Hair Restoration: Hair Replacement Options

Hair loss can occur in both men and women. While there is no way to stop it from happening, the good news is that there are several hair restoration options. These include both hair transplants and non-surgical hair replacement treatments.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement

Only two non-surgical hair replacement treatments for androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as pattern baldness) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
  • Finasteride (or Propecia®): Finasteride is a hair restoration pill that is prescribed only to men.

  • Mioxidil (or Rogaine®): Mioxidil is an over-the-counter treatment that you apply directly to your scalp, although it's most effective when used under the supervision of a physician hair restoration specialist. It can be used by both men and women, although it is more effective for women.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is the most popular surgical hair restoration option.
 
Although most people have heard of hair transplant surgery, few know exactly what it involves. Basically, hair transplant surgery takes hair (known as donor dominant hair) from the back or sides of the head and moves it to the area where the hair loss is occurring. Therefore, only people who have enough hair on the back and sides of their heads are suitable candidates for hair transplant surgery.

Hair Transplant Surgery Side Effects

Fortunately, hair transplant surgery has improved tremendously in recent years, and the results now look far more natural than they did in the past. Side effects of the surgery tend to be minor, although they can include:
  • formation of scabs over the hair grafts for roughly a week after the surgery
  • mild pain and discomfort immediately after the surgery
  • swelling.
More serious problems are rare but can include:
  • bleeding
  • infection
  • scarring.
Other Surgical Hair Restoration Options
While it is true that hair transplant surgery is the most common surgical treatment, it is not the only one. There are also several types of alopecia reduction surgery, including:
  • Scalp Expansion Surgery: In this procedure, a doctor inserts a balloon-like device under the scalp to expand it. After the scalp has expanded, the balloon and the excess scalp are removed, leaving only the hair-bearing tissues.

  • Scalp Flap Surgery: In a scalp flap procedure, a strip of hair-producing scalp is taken from the side of the patient's head and is positioned in the front of his head. This is typically not a physician's first choice for treating frontal baldness.

  • Scalp Reduction Surgery: In a scalp reduction surgery, a doctor surgically removes the bald spot from a person's head and then pulls both sides of the scalp up and over the formerly bald area.

Hair Transplant Surgery Cost

In recent years, the cost of hair transplant surgery has dropped. In fact, many hair clinics now offer patients a free consultation.
 
Most doctors charge either per hair graft or per session. If your doctor charges per graft (each graft contains one to five hairs), prices can range from $2.50 to $10.00 per graft, although you may find some clinics willing to negotiate depending on how many grafts you will need. You can expect the total cost of your hair transplant surgery to cost in the range of $2,000 to $10,000.

Hair Restoration for Women

Hair loss in women is common, though it isn't discussed as openly as male hair loss. While many women who are balding feel alone, studies indicate that 20 percent of American women are affected by some form of hair loss.
 
Many women feel embarrassed by hair loss, as society expects women to have a full head of hair. Luckily, there are several options a woman can pursue to achieve a thicker head of hair. While many women turn to the same hair restoration surgeries as men, others experience much success with Rogaine®.
 
In women, it is especially important to determine the cause of hair loss, since a hair transplant should never be used as a treatment for temporary hair loss. Hair loss in women may be caused by a number of factors, including:
  • an underlying medical condition
  • hormonal imbalances
  • skin problems
  • severe physical or emotional stress.
Talk to your doctor about possible causes of hair loss before pursuing a hair restoration procedure.
 
Resources
 
Hair Transplant Network (n.d.). Hair Transplant. Retrieved August 1, 2007, from the Hair Transplant Network Web site: http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Hair-Loss-Treatments/hair-transplant.asp.
 
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (2005). Retrieved August 17, 2007, from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery Web site: http://www.ishrs.org/.