Hair loss can result from a number of factors including genetics, injury, or illness. Deciding to replace your hair is a choice that should be carefully weighed and measured. In order to make the best decision possible about whether to proceed with hair replacement surgeries, you must consider the pros and cons.
Pros of Hair Replacement
Growing your own hair: Hair transplant surgery involves transplanting hair from the back of your head onto an area where hair loss is experienced. Once the donor hair follicles have been transplanted, your hair begins to grow after about three or four months. This hair will experience the same growth cycle as the rest of your hair.
Confidence booster: Losing your hair can be a major blow to your self-esteem. Feeling self-conscious can make your more reluctant to be outgoing in social, and even professional situations. Hair replacement can give you the confidence you need to succeed in numerous aspects of your life. When you feel confident people stand up and take notice. If hair loss inhibits your self-esteem and confidence, then hair replacement may be an option for you.
Natural appearance: Unlike hair replacement sprays that can make your head look like it is covered in a ring of spray paint, hair replacement surgeries use your natural hair, therefore, achieving a natural looking result. You won’t have to worry about applying gunky sprays. All you have to do is enjoy your natural, growing hair.
Cons of Hair Replacement
Expense: Hair replacement is expensive. Hair transplants can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The cost for hair replacement is as much as a new car, or even one person’s salary for a year. Therefore, deciding to proceed with hair replacement surgery could mean a serious financial undertaking. It may mean cashing in savings, or taking out a loan if your health insurance will not pay any part of the cost.
Side effects: As with any other medical procedure, there is always a risk of side effects. Hair replacement surgery is no different. Some side effects like swelling, itching, pain, bleeding, scarring and numbness are common around the transplant area. These are usually minor and subside within a few days or weeks. Other side effects like infection and cysts can develop after surgery, and may require additional treatments and medications. You should talk to your doctor about your risk of side effects, and how your doctor is prepared to treat them.
Unsatisfactory result: Your hair replacement surgery may produce a result that is not satisfactory to you. While techniques used in hair replacement surgery have greatly improved over the last few decades, it is still possible to have a poor result. If too large of a hair graft is transplanted, then your hair can look clumpy or patchy. It is important to find a reputable doctor who has a high percentage of satisfied customers. Ask to see before and after photos of your doctor’s patients, and talk to people in your community about your doctor’s reputation.
After reviewing the pros and cons of hair replacement surgery, you may decide that it is not the right option for you. In addition to hair transplant surgery, there are other hair replacement systems that may be the correct choice for you. These systems include high quality wigs and toupees, and topical medications and creams. Talk to your doctor about available hair systems and their pros and cons.
