How do I Choose the Best Hair Replacement Therapy?

There are two general types of hair replacement therapy: surgical and non-surgical. The right hair restoration method is different for each person because no two people will respond to treatment in exactly the same way. Health conditions, the reason for hair loss, and how quickly the patient wants the hair to be restored are all important factors in choosing a hair replacement therapy.

Surgical hair replacement carries general, low risks like any other surgery. A person considering this type of procedure should weigh those risks and make sure that the surgeon is qualified to do this type of hair restoration. Pre-operative tests and a clear explanation of what makes a good candidate for the procedure are crucial to help ensure a good outcome. A poorly done hair transplant surgery can result in unnatural-looking hair or transplants that don't take at all.

The type of surgery performed will usually depend on the desired result and the degree of hair loss. Someone who wants to fill in a large bald area may need scalp reduction before surgical hair replacement therapy. Restoration that uses one or more different grafting techniques typically gives a more natural look, especially over a large area. Filling in small spots to make thin hair appear much thicker can also be done with more than one technique. This requires fewer incisions and less healing time than more extensive surgery.

To be a good candidate for surgical hair transplants, patients need to have enough hair on their heads to provide grafts that can be transplanted from the back to the front. Healthy follicles are typically taken from the back of the head to fill in the balding area. Someone with only a small amount of healthy hair would probably need to look at natural hair restoration methods and non-surgical hair replacement.

Non-invasive and natural methods used to stop hair loss have varying degrees of success from person to person. There is no one method that gives perfect results every time. Pills, creams, and other products are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. People interested in prescription and non-prescription hair replacement therapy should talk to their doctors about effectiveness and potential side effects.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, most consumers are unhappy with the results of products that claim to either stop hair loss or regrow hair. That makes it necessary to research any product's claims before investing in it. Wigs and hair pieces are the least invasive types of hair replacement therapy available. If they fit properly, these may be the best option for someone who wants to avoid medications or surgery.