they are in generally good health and are able to follow the recommended recovery guidelines. Candidates should also keep in mind most procedures do not show significant results for three to five months.Why should you consider a surgical hair restoration procedure?
A surgical hair restoration procedure provides permanent results that do not require daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance. A one-time investment can provide full, healthy, and natural hair.Surgical Hair Restoration Solutions
Surgical hair transplants can be used to promote new hair growth and correct bald spots or thinning hair. A forehead reduction can simultaneously alter the natural hairline while also improving overall facial aesthetic and symmetry. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can determine which procedure is most appropriate.Hair Transplant Procedures
- Strip Harvesting (FUT)
- Overview: A hair transplant surgery in which a segment of scalp tissue (known as the donor area) is dissected and hair follicles are individually extracted for reimplantation. Does cause scarring at the donor site which can be covered by longer existing hair from above the site.
- Cost: $4,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Results are permanent and new hair will begin to grow after about three months but be most noticeable after one year. Patients can return to work within one week and most normal activities can be fully resumed within 10 days.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- Overview: For balding areas or thinning areas. Does not require a donor area. A surgeon extracts individual hair follicles from one portion of the scalp and reimplants them into the needed areas.
- Cost: $4,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Consistent with timelines outlined in the strip harvesting method.
- Neograft
- Overview: Robot-assisted outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia which takes hair follicles from the back of the scalp (in males) and other areas of the body (in females) and reimplants them into balding areas or thinning areas.
- Cost: $3,500 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: A permanent procedure. Swelling/discomfort resolves within a day. Return to work within one week. Most new hair growth is seen starting after five months.
Forehead Surgery
- Forehead Reduction
- Overview: A surgical procedure in which forehead skin is excised and the hairline is lowered and resutured.
- Cost: $4,000 - $13,000
- Recovery & Results: A permanent procedure; post-op swelling and bruising; limit activity for about one week. Scarring will be noticeable for two to six months.
The Takeaway
Dermatological surgery with a hair transplant surgeon can provide a long-term solution to bald spots, thinning areas, male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, and numerous other causes of hair loss. By utilizing existing healthy hair to promote the growth of new hair, patients can expect a full, natural appearance that can help to restore confidence and overall satisfaction.
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