Hair loss in men is a common issue, over half of the men over 50 are affected by male pattern baldness. Though this inherited issue is common, it can be difficult to deal with. You can’t always stop your hair from falling out as you grow older, but luckily there are various treatments that help to slow the process down. Hair transplant surgery is a common solution to give men a new lease of life and a boost of self confidence too.
If you’re worried about your hairline, keep reading to find out more and various ways to stop the process.
Table of Contents
How Can Plastic Surgeons Treat Hair Loss?
What’s Involved in the Hair Transplant Process?
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant Procedure?
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Alternatives
The Cost of Hair Transplant Procedures
What Causes Hair Loss?
The majority of cases of hair loss in men are caused by male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. This is an inherited trait from your parents, so it’s also likely that other men in your family will be affected too. Research has shown that the genetic factors of hair loss are more important than any outside environmental factors. For example, two twins with the gene will start to lose their hair at the same time.
Androgenic alopecia is caused by androgen hormones. These affect hair follicles in men with genetic susceptibility, but this hormone is present in both men and women.
Some may claim that there are external reasons for male pattern baldness, such as wearing caps, diet, stress, alcohol, smoking, and frequent washing. It’s important to note that researchers haven’t found a clear link between these activities and hair loss, except for some evidence that smoking may speed up hair loss.
How Can Plastic Surgeons Treat Hair Loss?
There’s no cure for hair loss yet, but there is a range of treatments that can help to slow down the process and give you a more youthful look too!
While there are non-surgical alternatives, surgical hair transplants offer a more reliable and long-lasting answer to male pattern baldness. This surgery has been used since the 1950s and is a very popular way to treat hair loss in men. The surgery has come a long way since the 50s and it looks much more natural and undetectable now than it did then.
Hair loss from accidents and operations, as well as male pattern baldness, respond best to this cosmetic surgery. If you’re getting hair transplant surgery, make sure you research good surgeons and are aware of any risks like scarring and infections. These complications are very rare though, as this procedure is routine and performed daily by top surgeons worldwide.
What’s Involved in the Hair Transplant Process?
Though you’ve probably heard of hair transplantation surgery, you may not actually know what happens or how it’s performed. There are even different types of procedures to choose from! Here are two of the most popular hair transplant methods.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
The FUT method is the more traditional method. This hair transplant involves a surgeon removing skin from the back of the scalp where there is more hair and removing some hair follicles from the skin. These are then reinserted into hair follicles at the front of the scalp where there’s hair loss.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is a technique that requires the surgeon to have more skill and it can also take longer than FUT surgery. FUE can be very successful and it involves a surgeon removing hair follicles directly from the scalp and transplanting them into the bald areas of the scalp.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant Procedure?
One of the most common questions about this procedure is “Who is a good candidate for hair transplants?” There are actually a few answers to this question as many cases can be helped by this procedure.
Who can get a hair transplant:
- Men who have been losing their hair to male pattern baldness for five years or more and men who have progressed into class 3 in the Norwood scale are good candidates.
- Men who realise that hair loss can continue after the surgery, even if prescription medication is taken. Realistic expectations are important when it comes to hair transplants.
- Men whose balding pattern is now stabilized over years of hair loss. These patients are able to add some extra hair for a more youthful look.
- Women and men who have experienced burns or trauma.
- Women and men who lost hair in cosmetic procedures (e.g. facelifts).
Though most men are candidates for this life-changing procedure, you may not be able to get a hair transplant if you have a chronic health issue (e.g.heart disease, diabetes, and liver or liver failure). Ask your doctor for more information to see if this procedure is suited to you.
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Alternatives
Though hair transplants are a good option for those who want to achieve a fuller head of hair, there are some non-surgical alternatives to try too.
Popular non-surgical alternatives include:
- Over-the-counter medications such as Rogaine. This comes as a foam or liquid and should be applied twice a day.
- Prescribed medications such as Propecia or Proscar. These include finasteride that should be taken daily as prescribed by a doctor.
- Laser treatment.
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, a balanced diet, or a scalp massage.
- Oils can also be used to help increase blood circulation to the scalp. Popular oils include peppermint oil and rosemary oil.
- Research has shown that biotin supplements can slow hair loss.
The Cost of Hair Transplant Procedures
Hair transplant surgery costs vary due to a range of reasons. Moving more hair and choosing an experienced surgeon will likely cost more than having a smaller treatment. Costs of the cosmetic procedure can range from $4000 to $15,000 and many insurance plans don’t cover it.
While the upfront costs may seem extreme, there are a range of financing options available to make paying for the treatment easier. This cosmetic procedure gives men a new self-confidence so it’s important that it’s accessible to all budgets!
How Can Beautifi Help?
Hair transplant surgery is a life changing procedure that can give men a youthful look and slow the process of male pattern baldness. Whether you are opting for a small or large difference, make sure you research surgeons and attend consultations before deciding on one procedure. Always consult a doctor to find the solution that fits your health best.
The Beautifi team is always here to help when choosing a surgeon or financially planning for a cosmetic procedure. Learn how our process works or fill out an application to start your procedure journey!