Are you a man who sees his hair thinning and receding? If so, you are among the 35 million American men with androgenetic alopecia. It affects about half of adult males as they reach 50 years old. Is hair restoration surgery your right treatment option? Here is what to know about hair surgery for men and what the results can be.
What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common kind of hair loss in men. Caused by the male hormones–testosterone and dihydrotestosterone–as genes which you inherited, male pattern hair loss can be embarrassing. With it, a man sees:
- His scalp develop thin patches and areas of baldness starting at the temples and/or the crown of the head
- His hairline recede and even form a characteristic “M” shape
- Self-confidence begin to fail
What Hair Restoration Options Are There?
Thankfully, there are many options to restore men (and women) to fuller, more youthful–looking heads of hair. However, it takes the knowledge and skill of an experienced hair loss doctor to evaluate a man’s health and hair thinning issues. Then, both patient and provider decide what treatment options would work best.
Some men want non-surgical treatments. Examples are topical medications or regenerative solutions, such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). However, others choose surgery as the best approach.
What Kinds of Restoration Surgeries Does a Hair Loss Doctor Perform?
Hair loss doctors have a number of surgeries available to their patients. Typically, these surgeries restore hair in the thinning areas.
Hair transplant is probably the technique most people think of when they consider hair surgery. It involves removing healthy hair follicles from one part of the head (usually the very back or sides) and transplanting them into the thinning areas.
This is a delicate procedure which needs real artistry to achieve natural-looking results. It often takes multiple sessions to fully restore a patient’s hair.
At Northwest Hair Restoration, Dr. Robert Niedbalski offers two kinds of hair restoration surgery–Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT). You will choose one based on your in-office medical consultation with Dr. Niedbalski.
Follicular Unit Extraction involves removing healthy and growing hair follicles–one by one–from thick areas of hair growth. The hair loss doctor places them into thinning areas, creating a natural-looking pattern.
Follicular Unit Transplant surgically removes strips of hair follicles. The doctor looks at the strips under magnification. Then, he decides which portions should be transplanted at different places on the scalp.
FUE procedures tend to be easier for patients. They involve no general anesthesia or sutures. The follicles are removed and transplanted with nothing more than local anesthetic.
Soreness, swelling and scabbing happen with both kinds of hair transplant procedures. In general, however, FUE patients feel better more quickly. Also, they return to work and family responsibilities faster.
How Can I Prepare for Hair Restoration Surgery?
During your in-office consultation with your hair loss doctor, you will learn if surgery is your best choice. You will learn what medications and supplements you can and cannot take prior to your procedure.
You also should avoid alcohol and cigarettes so that your scalp heals well. You will limit strenuous exercise for a while, too. Finally, be sure to get a good night’s sleep before your hair loss surgery.
What Will My Results Be?
You will discuss what your results will look like during your in-office consultation with Dr. Niedbalski. Also, he will talk about how to style and color your renewed hair. He will tell you how to apply Rogaine and Tricomin shampoo as you heal.
Aside from practical preparation for hair restoration surgery, get ready mentally and emotionally. The procedure can positively impact your self-esteem and confidence.
So, have realistic expectations, and understand the potential risks and benefits. Most people see desired results gradually within months of their surgeries.
Hair Surgery for Men in Washington State
Find out what hair restoration solutions may boost your personal appearance and self-esteem, too. Call us at (253) 572-2949 for an informative consultation with Dr. Robert Niedbalski, or request your appointment here.
Dr. Niedbalski has been helping people improve their hair for more than 25 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and is a real innovator in hair surgery for men.
Call us soon to learn more about your hair restoration options.
