Understanding Differences between Surgical & Non-Surgical Hair Replacement

Hair loss is a devastating experience that affects one’s personality and self-confidence. According to scientific studies, men are more prone to lose their locks than women. However, there are myriad of hair loss treatments available to choose from and these treatments are primarily divided into two categories- surgical and non-surgical hair replacement therapies. You probably remember your dad or grandpa wearing those obnoxiously fake hair wigs and pieces.  These days, the technology has come a long way with advancement in treatment to provide you with full head of hair. Before undergoing any treatment for hair loss, check out the prime differences between surgical and non-surgical hair replacement. 

Surgical Hair Replacement Types &
Those Who Fit for Them

Hair transplant is one of the most popular surgical hair replacement surgeries. The treatment is considered for men who have been experiencing baldness for years and have lost a large majority of hair.
Scalp Reduction is another surgical hair replacement procedure that is considered well suitable for the candidates having slight balding.

Surgical Hair Loss Treatment Procedures

Hair Transplantation method takes hair follicles from the areas of the scalp that have strong hair growth and transplant them to the balding areas. The hair restoration surgery is considered successful when the client has sufficient hair transplanted. The precious few permanent hairs of yours can be counted in thousands or hundreds that can be lost if they are implanted incorrectly. Therefore, it is must to consider transplantation of donated hair rather than using your own hair.
Scalp stretching procedure is invasive where the bald skin from the scalp is removed and the skin with hair is stretched over the removed area. Therefore, patients with large bald areas cannot consider fit for the treatment.

Surgical Treatment Pros & Cons

Pros

• Hair transplant and scalp stretching offer instant result
• Permanently restore hair by transplanting new follicles into the balding areas
• The operation is safe

 Cons

• Cases of dense packing can be costly and time taking
  
• Thick packing can cause injuries and scarring
• Lacking to show natural hair shines
• Causes inflammation on the scalp
• Painful treatment, requires medication to get relief

Non-Surgical Replacement Types &
Those Who Fit for Them

LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) is a popular non-surgical hair loss treatment, recommended to both men and women of all ages who are in early stage of hair loss.  Women experiencing general hair thinning like top area of scalp and back can be benefited from LLLT.  Candidates who have 5-6 years of history of baldness cannot be expected to be recovered through the treatment.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a modern age advanced non-surgical hair loss therapy, recommended to both men and women of all ages who are in early stage of hair loss.  Patients with areas of ‘weak quality’ hair growth on the scalp where follicles can still be observed and patients with small signs of alopecia areata experience greater success with PRP.

Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment Procedures

LLLT treatment involves cool laser light that penetrates to the follicular level of the scalp without causing discomfort and heating effect.  The laser energy stimulates blood flow and improves protein synthesis and cellular metabolism.
Under PRP treatment, around 60-100ml of blood is collected from the patient’s body.  Special sterile techniques and equipment are used to separate and concentrate the platelet and plasma. The PRP contains growth factors that instil to the patient scalp with the help small injections.

Non-Surgical Treatment Pros & Cons

Pros

• LLLT is painless non-surgical treatment
• PRP involves mild-pain in the injected areas
• PRP can cause inflammation but doesn’t require any anti-inflammatory medication
• Both treatments provide natural hair growth
• Stimulates hair follicles to encourage re-growth
• Prohibit excessive hair loss
• Provide relief from irritating scalp conditions
• Hair elasticity is gained
• Repairs and improve hair shaft properties
• Safe treatment, with little side effects
  
• Treatment is affordable

Cons

• Time taking procedure, required to see the doctor till the treatment is going on
  
• Take time to provide results