Several million Americans suffer from hair loss every year. Both men and women are affected by hair loss and everything that comes with it, such as being self-conscious about the way you look. If you’ve tried every method under the sun, like prescription medications, hats, and inventive hairstyles, but still suffer from hair loss, then you will be relieved to know there is another option available to you. At Wellington Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, FL we are proud to offer the best hair transplant methods in South Florida.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where the hair follicles of one area of the body are removed and transplanted in an area that is suffering hair loss. Hair transplants have been around for years and have only grown more effective as new technologies make hair transplants easier and more successful than ever before.
It is true that hair transplants have traditionally been used to only treat hair loss in men. While hair transplants have a history of only being used to treat male pattern baldness, the past several years have seen an open dialogue about hair loss for women and how hair transplants can help the 30 million women suffering hair loss each year.
Hair transplants are a safe and effective solution to persistent hair loss for both men and women. Everyone deserves to feel confident about the way they look, and a hair transplant can help you regain your confidence.
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are many common causes of hair loss. Every day, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, which is normal for everyone at all stages of life. However, there comes a time when the amount of hair you shed becomes excessive, which is when most people first start to notice hair loss. Common causes of hair loss include:
Hormones
Testosterone metabolites are a common culprit behind hair loss in both men and women. When testosterone metabolites are released, they latch onto susceptible hair follicles, which causes the hair shaft in those follicles to weaken and eventually shed. When follicles are susceptible to testosterone metabolites, it is unlikely that those follicles will grow hair for some time, and that leads to noticeable hair loss.
There is not much we can do to correct how genetics determine the way our hair grows or sheds. For many people, this cause of hair loss is frustrating and leaves people feeling helpless about what they can do. And unfortunately, thinning hair is a common symptom of aging related to menopause and andropause, both of which are unavoidable. Some hormone therapy may correct hair loss, but it is not guaranteed.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and the hormones related to pregnancy are another common cause of hair loss for women. Both during and after pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a quicker shedding of hair. Additionally, the stress of pregnancy may cause hair to stop growing for a time.
Sickness
Being sick, especially with chronic illness, is another cause for hair loss. For example, excessive hair loss is often a symptom of those with thyroid disease and other related disorders. Managing or treating chronic illness can help relieve some hair loss, but reversing hair loss is a slow process. Additionally, the use of some medications that treat disorders can be a cause of hair loss.
Deficiencies
There are some deficiencies that contribute to hair loss, such as iron deficiency (anemia), protein deficiency, and vitamin deficiencies. Of all the causes of hair loss, addressing deficiencies is probably the easiest way to reverse hair loss. However, it may be some time before your body has a sufficient amount of iron, protein, or vitamins, which means it may be some time before you stop shedding excessive hair.
Stress
Stress and anxiety are often major contributors to hair loss. Stress for a prolonged amount of time is associated with telogen effluvium, which halts the cycle of hair growth and prevents lost hair from growing back. Recovering from stress-related hair loss can be an uphill battle.
Seasonal Changes
The final common cause of hair loss is seasonal changes. People tend to lose more hair in the autumn than any other time of year, which is likely a result of sun-exposure and sweating from the summer months. For most people, shedding a little more hair in the autumn is normal. However, for those who are already suffering hair loss, shedding additional hair can be even more problematic.
Much to the frustration for many people, it’s difficult to correct some of the causes of hair loss. Some causes of hair loss are simply beyond our control, such as hormones and genetics, and that means that hair that is lost may never be regained. This is where hair transplants become an invaluable solution to solving hair loss problems.
Benefits of Hair Transplants
It may be helpful and encouraging to highlight some of the great benefits you will gain from a hair transplant procedure. Benefits of the best hair transplant methods include:
- Improved appearance
- Restored confidence
- A permanent solution
- A one-time treatment
Many patients are surprised to learn that hair transplants are permanent remedies to hair loss. Once you have the procedure, you won’t need to have another one in a few years. Unlike creams, powders, and other medication, hair transplants are the only permanent solution to stopping and correcting hair loss.
