Hair loss can be a challenging experience for many people, especially if you feel like there’s nothing you can do about it. It affects men and women, whether caused by stress, ageing, or genetic factors. Fortunately, several surgical treatment options are available today to help you regain your self-confidence and keep your head high.
From hair transplants to scalp reduction, various treatments can help restore your lost hair and make you feel like yourself again. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different surgical treatments available to treat hair loss, so you can make an informed decision.
Common Hair Loss Treatments
Hair loss can be an emotionally challenging experience for many people, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and a lack of confidence. But there are treatments to help restore lost hair.
The two most popular surgical procedures for hair loss are hair transplants and hair replacement systems.
In a hair transplant, a strip of scalp is removed to harvest follicle units from the donor area, typically at the back of the head or behind the ears, where hair is resistant to pattern baldness.
The process of transplanting the hair follicles is typically done by taking tiny grafts of follicles, which are then carefully placed into tiny incisions in the recipient area or the zones affected by hair loss. This allows for new hair growth.
Several techniques are used in hair transplant surgery, including the punch graft method, square graft method, and follicular unit transfer (FUT) method, to name a few.
On the other hand, hair replacement systems use synthetic fibres or natural hair to cover up balding or thinning areas. This is a non-surgical procedure and requires no downtime. This is a better option for people who don’t want to go under the knife or for those who want quick and pain-free solutions.
It is essential to consult with a qualified medical professional before deciding which type of treatment is right for you. Hair transplant surgery is an invasive procedure that carries risks and should be discussed with your doctor before proceeding.
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Hair Transplantation Methods
Here are several surgical hair transplantation methods that can help restore your crowning glory.
Punch Graft Method
The Punch Graft Method is one of the most common and older surgical treatment methods for hair loss. It involves extracting a portion of skin that bears hair from a donor area and transplanting it into the recipient area, which is punched out to accommodate the skin graft.
The punch graft was widely used from 1970 until 1993. However, due to the drawbacks of the procedure, many doctors were already attempting other techniques by late 1980.
The punch graft method is considered a minimally invasive procedure that takes about two to four hours to complete depending on the size of the area being treated. During the procedure, a small circular device called a punch biopsy instrument is used to make tiny circular incisions in the skin. These incisions are then filled with individual follicular units, small clusters of hair follicles taken from the donor area, located at the back or sides of the head, where hair is more abundant.
Because it is possible to adjust a punch graft depending on the donor site size, the procedure can treat baldness of various sizes and shapes. Some grafts are round and come in a typical size that can hold around 10 to 15 hairs. However, doctors frequently use smaller punches due to scarring caused by larger punch grafts.
Many of the patients who underwent the procedure had unnatural-looking hair. It was widely compared to that of a doll. Despite its long history of use, the technique never yielded a natural appearance.
Although there may be some downsides to the punch graft method, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a minimally invasive option for restoring their hair.
Square Graft Method
Square grafting is another popular treatment in hair restoration and transplantation. This procedure is also known as the “slit technique” because it involves cutting out tiny, square-shaped grafts of the hair-bearing scalp and then transplanting them onto the bald areas.
The square grafts are designed to create a more natural look than other methods of hair transplantation. This is because each graft contains several strands of hair, giving the appearance of denser hair growth.
A lateral slit technique is the only approach that duplicates the alignment and distribution of hair in nature, maximising coverage and eliminating unnatural results associated with older methods. In addition, it allows transplantation in previously considered too difficult or unsuitable areas, such as the temple and sideburn zones.
To perform a square graft procedure, the doctor forms tiny holes in the recipient area of the scalp. Then, a small square-shaped scalp graft with several strands of hair attached is carefully removed from the donor area and inserted into the recipient area. After the grafts have been placed, the patient will require further maintenance care to ensure that the transplanted hair grows appropriately and looks natural. With proper aftercare, square grafting is an effective way to treat hair loss.
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FUT
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is another popular method for treating hair loss. It involves taking a strip of healthy hair from the donor area, typically the back of the head, and then transplanting it to thinning or balding areas. This is done by transplanting follicular units, individual bundles of hair, one by one.
The FUT technique is the most common surgical method used in the U.S. and Europe and is often seen as the gold standard for hair transplantation. The results of FUT are considered very natural looking.
The advantages of FUT include it being a more cost-effective procedure, minimal recovery time, and a shorter surgery time. However, it does entail a scar in the donor area that is visible with short haircuts. For this reason, many patients opt for alternative techniques such as FUE or DHI.
FUE
FUE, or follicular unit extraction, is a hair transplantation procedure in which individual follicular units are harvested from the donor area, usually located at the back and sides of the head. The follicular units are then transplanted into the recipient area, usually on the top and front of the scalp.
