Which Hair Restoration Method Is Best?

When considering hair restoration surgery, you’ll want to ensure the doctor you choose has a good reputation in the community and is certified by a professional board.

Finasteride

In a small study on men suffering from hair loss, researchers found that finasteride treatment reduced hair loss and increased hair growth on the scalp in most participants. The patients who received finasteride also reported an improvement in the appearance of their scalp, hair, and hairline. The study also reduced the number of side effects associated with finasteride therapy.

During the first year of treatment, hair counts increased and remained above baseline for up to five years, while men who were given a placebo lost hair. These results, however, are temporary and need to be maintained. Sometimes, a physician hair restoration specialist will combine finasteride treatment with minoxidil therapy to maximize hair restoration results. In severe cases, patients may choose surgical hair restoration or a combination of medical treatments.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an effective topical hair restoration treatment applied to the scalp. It is applied using a spray bottle or dropper and should be applied twice daily. It should be evenly distributed on the scalp. Once used, it should be left to dry. Avoid shampooing for four hours after applying the treatment.

Although minoxidil treats hair loss, it can have side effects. This treatment is not recommended for hypertension. It can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Plasma Treatments

Plasma treatments for hair restoration Westchester County, NY, are a minimally invasive procedure involving the injection of platelet-rich blood. This therapy uses the patient’s blood to encourage the growth of stem cells and collagen. It also helps restore thinning hair. This procedure works by drawing a small blood sample from the patient’s arm, centrifuging it for a specified time, and injecting the concentrated solution into the scalp. This process is relatively painless, with most patients reporting only mild discomfort. Furthermore, as the treatment uses a patient’s blood, there is no risk of rejection or complication.

The first step is to find a qualified physician who offers PRP injections. Next, the doctor will examine the patient’s medical history and determine what hair restoration treatment is proper for them.

FUE

FUE is a simple procedure that requires only minimal downtime. Most patients can return to work or other regular activities the day after the procedure. Swelling and bruising are common side effects but are rarely permanent. Patients should avoid taking certain medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants, for two weeks before the procedure. It is also important not to cut hair immediately before the surgery. Patients should also avoid strenuous exercise for several days following the process.

In this procedure, a strip of scalp is dissected into several grafts, each containing a single strand of hair. The number of grafts will depend on the type of hair loss, color, and size of the area. Then, the doctor will extract the hair follicles one at a time. After the procedure, the site will heal with small dots, and the hair will grow over the dots.

FUT

FUT hair restoration involves harvesting a linear strip of scalp from the donor region, dissecting it into 500 to 2,000 individual follicular units, and implanting them into tiny incisions on the recipient area. While FUT does leave a linear scar in the donor area, this scar will eventually be covered by existing hair, and this procedure yields more grafts per procedure than FUE. Therefore, it is most effective for patients with advanced baldness or those who have lost a great deal of hair.

Patients can expect to see a full head of hair after undergoing FUT hair restoration, which does not require shaved donor areas. However, FUT does leave a visible scar on the scalp, which makes it a less desirable option for patients with long hair or those who do not want to undergo a drastic change in appearance. While FUT and FUE hair restoration methods effectively improve hairline and provide a full head of hair, some people prefer one over the other.