Hair transplantation is more popular and accessible than ever in 2021, thanks to a combination of factors.
One of the most obvious is increased awareness of hair loss issues and treatments. Celebrities may contribute to this shift by discussing their own hair loss struggles and displaying the results of their surgery in the media. James Nesbitt, Jamie Laing, and Wayne Rooney are just a few of the top names to wear transformed hairlines with pride.
Other factors include wider social acceptance of cosmetic treatments, advancing technology, improved results, and lower hair transplant costs.
But despite this, undergoing a procedure is still a big decision today. You’re sure to have questions, doubts, and concerns.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of hair transplantation in 2021 to help you make the right decision.
What are the pros of hair transplantation?
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Here are five key hair transplantation pros:
Works for different types of hair loss
Hair transplantation is an effective treatment for various forms of hair loss, from mild thinning to advanced male pattern baldness.
The complexity of your procedure will depend on the condition of your hair and the reasons why it’s shedding.
For example, it’s incredibly common for men to develop a mature hairline as they reach their twenties and thirties. Even A-list stars like Ryan Reynolds (below), Michael Fassbender, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth have mature hairlines.
But if you feel uncomfortable with a slightly receding hairline, hair transplantation can restore fuller growth and cultivate a more youthful look.
A hair surgeon would likely recommend a small package in this case (containing 1000 grafts). But a more comprehensive procedure would be necessary for more extreme hair loss, such as male pattern baldness at an advanced stage on the Norwood scale (stage five pictured below).
It’s likely that a good hair clinic will have a hair transplantation package for you, ranging in size from 1000 to 6000 grafts.
One treatment is enough
In the vast majority of cases, a single hair transplantation treatment will achieve a patient’s aesthetic goal.
This is in stark contrast to non-surgical options (e.g. minoxidil) that require ongoing use to maintain results — if they develop at all. It’s a long-term responsibility and the cost will add up year on year.
But once you pay for your hair transplantation procedure, that’s it. You’ll be invited to attend several post-treatment check-ups so the clinic can monitor your progress over a number of months — all included in your package.
Minimally invasive for lack of visible scarring
The risk of visible scarring may cause some patients concern ahead of their procedure, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you choose the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method.
This involves removing hair follicles from the back and sides of the head with a precise handheld tool. Incisions are tiny and will be covered by the hair easily as they heal.
But FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is much more invasive: the surgeon will cut a strip of skin from the back of the head to harvest its follicles. This technique leaves a noticeable scar.
Achieve natural seamless results
The latest hair transplantation treatments restore hair with remarkably natural results.
New strands will blend seamlessly with the surrounding hair, as surgeons match growth patterns, texture, and colour with care.
Cost-effective options available
Hair transplantation is available at highly competitive rates, depending on where you look. Costs across the UK tend to be similar: on average, you’ll pay more than £9000 for a 3000-graft procedure.
But that’s not the case outside the UK: for example, you can undergo the same treatment for less than £3900 at a reputable hair clinic in Hungary, due to lower living expenses and salaries.
What are the cons of hair transplantation?
Here are three hair transplantation cons to consider:
Can be expensive at some clinics
As mentioned above, hair transplantation can be costly. That’s not surprising when the average procedure involves cutting-edge technology, skilled surgeons, and hours of hard work.
But competitive packages are available, so research your options carefully before you commit. You don’t want to pay around £15,000 for a treatment that you could get at another clinic for significantly less.
Visible scars can be problematic
Visible scarring caused by an FUT procedure can limit your choice of hair cuts in the future. Even when the incision on the back of the head heals and your hair growth is complete, the scar will still be noticeable with a short style.
You may feel compelled to grow your hair longer than you want to, preventing you from enjoying a look you’re comfortable with.
Not everyone is a suitable match for treatment
Unfortunately, hair transplantation isn’t for everyone.
You may not be a suitable candidate if you’re completely bald — surgeons need healthy hair growth on the back and sides of the head to extract donor follicles.
Ongoing hair loss is another potential issue: transplanted hairs may fall out over time if you undergo a treatment while your male pattern baldness is still progressing or a medical condition causes shedding.
Speak with a hair transplantation specialist before you plan a procedure. They will determine whether or not it’s right for you.
Today’s hair transplantation technology has the power to restore hair with amazing results. But you should take the time to understand what procedures involve, the results you can expect to see, and how much it’s likely to cost.
Find a reputable hair clinic and schedule a consultation with one of its experts. They’ll examine your hair, discuss your options, and answer your questions in detail.
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