Hair Restoration
Hair loss is a widespread concern that affects countless individuals due to genetics, hormonal changes, disease, or aging. Hair loss is a natural part of life, but when it becomes excessive or happens prematurely, it can impact your confidence and quality of life.
Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have made hair restoration more effective and convenient than ever before in the hands of experienced, board-certified facial cosmetic surgeons. Learn the facts below, from understanding hair loss to the various treatment options available.
The causes of hair loss
Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors. Genetic predisposition, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in women during pregnancy or menopause, can also lead to hair thinning. Certain illnesses and diseases, like thyroid disorders or alopecia areata, can cause hair loss, as can specific medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy. Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair can also contribute to hair loss.
Signs of hair thinning or a receding hairline
The early signs of hair thinning may include:
- Hair density decreases
- The scalp is more visible
- Widening part
- Receding hairline
- Bald patches
- More hair falls out when brushing or washing hair
What is hair restoration?
Hair restoration refers to a range of treatments and procedures designed to combat hair loss and promote hair growth. This can range from surgery to complementary methods that include topical treatments, injectables, and/or supplements.
It is important to work with your medical team to diagnose the cause of your hair loss before moving forward with a treatment regimen. Alopecia areata, for example, may have a high recurrence rate if treatment is not tailored to the condition. The type of hair restoration procedure recommended for you will also depend on the extent of your hair loss, your personal preferences, and your overall health.
Hair restoration options, candidates, and recovery times
Hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant surgery is a procedure that involves removing hair follicles from a part of your scalp where hair growth is still abundant (the donor site) and transplanting them to the areas where hair loss has occurred. While older strip grafting methods are an option, most hair transplant surgeries today employ the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique.
While the specific steps of hair restoration surgery vary depending on the technique used, most procedures involve removing hair from a donor site and transplanting it to the area of hair loss. Local anesthesia is typically used to minimize discomfort.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
One of the most advanced techniques in hair transplant surgery is follicular unit extraction (FUE). This method involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area and placing them into the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. The results are typically more natural-looking, and there’s less scarring compared to the strip grafting method.
To be an ideal candidate for this hair restoration method, you should be in good overall health with a sufficient amount of healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Any underlying medical conditions should be treated or resolved before proceeding with hair restoration.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations of what the surgeon can accomplish for you, so talk with them ahead of time to get a sense of how much density they are able to restore.
Recovery after FUE is relatively brief compared to other surgeries, and most patients do not require prescription pain medication, but you will have small visible wounds where the hair was harvested. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for limiting physical activity and protecting your healing scalp.
During your consultation, be sure to ask if the surgeon themselves will be performing the surgery, rather than a technician. FUE requires a trained aesthetic eye with an understanding of the aesthetics and science of hair growth to achieve lasting, natural-looking results you will enjoy for many years. Additionally, your choice of doctor will have a strong influence on your safety. While FUE is considered minimally-invasive and is safe in the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon, it is a surgical procedure that comes with certain risks.
Non-surgical hair loss treatments
To complement your surgical results (or if surgery isn’t the right option for you), there are various non-surgical treatments available that can help encourage new growth. Note that most of these treatments require several repeat treatments, as well as patience, to achieve results.
Topical medications
Topical applications like minoxidil (Rogaine) or, more recently, topical finasteride are widely used and considered effective in helping to improve hair density.
Oral medications
Oral medications like finasteride, or Propecia, may be prescribed to help promote hair regrowth.
Injectable platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP therapy uses your own blood platelets, purified from a blood draw, to supply the treatment area with growth factors and encourage healthy hair regrowth. PRP may be injected into the scalp or applied topically; it may also be applied in combination with a microneedling treatment.
Laser therapy treatments
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment option that may be used as part of a hair loss treatment plan for genetic hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. However, more research is needed into the efficacy of this treatment, so consider a combination therapy if laser for hair loss is part of your treatment plan.
