You have read through every hair restoration method available and hair transplantation seems to be the most attractive option.
It is the only method that claims to restore your natural hair. The only one that gives you hope of once again running your fingers through long, thick locks; or returning that glorious feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.
Before you take the leap, take some time to find out what you may not like about the entire process. Here are a few of the not-so-great sides to hair transplantation surgery.
Cost
Hair transplantation, scalp micropigmentation, and hair systems. These are the main solutions one would consider when dealing with hair loss. Of all these, hair transplant surgery is by far the most costly option.
Just how much does it cost?
In the U.S hair transplant surgery will set you back between $4,000 and $15,000 while in the U.K you will need in the range of £10,000 and £20,000.
If you choose to have the procedure done in Istanbul, Turkey which has over the years made a name as the best destination for affordable hair transplant surgery, it will set you back between $1,800 and $2,000.
Not forgetting that this procedure is considered cosmetic surgery so it is not covered under medical insurance plans.
Success Rate
No facility can promise a 100 percent success of a hair transplant procedure. Success rates generally range between 10% for what would be considered a failed procedure and 95% for what is considered a highly successful one.
What exactly determines whether your transplant surgery gets a pass or a fail?
According to Lyfboat, it depends on a few factors, the first being the characteristics of your hair. Men with thick, dense, and curly hair easily achieve desired results with fewer grafts than is the case for men with thin, straight hair. The latter require more grafts, therefore, lowering the chances of a highly successful procedure.
A second determinant is age and general health. As one ages, follicles gradually lose the ability to produce new hair, therefore, reducing the chances of maximum success for older men. It is also important that one is in good health. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses, for instance, are unlikely to achieve significant success after hair transplantation.
It will be a Long Wait
If you are looking for a quick solution to your hair loss situation, hair transplantation is definitely not for you. It will be months before you see any growth and at least a year before you can enjoy the full results of the procedure.
What happens when?
Immediately after the surgery, the scalp goes into a ‘shock’ phase. This is followed by a ‘shedding’ phase. Many men say that this second phase is the most frustrating one because it is when the little hair you had falls off to pave way for the first signs of growth about 4 months after the surgery.
It is often after the 6-month mark that substantial growth is observed and after about 18 months that the full success of the surgery can be measured.
Potential Complications
Hair transplantation is a serious surgical procedure that comes with risks and potential complications.
Folliculitis
A common complication is an infection of the follicles, a condition known as folliculitis. It occurs when dirt finds its way into the raw wounds and is characterized by swelling of the scalp and face.
Surgeons typically prescribe antibiotics to prevent such infections but may still occur if after-care procedures are not followed.
Cysts
Although these are quite rare, patients could also develop cysts which are small pimple-sized protrusions on the scalp.
Experts associate post-surgery cysts with under-qualified surgeons. These occur as a result of scalp damage caused by the surgeon pushing hair follicles too deep during transplantation.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to restore your hair through natural regrowth, hair transplantation is no doubt a great way to achieve this goal. Despite its strengths, this hair restoration method comes with its fair share of demerits, which one must be aware of before making a final decision.
Few can ignore the fact that it is a very expensive procedure and that costs are not covered through medical insurance plans. Even the best hair transplant surgeons in the world cannot promise 100 percent success, not forgetting that it is an invasive surgical procedure that comes with its risks and potential complications.
References
1. https://hairmighty.com/hair-transplant-guide/
2. https://hairmighty.com/cost-hair-transplant-usa/
3. https://hairmighty.com/hair-transplants-turkey/
4. https://www.lyfboat.com/knowledge-center/hair-transplant-success-rates/
5. https://nashvillehairdoctor.com/recovery-after-hair-transplant/timeline/
