Non-surgical hair replacement or Hair transplants?
Maintaining a healthy head of hair becomes a real nuisance after a certain age. When hair loss issues start to appear, people usually struggle with low self-esteem and loss of confidence. Most people will seek out hair loss therapies that range from changing their lifestyles to opting for cosmetic and surgical procedures.
Hair replacement systems and hair transplant surgery are two of the most common hair loss solutions that people turn to when facing hair thinning, shedding or balding.
There are stark differences between the two solutions, but which of these is the most efficient and which one should you opt for?
Hair Replacement Systems (Hair prosthetics)
Hair replacement systems are a non-surgical approach to managing hair thinning and hair loss caused by balding. They’re not a permanent solution, nor do they reverse hair loss, merely cosmeticize the problem, albeit quite successfully.
When you hear about hair replacement systems, you may think old-fashioned wigs, hair-plugs and toupees. Thankfully, today’s solutions have gotten much better at closely mimicking natural hair. In fact, many hair pieces used today are made using natural hair.
Even when made from synthetic hair, these hair pieces are far more sophisticated than yesteryear’s toupees and wigs.
The base material onto which hair is tied or injected is constructed from a polyurethane or lace-type material. If it’s necessary to fix these to existing hair, there are various procedures that make it possible, including weaving, fusion, etc. Attachment to the scalp can be carried out with waterproof adhesives.
Hair replacement systems are available in a variety of colours, style, density, texture, etc., so matching them with your existing hair is a non-issue. They’re also suitable for any kind of hair loss problems from pattern baldness to hair loss caused by chemotherapy.
Your hair technician will usually pre-style your hair replacement, so it’s ready to wear without issues.
Advantages of Hair Replacement Systems
Opting for hair replacement comes with the followings set of advantages:
- It’s affordable and ready to wear;
- It’s a non-surgical solution that carries no risks;
- Masks temporary hair loss;
- It can be used in all stages of hair loss.
Disadvantages of Hair Replacement Systems
Hair replacement systems are not without their disadvantages, most notable ones include:
- There’s no hair loss reversal;
- Require constant maintenance (styling and cleaning);
- They’re only a cosmetic solution and not a treatment or remedy.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Essentially, hair transplant surgery is the process of harvesting hair from areas of the scalp that are not affected by hair loss and transplanting them to areas of the scalp which are affected.
They key to successful hair transplant is having healthy donor hair, therefore it’s important to carry out the surgery while the patient still has hair in the donor area (usually the back of the scalp).
A mature hairline, which is a less than 1.5 cm recession of the hair that finalises until your late 20s may not be a clinically significant alteration that would require medical attention, however, a hairline that recedes more than 1.5 cm should be a good time to think about hair transplant surgery as an option.
A trichologist (hair specialist) can determine if your receding hairline is clinically significant and can recommend treatment options or refer you to a hair transplant surgeon.
The surgical procedure involves the numbing of the scalp to harvest hair follicles, which are then stored in a special solution until the receiving area of the scalp is ready for implantation. Small incisions are made to transplant these hair follicles.
Hair in the receiving area will continue to grow naturally as it did in the donor area.
Advantages of Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant is currently the most effective way to reverse hair loss, its advantages include:
- Lost hair can be restored, and a natural look can be achieved;
- It’s a permanent solution as hair will continue to grow after the transplant;
- It can be carried out easily under a local anaesthetic;
- It’s a great confidence boost for patients.
Disadvantages of Hair Transplant Surgery
Because it’s a surgical procedure, hair transplant does have some disadvantages too:
- It can be expensive;
- There’s a risk of infection of the scalp;
- There’s a risk of damage to hair follicles during the procedure (it can lead to transplant failure);
- Minimal
These risks can be eliminated if you choose to have your surgery in a reputable hair clinic, where transplants are performed by experienced hair surgeons using cutting-edge technology.
The high costs of this procedure can be reduced significantly if you choose to have your hair transplant surgery in Budapest, Europe’s top destination for hair transplant patients. Ask for more information on our consultation page!
Hair Replacement vs Hair Transplant – Which is Best?
It depends. If you have pattern baldness, extensive hair thinning and shedding that doesn’t respond to medical treatment, hair transplant is the better choice given that it’s a restorative procedure.
On the other hand, hair replacement is a better fit for temporary hair loss caused by medication or other conditions.
Discussing your options with a trichologist can help you reach the best decision for your particular case, so do not hesitate to make an appointment if you’re dealing with a receding hairline, hair loss, and balding.