What Is the Best Hair Transplant Method?
At our clinic, we specialize in two of the leading hair transplant procedures. Both NeoGraft and Strip Grafting are hair transplant techniques that can be used for men and women. Each of these procedures has certain requirements that our skilled staff will screen you for when you come to our clinic for your initial appointment.
NeoGraft
NeoGraft is a newly approved, minimally invasive hair restoration technique that has a much quicker recovery time than other hair restoration methods. NeoGraft works by extracting hairs from the donor site on the scalp and transplanting them directly into the scalp. The transplanted hairs will heal and behave like normal hair, which creates a natural appearance. NeoGraft is commonly used as a solution for mild to moderate hair loss.
Strip Grafting
Like other surgical grafting, strip grafting borrows donor tissue from the body and transplants it in a new place. Strip grafting is more invasive than NeoGraft and involves removing a thin strip of the scalp from the back or sides of the head and transplanting it where balding occurs. Strip grafting creates a natural-looking appearance once fully healed and is more often used in cases of more extreme hair loss.
Our staff will help determine which of these best hair transplant procedures is right for you and your specific needs.
The Hair Transplant Process
The best hair transplant methods share many of the same steps. Here’s what you can expect, though you will learn more as you talk to your consultant.
Initial Appointment
At your consultation appointment, we will examine the condition of your hair and gather your medical information. We will ask about your general medical history, your current medical issues, any medications you are taking, and any drug allergies you may have. We will discuss your appearance goals and explore the treatment options that will work best for your hair loss.
We may take photographs of your hair or scalp to better assess your hair loss, which will be used to create a personalized treatment plan for you. We may ask that you complete certain lab work or examinations. We will need to screen your health to determine if general or local anesthesia is safe for you.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
We will provide you with a list of pre-treatment guidelines that you will need to follow for 7 to 10 days before your hair transplant. Some instructions that may be included on your pre-treatment guidelines include:
- Avoid taking certain medications and supplements
- Dye color-treated hair the desired color
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Take vitamins or medications we prescribe
We may ask that you also arrange for transportation on the day of your appointment. We also ask that you wear comfortable clothes that do not need to be pulled over the head on the day of your appointment.
Step One: Anesthesia
We will apply anesthesia to the back of your scalp. Most patients have a local or topical anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. The anesthesia will numb your scalp so that you feel no discomfort while the extractions are being performed.
Step Two: Extractions
The type of extractions done will depend on which hair transplant treatment you are doing. The extractions of hair or scalp are generally taken from the back or sides of the head where natural hair will hide the harvest we do. We will discuss your planned extractions in detail on the day of your appointment.
Step Three: Transplant
After extractions are complete, we will then transplant the donations at the desired location on the scalp as determined by your treatment plan. From start to finish, a hair transplant can take several hours to complete.
Step Four: Cleanse and Dress
After the hair transplant is complete, we will cleanse your scalp and dress the transplants with gauze or a pressure bandage. Depending on your exact case, it is possible you will have no bandages after the transplant is complete.
Post-Treatment Guidelines
You will receive a list of post-treatment guidelines to follow for the duration of your recovery. Some of those post-treatment guidelines include:
- Using medications we prescribe
- Sleeping with your head elevated
- Avoiding sun exposure
- Avoiding strenuous activity
- Washing the scalp and caring for transplanted hair
Recovery
Most patients recover within 2 to 3 weeks following hair transplant procedures. In the hours and days following your treatment, you can expect some numbness, tingling, or tightness in the scalp. These are normal side effects that fade within days of your treatment. You should be able to resume normal activities, including hair care, 2 weeks after your treatment.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for hair transplants are those who are suffering mild, moderate, or severe hair loss. There are no age or gender restrictions associated with seeking treatment for visible hair loss.
Find Out More
If you think that any of these best hair transplant methods are right for you, contact Wellington Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, FL to schedule your initial consultation today. It’s time to have pride in your hair and love the way you look.