The beauty industry is a $512 billion industry and it is growing every year. One of the main ways that people are trying to maintain their appearance is by having hair restoration surgery. There are many different methods available for hair restoration surgery, but they all have their own benefits and drawbacks. It’s always a good idea to consult hair loss & restoration experts.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of hair restoration surgeries and their benefits and drawbacks.
How hair restoration surgery works
When it comes to hair restoration surgery, many people are curious as to how it works. This type of surgery is used to treat baldness and hair loss and is often a popular choice for those who are looking for a more permanent solution. There are a few different methods that can be used during hair restoration surgery, but all of them involve the transplantation of hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another.
The benefits of hair restoration surgery
Millions of people suffer from hair loss, and for many, the only solution is hair restoration surgery. While there are many benefits to this type of surgery, some people are still hesitant to undergo the procedure.
Below are a few of its benefits:
- Hair restoration surgery can help restore your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. It can also improve your appearance and help you feel more attractive.
- It can help improve your self-esteem and boost your self-confidence.
- Hair restoration surgery is also a cost-effective solution for hair loss. It can be expensive to purchase wigs and other products to cover up your bald spots, but hair restoration surgery is a one-time cost that can provide you with long-term results.
Overall, hair restoration surgery is a safe and effective way to address hair loss.
The different methods of hair restoration surgery
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT is the most common method used in hair restoration. This procedure involves creating a follicle that is transplanted into the bald spot. It is a simple outpatient surgery and can be done under local anesthesia.
Pros
- The results tend to be more natural-looking and consistent than those achieved with other methods.
- FUT is a very versatile procedure, which can be used to treat a wide range of hair loss conditions.
- It is one of the most affordable hair transplant options available.
- The surgery itself is relatively quick and easy, with minimal downtime required afterward.
- The donor area (where the hair is taken from) heals well and typically does not leave any scarring.
Cons
- It can be difficult to harvest large grafts using this technique. This can lead to an unnatural appearance in the transplanted area.
- FUT can be expensive and time-consuming.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
A very recent development in hair transplantation, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) has been gaining popularity since the 2000s. This technique involves harvesting individual follicles from the patient’s scalp, and then extracting them one by one.
Pros
- It leaves no scars on the scalp, since the hair follicles are removed one by one directly from the donor area. This also eliminates the need for stitches, which can often cause scarring.
- FUE is also considered less invasive than traditional hair transplantation procedures, and patients usually experience less pain and fewer complications.
- FUE can be used to treat a variety of hair loss conditions, including male pattern baldness and alopecia areata.
Cons
- As one of the newer techniques, FUE hair transplantation is still in its infancy and has not been perfected.
- FUE can be less reliable than FUT. Hair transplantation doctors typically remove only a small amount of hair at a time and must wait for several months before harvesting the next set of hairs.
- The procedure requires a relatively high level of skill and experience. It’s important to note that not all hair transplant surgeons are trained in FUE, so it’s important to discuss with your doctor which method he or she is using.
Strip Surgery
A new, less invasive hair restoration surgery is making waves in the medical community. The Strip Surgery method uses a small strip of skin from the back of the head to transplant hair follicles to the balding areas. This method has several advantages over traditional hair restoration surgery
Pros
- It is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in under two hours.
- It results in very natural-looking hair growth.
- It is one of the most affordable methods of hair restoration available.
- It has a high success rate – over 95% of patients achieve desired results.
Cons
- It can be quite expensive.
- It can be a bit painful and require some downtime for recovery.
- It may not be effective for everyone, and there is always the chance of complications occurring.
- it can take quite a bit of time for the full results to be visible.
Laser Therapy
In the past, hair restoration surgery has been performed using scalpels and stitches to move hair from one part of the head to another. This process can be invasive and often results in scarring. Recently, laser therapy has been introduced as a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional hair restoration surgery. It uses beams of light to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles.
Pros
- It is a non-surgical treatment that does not require any downtime after treatment.
- Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for both men and women.
- It can be used to treat all types of hair loss, including male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata.
- It is also effective in treating thinning hair and receding hairlines.
Cons
- Laser therapy can be expensive, and may not be covered by insurance.
- It requires multiple treatments and may not be effective for everyone.
- Some people also experience side effects such as skin irritation and redness after treatments.
Final Thoughts
Hair restoration is a viable option for those who are experiencing hair loss. There are a variety of methods available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consult with hair loss & restoration experts to find the best method for you.