HAIR TRANSPLANTS: WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

 

Hair loss affects over 60% of men by the age of 45, some more severe then others. As we age, our hair gradually thins. But, for some men, the thinning can be more severe, which can lead to excess shedding, receding hairline, and balding crown. This is known as male pattern baldness.

unfortunately, for most of us, there isn't much of a solution for male pattern baldness, and, without a cure, there are very few options to take. However, all is not lost, because there are treatments that can minimise the effects of shedding, and of course, there is the option of hair surgery.

Should I consider a Hair Transplant? 

Having a hair transplant isn't necessarily something that will work for everyone, but it is definitely an option if you are determined to try and restore some of your lost hair. 

The question is: How do you know if a hair transplant is the right thing to do for you? Here, we'll go through some key points that will allow you to identify if hair surgery is the right avenue for you to go down.

Can you afford a Hair Transplant?

Firstly, we should talk abut money. Getting a hair transplant is not cheap, and prices can vary from £3000 to £30,000, depending on a number of factors, like how much hair you want transplanted, what your donor area is like, and where you get the procedure done.

If you're looking at getting a minor procedure done, like filling in the frontal hairline, for example, you'd still be looking at around 2500 grafts, which would amount to around £3000-£5000 in cost, depending on your case. You can get it for less, but you would have to travel abroad to do so, and many patients are reluctant to do that, as the best procedures tend to be in the UK or US. 

Do you have a good donor area for a Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants vary in quality, but that's usually because each and every case is different. We all have different hair to one another, and some of us have better hair for a transplant than others do. So, what makes a good donor area? 

The hair donor is typically taken from the back of your head, where the hair is strong, and then transplanted to the desired areas at the top of the scalp. The better your donor area, the better chance you'll have of having a good procedure. If your hair is thin at the sides and back, then it's unlikely you'll have good results, but if you have thick hair in those areas, they'll work better when transplanted to the top of the head. 

How bald do you have to be to get a Hair Transplant? 

Like with any treatment for baldness, the earlier you tackle it the better. It's no different with hair transplants. Obviously, the less areas there are to fill, the more packing (implant of many hairs in a small area) can be done, which gives the hair a thicker, and more dense look. 

A receding hairline is usually a lot easier and better to fill than a thinning crown, but cases vary from person to person. If you are completely bald up top, then fear not, because a full transplant can still be possible if you have a good donor area. Again, it depends on your case individually, but expect to pay at the top end for such a procedure. 

Does your hair fall out after a Hair Transplant? 

Many people assume that once you get a hair transplant, you are going to have the restored hair for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work like that. Once you get a transplant, as good or bad as the procedure is, you will still lose hair. 

The restoration of hair is only prolonging the time of which you have hair. Your will continue the balding process, just as it was before you had the transplant.  Hair transplants do not stop hair loss, they simply restore the hair, but the restored hairs are not immune to DHT. They will still fall out, over time.

What treatments to take AFTER a Hair Transplant?  

Treating hair loss is complex, and for most men (and women), it's a near impossible task. After your hair transplant procedure, you will be prescribed Finasteride (Propecia). This is the only medically approved treatment pill for male pattern baldness. 

Many men take this drug at the very early stages of baldness, and it can help slow down and stop the hair loss process. However, it can come with some nasty side-effects, which is the reason most men want to avid taking it. Common side-effects from Finasteride include; Headaches, dizziness, mental health issues, skin rash, low libido, and erectile dysfunction. 

If you don't want to take Finasteride, then there are safe and healthy alternatives, the most popular being multi-vitamin hair supplements. Multi-vitamin hair supplements like HR23+ work at the cause of hair loss, and can help prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.