Hair thinning and loss can be discouraging for many, and with new advances there are many options for treatment. Hair transplant surgery is one of the best ways to improve the appearance of thinning or balding hair and it is highly effective. With multiple advanced hair transplant options, hair transplant surgery is safer, more efficient, and very successful.
The success of hair transplant surgery includes factors like what technique was performed and who is performing the surgery. However, the estimated survival rate for transplanted hair grafts is approximately 90-95%. In most cases when performed by an experienced, well-qualified surgeon, most hair transplants are successful with results being fully apparent around 12-18 months following surgery.
Hair Transplant Surgery
The most popular forms of hair transplant surgery are FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplant), more commonly referred to as the strip method. With both of these procedures delivering successful outcomes, it generally comes down to the surgeon’s recommendation and the individual’s preference.
The FUE technique has quickly become very popular because it does not require incisions, sutures, or staples. If an individual wears their hair short, we typically recommend the FUE technique so there are no visible scars.
The strip method has been around for a very long time and is more suitable for those who do not wear a shorter hairstyle because the linear scar can easily be hidden. Recovery time is slightly longer with this technique as well because it does involve a linear incision and sutures.
Setting Realistic Hair Restoration Goals
Even though hair transplant surgery is more advanced and successful now, it is still important for individuals to maintain realistic goals. During an individual consultation with either Drs. Thompson or Henstrom, it is important to discuss in detail what your goals are and what can be accomplished. This discussion will help you have a better idea of what your outcome will be since results do not appear right away. The area of loss and the quality of donor hair plays a big role in results.
What Can Make a Hair Transplant More Successful?
There are several things an individual can do to add to the success rate of a hair transplant procedure. First, following post treatment care is one of the best things you can do after any surgery, but especially a hair transplant.
The second-best way to make a hair transplant more successful is by reviewing non-surgical options for maintenance and adding topical or oral medications that promote thicker, healthier hair. Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription medication that is ideal for most hair transplant patients because it helps them hang on to any existing hair. Propecia is available in both oral and topical forms and can only be prescribed by a doctor.  If you’re looking for over-the-counter medication options, Rogaine (minoxidil) is a topical medication that works by strengthening and thickening existing hair follicles. Another option is Nutrafol hair supplement, which is a 100% botanical hair supplement have been proven to be very successful in growing thicker, healthier hair. All of the above-mentioned medications do have to be done indefinitely to maintain desired results. Once hair loss occurs any methods mentioned will need to be done to prevent further hair loss.
To learn more about hair restoration and UFP Hair Restoration hair specialists in Draper or Layton, Utah please contact our office at (801)776-2220.