If you’re considering undergoing a hair transplant, there are many factors that you should consider. Aside from the cost of the surgery, you should also know what you can expect from the recovery time. Furthermore, you should know the potential scarring that a hair transplant alternatives can leave.
Non-surgical hair loss treatment options
There are many options when it comes to non-surgical hair loss treatment. One of the most popular is platelet-rich plasma therapy, which involves injecting specialized platelets from your own blood into the balding areas. These platelets are loaded with a variety of proteins and growth factors that help promote hair growth.
Unlike hair transplants, which are invasive, non-surgical treatments can be used to slow down hair loss or stimulate new growth. For instance, FDA-approved hair loss medications or Rogaine can be used to help fend off hair loss. These medications can be used to prevent hair loss in men or women, and are generally safe and effective when used in conjunction with other treatments.
Another non-surgical hair loss treatment is the application of topical creams. Minoxidil, better known by its brand name Rogaine(r), is a topical foam that can be applied to the scalp daily. The medication has shown significant results in increasing hair regrowth in many patients. In fact, a study conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) found that 47% of respondents would trade their life savings for a full head of hair. More than half of the people surveyed also said a full head of hair would mean higher incomes and career advancements.
Cost of a hair transplant
The cost of a hair transplant depends on many factors, including how many grafts are transplanted, the type of surgery performed, and the surgeon’s experience and reputation. A specialized provider will charge more, but the consultation fee will be credited towards the cost of the transplant. Anesthesia costs can also vary, as general anesthesia requires a licensed anesthesiologist.
The price of hair transplant surgery varies considerably, and can depend on several factors, including the surgeon, location, and the number of follicles transplanted. The cost of a hair transplant also depends on the type of procedure performed, which may be follicular unit extraction (FUE) or strip surgery. A highly specialized surgeon will charge more, so it’s worth it to do some research to find the best surgeon for your needs.
Scarring left by a hair transplant
No matter which hair transplant technique you finasteride and minoxidil choose, there is a risk of scarring afterward. FUT, for example, leaves a linear scar that is easily visible and FUE, on the other hand, leaves tiny white dots. Hair Restoration Center, for example, uses specialized micro-instruments to remove hair follicles, leading to less scarring and a higher success rate.
The FUT method leaves linear scars in the donor area, and these may widen over time. The scars can be hard to hide, so people with short hair should not consider this technique. Some patients may resort to dermal fillers, laser treatments, or to minimize the scarring. However, men may resort to hair transplant surgery if the previous hairline is not acceptable.
Conclusion
The procedure itself does leave scars, but they are not visible. Most scarring from hair transplant surgery is under the skin, and will only be visible once the area has healed. Moreover, the scars are more noticeable if the surgeon uses a large tool or places too many grafts too close together.