Hair Loss Treatment

Some of today’s hair loss treatments can stop hair loss or even reverse it to some degree. Non-surgical medications, however, have not been proven to restore hair in frontal areas. The only FDA-approved non-surgical treatments are the treatments currently branded Rogaine and Propecia. These treatments must be used continuously and indefinitely in order to maintain results, as hair loss will resume upon cessation of the treatments.

Hair Transplant Surgery

A well-done hair transplant can look so natural it will fool your hair stylist. You must choose the right hair restoration physician, as the results depend on the skill, talent, and experience of the surgeon. Generally, the most major measurable factor is the size of the graft—in other words, how many hair follicles are in each ‘plug.’ A poor surgeon can give you a scalp resembling that of a baby doll, with visible clumps of hair rather than smooth, even coverage.

Questionable Hair Loss Treatments

Balding men (and women) are often tempted by promotional propaganda in the media for hair loss treatments that are mere snake oil. Generally stick to treatments that are supported by scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals, or you may as well just throw your money away, as the results will be the same.

The Procedure for Hair Replacement

Hair replacements are generally performed in outpatient clinics but are occasionally performed in hospitals. It can take several hours and possibly multiple treatments over a year or two. You should discuss anesthesia options with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Grafts are removed from one part of the scalp and then attached to the thinning area.

Recovery From Hair Loss Treatments

Non-surgical options do not require any special recovery methods.

After surgical hair restoration, follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of complications. You can’t resume normal activity for several days. The doctor may prescribe medications to manage discomfort, bruising, and swelling. The transplanted hair usually falls out within six weeks, but re-growth tends to occur within three months.

Costs of Hair Loss Treatments

It is difficult to estimate costs because there is so much variation in individual goals. The procedure usually has three costs: local or general anesthesia fees, facility fees, and physician fees. Average total cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per procedure, and you may need three or more.

It is unlikely to be covered by any health insurance plan but payment plans are fairly common.

Risks of Hair Loss Treatments

Propecia and Rogaine have minimal side effects which are listed on the packaging. Possible complications of hair restoration include infection and scarring. There may also be some numbness in the donor and recipient sites for about three months. Scarring could affect the re-growth of transplanted hair, and results could be aesthetically unsatisfying.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon to find out if you would be a good candidate for hair transplant.