Microneedling
Microneedling is an emerging solution for hair loss that involves passing very thin, sterile needles over the skin to promote a healing response and thus promote hair growth. This treatment has been used successfully for many years to treat cosmetic issues of the skin, such as acne scars, pigmentation issues, or wrinkles.
- Hair Restoration Options
- Glossary
- Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
- Strip grafting
- Medications
- Topical medications
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Laser treatment
- Microneedling
Male-Pattern Baldness: This is the most common type of hair loss in men, typically characterized by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown and top of the head.
Hair Follicles: The tiny structures in the dermis (skin) from which hair grows. Each follicle contains a hair root and is supplied with blood vessels to nourish the growing hair.
Follicular Unit: A naturally occurring group of hair follicles that grow together as a single unit.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): A technique for hair restoration in which individual follicular units are harvested directly from the patient’s donor area and then transplanted into the balding areas of the scalp.
Alopecia: A general term for hair loss. There are several types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), alopecia areata, and traction alopecia, among others.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder characterized by round patches of hair loss. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair fall.
Traction Alopecia: A type of hair loss that occurs over time due to the hair being pulled too tight in hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions. It’s most common in women and people who wear certain hair styles.
Androgenetic Alopecia: This is a common form of hair loss in both men and women that is caused by genetics.
Minoxidil: A medication used for the treatment of hair loss. It’s commonly known by the brand name Rogaine, among others. It’s typically applied topically to the scalp to slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): A treatment that uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. In the context of hair loss, PRP is used to stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote new hair growth.
Graft: In the context of hair restoration, a graft is a small piece of skin with one or several hair follicles that is transplanted from a donor area to a balding area of the scalp.
Telogen Effluvium: A temporary form of hair loss usually caused by stress, shock, or a traumatic event.
Finasteride (Propecia): An oral medication that helps to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby slowing the process of hair loss.
Hair Transplant Strip Surgery: A hair transplant method in which a strip of scalp from a non-balding area is removed and used to replace hair in areas of baldness.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A non-invasive hair restoration treatment that uses the therapeutic effects of light.
Donor Dominance: The concept that transplanted hair will continue to grow in its new location as it would have at its original site, a principle fundamental to the success of hair transplantation.
Scarring Alopecia: Also known as cicatricial alopecia, a group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles, leaving behind scar tissue and causing permanent hair loss.
Anagen Phase: The growth phase of the hair cycle during which the hair grows from the root.
Telogen Phase: The resting phase of the hair cycle when hair stops growing and is eventually shed.
Anagen Effluvium: A type of hair loss that occurs during the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, often due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Scalp Reduction: A surgical procedure in which parts of the scalp affected by baldness are removed, and the remaining, hair-bearing skin is stretched to replace what has been removed. This procedure is less common today due to the effectiveness of other techniques.
NeoGraft: A device used to assist with follicular unit extraction procedures, reducing procedure time and patient discomfort.
Combining hair restoration procedures
A hair restoration plan often combines several procedures for more comprehensive results. Talk with your surgeon about the plan they recommend for you, and be sure to compare options, understanding that the cost of repeat treatments with non-surgical modalities used alone may rival that of a stand-alone surgery.
The cost of hair restoration
The cost of hair restoration varies widely depending on the extent of hair loss, the type of procedure(s) performed and medications used, and the geographic location of your provider. During your consultation, your surgeon should provide a detailed cost estimate based on your individual treatment plan and should help you compare your options. Many facial cosmetic surgeons offer financing plans that allow you to break down costs into monthly payments.
Will my insurance cover hair restoration surgery?
Hair restoration procedures are typically considered to be cosmetic and, as a result, are not covered by insurance. However, it’s always best to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling a procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between male and female pattern baldness?
Male and female pattern baldness, both known as androgenetic alopecia, differ mainly in the location of hair loss. In men, hair loss often starts from the forehead or crown, leading to a receding hairline or bald spot. In women, hair loss typically begins with a widening part or hair density loss around the temples.
