Types of Hair Restoration Treatment
There are several different types of hair growth treatment, some of which can be performed within the comfort of the home, and others involve medical surgery. There is no shampoo out there on the market that will actually halt hair loss. These products are designed to stimulate hair follicles to slow the process down, and provide users with a head of hair that merely appears thicker and fuller as opposed to encouraging new hair growth. Regaine has the ability to ease the natural process of hair loss, but will only stimulate a few new hairs in most cases. Propecia tablets are another widely available solution, however the user must continue to take them or risk suffering alopecia within 3-8 months. Surgical hair treatment on the other hand is usually the best option for anyone suffering hair loss, with this course of treatment catering to each individual's personal situation.
Does Hair Restoration Work?
There have been some major advancements in the field over the past decade or so, meaning that many people who have had to suffer from self-consciousness are now able to enjoy thick, flowing locks of hair like they had in their youth. Whilst there have been mixed reactions to hair growth shampoos, Regaine and Propecia, hair transplant/relocation surgery has proved to be an extremely popular and effective method for restoring hair.
Who is Suitable For Hair Restoration?
A person's suitability for hair transplant/relocation treatment depends on their age, skin type, genes and ethnic background. After gathering this information, a surgeon will be able to establish what kind of pattern the hair loss will take, and can draw on this data to make appropriate grafts in suitable locations on the scalp. The younger a person's age, the less likely it is that a surgeon will be able to determine what kind of pattern the hair loss will take. So whilst hair relocation/transplants are possible for patients in their twenties, a temporary measure may be required until a fixed pattern can be established and the right course of treatment can be applied. Any hair relocation made too soon can create an unsightly, patchy appearance.
What To Expect During Hair Restoration Treatment
There are two main surgical hair restoration techniques used in modern medicine. The first is the "strip harvesting" procedure, where the surgeon locates a site of good hair growth on the scalp, and removes a piece of tissue from this area to transfer on to the thinning hairline. This usually involves some skin scarring which is subsequently patched up. The other leading technique is known as follicular unit extraction (or FUE). This process is best suited for anyone uncomfortable with the scarring that strip harvesting leaves behind, or for any patients who have very few hairs left on the scalp. With FUE, grafts are collected one at a time from other areas of the body like the chest, back or stomach. Around 5-10 days of recuperation time is required.