Hair restoration procedures address hair loss and thinning; these interventions aim to increase hair density on the scalp. The strategies range from surgical transplants, which move hair from one area to another, to medical therapies that support existing hair follicles. To determine the appropriate method for your hair loss, a professional can assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. Here’s information on the different hair restoration treatments available and how they work:
Follicular Unit Transplant
Hair restoration services are beneficial if you are experiencing noticeable hair thinning, a receding hairline, or areas of hair loss. These services are particularly suitable for individuals dealing with hereditary conditions such as androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. If you have lost hair due to trauma, burns, or certain medical conditions, you may also find hair restoration effective. The type of restoration that works for you depends on your hair loss type and how much loss you’ve experienced, but a specialist can help you determine your options.
A follicular unit transplant (FUT) is a surgical procedure that relocates hair from a donor site to areas experiencing thinning. For a FUT treatment, surgeons remove a strip of tissue from the donor area, and technicians then separate it into individual follicular units. The donor area is typically located at the back of the head, where hair growth remains dense.
Once the follicular units are prepared, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the recipient area of the scalp. The individual grafts are then placed into these incisions. A FUT procedure allows specialists to transfer a large number of grafts in a single session, giving you effective coverage. Following the surgery, you will have a linear scar concealed by the surrounding hair at the donor site, often at the top of the scalp. The relocated hair follicles follow a normal growth cycle once they integrate into the new location.
Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a restoration technique that is an alternative surgical approach to hair transplantation. Instead of removing a continuous strip of tissue, practitioners use specialized micro-punches to isolate hair follicles. The practitioner extracts individual follicles directly from the scalp, and they implant these units into the targeted thinning areas.
Because the follicles are removed one by one, this procedure leaves small, dot-like scars scattered across the donor area rather than a single linear scar. This extraction method requires precision and generally takes longer than a FUT strip harvest. It is a common choice for individuals who prefer to wear their hair very short, as the scattered microscars are difficult to detect. Some key benefits of FUE include:
- Offering Faster Recovery Times (Compared to FUT)
- Promoting Follicular Health and Growth
- Causing Less Scarring
ACell Therapy
ACell therapy is a non-surgical approach that uses a naturally occurring extracellular matrix to support tissue repair, promoting follicle growth. This protein matrix provides structural support to the scalp tissue after being injected. Practitioners combine this matrix with platelet-rich plasma, and they inject the resulting mixture into the targeted areas of the scalp.
The platelet-rich plasma is derived from your own blood, which is taken in a standard blood draw from your arm. Your blood sample is then centrifuged to concentrate the platelets. The combination of the extracellular matrix and the concentrated platelets aims to optimize the environment surrounding the hair follicles.
Propecia
Propecia is an oral medication containing the active ingredient finasteride and is used to treat men experiencing male-pattern baldness. It requires a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider. The medication works by inhibiting a specific enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that binds to receptors in the scalp and contributes to the shrinking of hair follicles. By reducing DHT levels in the body, Propecia aims to slow the progression of hair thinning.
Find a Hair Restoration Option for You
Hair thinning occurs for many reasons, and a method that suits one individual may not work for another. A professional assessment of your scalp and health history is necessary to develop an appropriate plan for your hair condition. To learn more about your hair restoration options, contact a hair clinic to schedule a consultation.
