As reported by a survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, about 35 million men in the United States experience some sort of hair loss and according to the Canadian Dermatology Association, male pattern baldness affects about 50% of men. As per these statistics hair loss is very common among men. It usually comes with age but it can also happen due to other factors such as hormones, it can also be a hereditary problem, among other reasons.
Hair loss also known as alopecia is when the body stops producing hair as a consequence of any of the possible reasons given above. There are different types of hair loss, they are the following:
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Male Pattern Baldness | This condition follows a receding hairline pattern and hair loss on the crown of the head. |
| 2. Alopecia Areata | This condition generally results in bald patches that occur at random. It happens in only 2% of the population. |
| 3. Alopecia Totalis | This condition is a severe form of alopecia areata and it’s characterized by complete hair loss on the scalp. |
| 4. Scarring Alopecias | This condition results in a large group of disorders that can lead to permanent hair loss, usually on the scalp. |
| 5. Trichotillomania | This condition results in a compulsive desire of pulling out one’s hair. |
As a result of technological and scientific advancement, patients have a variety of successful hair loss restoration treatments that will tackle their specific hair loss problem. They are divided in surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures or treatments.
| Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Treatments | Surgical Hair Restoration Treatments |
|---|---|
| 1. Androgen-dependant medication: it stops the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which is a hormone that is responsible for hair loss. It can help increase hair growth after three months of usage. | 1. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant): this method involves taking a strip of skin with hair follicles from the donor site, hair follicles are separated and prepared for transplantation into the thinning or balding area. |
| 2. Androgen-independent medication: it stimulates hair growth after three months of usage and continues to encourage it while being taken. | 2. FUE (Follicular Unit Extract): this method involves collecting individual hair follicles directly from the donor area and then they are inserted into small incisions made in the receiving area. |
It’s crucial that the patient understands that the type of hair loss is a big factor when it comes to choosing which type of hair restoration treatment to use. Choosing the right surgeon and medical facility plays a big role in the outcome of your procedure and guarantees a professional and safe experience. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it might be. The patient must inform themself enough before choosing the facility and surgeon because this will reduce any possible risks, this is the most important step before choosing to go through with any kind of medical procedure.
The best age for a male patient to receive a hair transplant is in their 40’s because their hair loss pattern is already established.
Most people only require one procedure. However, some cases require a second one. It all depends on the level of Alopecia in the patient.
In rare cases patients may develop folliculitis on the site of the new graft. Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed.Nonetheless, It is NOT a medical emergency.