The FUE method has several advantages over other hair transplantation methods. First, it is a minimally invasive procedure with slight scarring since no large incisions are made to harvest the follicular units. The process is also more time-efficient since each follicle can be removed in one step, eliminating the need for multiple passes with a scalpel. Additionally, the FUE method can be used for scarring alopecia and areas where larger grafts may not be suitable.
The FUE method involves a skilled technician using a specialised tool to harvest each follicle from the donor area. The entire procedure is done under local anaesthesia. After the grafts have been gathered, they are placed in small incisions in the recipient area, where they will grow and develop into healthy hair follicles.
The procedure provides natural-looking results with minimal scarring and is less time-consuming than other methods. However, as with any medical procedure, it is essential to consult a qualified hair transplant specialist.
Robotic FUE
Robotic FUE is a minimally-invasive procedure, allowing for fewer incisions and less post-procedural scarring. During the process, a small, motorised device gently pulls individual hairs from the scalp and collects them in a sterile container. The machine then implants these hairs into tiny incisions in the recipient area.
It offers many advantages over traditional FUE techniques, including improved accuracy, faster recovery times, less trauma to the scalp, and fewer side effects. However, it is essential to note that Robotic FUE can be costly and may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are methods that use robotic FUE:
• DHI
DHI, or Direct Hair Implantation, is the “world’s leading hair tech” for transplant procedures that are painless and safe, avoiding unsightly scars and holes. Only experienced, specially trained doctors can perform this procedure.
Because of its precision, the DHI technique is ideal for those looking for optimal density and maximum coverage. This technique is also great for individuals with delicate or light hair as it provides more accurate placement than other techniques. Furthermore, because the grafts are inserted one at a time, this method produces less trauma and, thus, quicker healing.
As with any surgical procedure, some potential risks are associated with DHI, including infection and poor hair growth. And to ensure the best possible outcome, it’s crucial to find an experienced surgeon who is familiar with the technique and can provide quality care before, during, and after your treatment.
• HASCI
HASCI or hair stem cell transplant is another option for people looking for a long-term solution with minimal scarring and recovery time. This involves using a robot to harvest individual follicles from the donor area and transplant them into balding or thinning areas. The recovery time is usually three to four weeks.
There are no incisions, and no linear scars left behind. Because of this, it has become increasingly popular among those looking for fast, effective, and minimally invasive options.
Using robotics also provides high precision in hair placement, so you can expect natural results that look like your own hair. Additionally, it doesn’t damage existing hair as traditional methods do, so it can be used even if you have existing hair loss. However, this procedure can range from around US $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your specific case.
The advantages of using robotic devices include a faster rate of extraction and implantation. But despite the speedy benefits, patients often lose out on quality and precision, which is vital when seeking an excellent outcome.
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Which One Is Right For Me?
When it comes to surgical hair loss treatments, various options are available, and it can be hard to decide which one is best. A good starting point is to consider your individual needs and lifestyle. For example, are you looking for a permanent solution? Do you have a tight budget? Or do you want the quickest recovery time?
Hair transplants are a great option if you want a more permanent solution. But regardless of the method you choose, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. Hair transplantation can take weeks to months to see full results and may require multiple treatments. It can also cost you a lot and cause complications if done poorly.
If you wish for a non-invasive solution requiring just a day of downtime, then a hair replacement system might be the one for you!
Hair Replacement Systems: A Good Non-Surgical Alternative
Hair replacement systems are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a non-surgical option to treat your hair loss. This type of treatment doesn’t involve surgery and is often less expensive than surgical treatments.
A hair replacement system is a customised hairpiece that fits your exact measurements and hair colour. These systems are made with human or synthetic hair and can cover areas of hair loss or thinning hair.
Hair replacement systems are ideal for those who want a full head of hair without surgery. This treatment is also suited for those who don’t want to wait long for their results to appear. In addition, these systems can be tailored to the individual, which means they can be easily changed to reflect the current look of the user.
Overall, hair replacement systems provide an excellent non-surgical alternative for those suffering from hair loss or thinning. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to achieve your desired look without undergoing surgery or waiting long for results.
Hair replacement systems from Aremyhair offer a range of options for men and women. In addition, we offer custom-fit systems and stock pieces to provide our customers with the most natural-looking results possible thanks to our high-quality, 100% human hair systems.
Our pieces provide great value for those on a budget while still delivering outstanding quality and comfort. Finally, we strive to make our products accessible to everyone – no matter your budget, we have something to help you feel confident and look your best. So book your free appointment today.
