How Surgical Hair Transplantation Can Help With Hair Loss
Hormones play a significant role in hair growth and loss. The main hormones that affect hair growth are testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When these hormones are out of balance, they can contribute to hair loss in both men and women.
While hormone therapies can address some types of hair loss, surgical hair transplantation offers a permanent solution by relocating healthy hair follicles to areas experiencing thinning or baldness.
Here are answers to common hair transplantation and hair loss questions:
1. How do hormones affect hair growth?
DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone that’s considered one of the main culprits behind male/female pattern baldness. When DHT levels are too high, they can bind to hair follicles and miniaturize them.
Estrogen is produced in both men and women. It helps maintain scalp health and stimulates hair growth. Low estrogen levels can lead to hair loss, particularly in women.
2. How can surgical hair transplantation help?
Surgical hair transplantation addresses hair loss by moving healthy hair follicles from DHT-resistant areas to balding regions. Some benefits include:
- Permanent hair restoration
- Natural-looking results
- Improved hair density
- Enhanced hairline design
- Restored confidence and self-image
3. How long does it take to see results after a hair transplant?
Results from hair transplantation vary between individuals. Most patients notice new hair growth beginning 3-4 months after the procedure. Full results typically become visible between 9-12 months post-surgery as transplanted follicles complete their growth cycle.
4. Are there any risks associated with hair transplantation?
As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation carries some risks:
- Temporary swelling or discomfort
- Possible infection (though rare)
- Temporary shock loss of existing hair
- Scarring (minimal with modern techniques)
- Unnatural-looking results (if performed by inexperienced surgeons)
These risks are generally minimal when the procedure is performed by board-certified surgeons specializing in hair restoration. Most patients experience a smooth recovery with excellent results.
5. How much is hair transplant surgery?
The cost of hair transplant surgery can vary depending on factors such as the location, surgeon’s expertise, extent of hair loss, procedure type, and additional services needed. On average, it ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 or more. Two common procedures are follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE), with FUE generally being more expensive due to its labor-intensive nature. It’s best to consult with a qualified surgeon to get an accurate assessment and cost estimate based on individual circumstances.
6. What is FUE hair transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant procedure that involves individually extracting hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp and implanting them into the recipient or balding area. The surgeon uses a specialized tool to harvest the follicles one by one, typically from the back or sides of the head where hair is genetically resistant to balding. FUE is a minimally invasive technique that leaves small, circular scars that are less noticeable than the linear scar produced by the traditional strip harvesting method (Follicular Unit Transplantation or FUT). This method allows for precise and targeted transplantation, making it a popular choice for patients seeking natural-looking results and minimal scarring.
7. How to treat alopecia areata?
The treatment of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches, can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. There is no definitive cure for alopecia areata, but various treatment options can help promote hair regrowth and manage the condition. These include corticosteroid injections, topical corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, topical immunotherapy, oral medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and in some cases, hair transplantation. It is important for individuals with alopecia areata to consult with a dermatologist or a healthcare professional experienced in treating hair loss to determine the most suitable treatment plan for their specific situation.
8. What is hairline surgery?
Hairline surgery, also known as hairline lowering or forehead reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at adjusting the position of the hairline to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance. This surgical procedure is typically performed on individuals with a high or receding hairline, a large forehead, or those seeking to lower their natural hairline for personal reasons. The surgery involves carefully removing a strip of forehead skin, typically along the frontal hairline, and repositioning it to create a lower and more balanced hairline. Hairline surgery can be combined with hair transplant procedures to achieve a fuller and more natural-looking result. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon who specializes in hairline surgery to discuss the individual’s goals and determine the most appropriate approach for their specific case.
Experience Hair Restoration with Hair Restoration Centers
Hair Restoration Centers provides cutting-edge surgical solutions to fight hair loss and restore your natural hairline using both FUT and FUE techniques.
Our board-certified surgeons have over 20 years of experience helping more than 100,000 patients achieve natural-looking, permanent results.
Find out if hair transplantation is right for you. Submit your photos for a free evaluation and speak with a Patient Advisor within 24 hours to discuss your options and next steps.