How soon will I see results after hair restoration surgery?
In the weeks after a hair restoration surgery with follicular unit extraction, the transplanted hair may fall out (what is known as “shock loss”). This is normal. Then, it typically takes around three to four months for the new hair to start growing, and most patients are enjoying fuller, healthier-looking hair after 1 year.
Is hair restoration a one-time procedure, or will I need multiple treatments?
Whether you need multiple treatments depends on the method of restoration you’ve chosen and your personal goals. While follicular unit extraction is intended to be a one-time procedure, some patients may require more than one session to achieve their desired outcome, especially if they’re dealing with significant hair loss. On the other hand, most non-surgical treatments require multiple sessions.
Is hair restoration painful?
Most hair restoration procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical, involve the use of local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Post-procedure, there may be some mild to moderate pain, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I use hair care products during my hair restoration recovery?
After your procedure, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your scalp and hair. You might need to avoid certain products initially, especially those with harsh chemicals, to prevent irritation.
Can hair restoration help with alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a specific type of hair loss, and in some cases, hair restoration surgery may be an option if the condition has been stable for a period of time. Treatments vary and can include topical treatments, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators (immune system modifying drugs).
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help improve the results of my hair restoration?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve the overall success of your hair restoration. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, and taking good care of your scalp and hair. You can also avoid hair styles that place stress on the hair follicles.
Is there an age limit for undergoing hair restoration?
There isn’t a specific age limit for hair restoration, but the procedure is typically recommended for adults who have a predictable pattern of hair loss. Each case is individual, so schedule a consultation with an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon to learn their recommendations for you.
What kind of aftercare is required after hair restoration surgery?
Aftercare instructions may vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Typically, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities for a few days, keep the scalp clean, and follow your surgeon’s advice about washing and caring for your hair. Regular follow-up appointments will also be necessary.
What can I do to prevent further hair loss post-procedure?
Following a balanced diet, avoiding stress, not smoking, and taking care of your overall health can help prevent further hair loss. Certain medications may also help. Regular follow-up with your surgeon is ideal to monitor progress and discuss any concerns.
Can hair restoration surgery correct a receding hairline?
Yes, hair restoration surgery can help to correct a receding hairline by transplanting hair follicles to the affected area.
Can stress cause hair loss, and can hair restoration help?
Yes, high stress levels can lead to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. It’s crucial to manage stress effectively to prevent this. If the hair loss is permanent, hair restoration can help, but the underlying cause of the stress must be addressed to prevent further hair loss.
Will it be obvious that I’ve had hair restoration surgery?
A successful hair restoration surgery should result in a natural-looking hairline that is virtually undetectable. However, the outcomes can vary based on the surgeon’s skill, the technique used, and the individual patient’s characteristics, so be sure to choose an experienced hair transplant surgeon you can trust in order to choose the right procedure for you and provide excellent results.
How do you handle scars from hair restoration surgery?
Modern hair restoration techniques, like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), result in minimal scarring. Any small scars that do occur are often concealed by the surrounding hair. In some cases, treatments like scar revision or scalp micropigmentation may be used to further minimize the appearance of scars.
How is the donor area chosen for a hair transplant?
The donor area is usually chosen from the back or sides of the scalp where hair growth is dense and resistant to balding. The specific selection depends on the individual’s hair characteristics, the extent of their hair loss, and the surgeon’s judgment.
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When it comes to hair restoration, the skill and experience of your surgeon can significantly impact your results, from selecting the appropriate treatment plan for your type of hair loss to following up weeks and months after your procedure or treatment.
Board-certified facial cosmetic surgeons have undergone rigorous training and are well-versed in the latest techniques and advancements in the field. Choosing a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) ensures you’re in the hands of a professional who is committed to safety, excellence, and achieving the best possible outcome for you.