Hair loss is something that a large portion of the population has faced or will face at some point in their lifetimes. We all know that men often have to deal with hair loss — in fact, male pattern baldness has even been identified as a medical condition and genetic factor. It’s estimated that by the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience a noticeable level of hair loss. This will usually continue as time goes on; hair loss doesn’t often just stop. By the time they reach 50, an estimated 85% of men In generally have significantly thinning hair. Yet at the same time, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be aware of it. As a condition, hair loss tends to sneak up on men, which makes it more difficult for them to fight it. It’s believed that a man will lose half of his hair before the issue becomes visible. At the same time, it should be noted that hair loss is not only an issue for men. Women often lose a significant amount of hair as they age. This can be an even bigger problem for women, as they tend to be more ashamed about it — hair loss is not as expected for them as it is for men. Below, we’ll list three different procedures used by hair loss specialists to fight this condition. While all can fight hair loss, not all are recommended by most hair loss specialists.
1. The FUE Hair Transplant
If you know about hair loss treatments, chances are that you’ve probably heard of a FUE hair transplant, even if it wasn’t referred to by that specific name. Short for Follicular Unit Extraction, FUE is a common method of hair restoration used and endorsed by many hair loss specialists. The way it works is fairly simple. Hair loss specialists take a small follicular unit graft, each one usually consisting of a hair grouping of one to four strands. These grafts are harvested through small “punches” and applied to the balding area. Usually, a FUE session takes about eight hours. This procedure can be done at many hair clinics, and is notable for its success rates and quick recovery time. While dependent on skin type, the grafts take a matter of days to settle in, with redness fading away after four to five days. A FUE transplant usually doesn’t leave behind noticeable scars, and is not considered very invasive at all.
2. The FUSS Hair Transplant
In contrast to a FUE hair transplant, FUSS restoration is much more invasive, and therefore has greater risks and longer recovery periods associated with it. Standing for Follicular Unit Strip Surgery, FUSS involves removing a strip of non-balding scalp and grafting it to the balding area. This is no small punch of skin, but a much larger section. It is placed in the balding area through incisions. Due to its invasive nature, FUSS has a higher complication rate, often leaves scars in the back of the head, limits the grafting amount due to the pull of the scalp in future procedures, and has a longer recovery period. For that matter, FUSS is somewhat limited. Most of the time, hair loss specialists recommend that FUSS patients keep their hair a certain length following the procedure. On the other hand, FUE patient can cut their hair short if they want. In general, FUE is more advanced and therefore often more recommended.
3. Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation is not an option for everyone, and can be applied most often to a very specific type of condition. This is because the procedure is not one of actual hair restoration. It involves tattooing the scalp in a way that mimic the appearance of hair. Therefore, it would not be a convincing procedure for those who want longer hair. It does, however, work for those who keep their hair very short and just want the appearance of a better, fuller hairline.