Hair transplantation: Pros vs cons

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Hair transplantation is an effective solution for hair loss — and it’s more popular than ever.

Why? Increased social acceptance, greater awareness of hair loss treatments, and competitive pricing are just three reasons.

Celebrities are also inspiring people to seek treatment by sharing their own struggles with hair loss, and highlighting the amazing results modern techniques can achieve.

For example, Made in Chelsea and Strictly Come Dancing star Jaime Laing has spoken honestly about his own hair transplant. And James Nesbitt, of Cold Feet and Lucky Man fame, credits his hair transplants with helping him to win more leading roles.

But committing to a hair transplant is still a big decision, and you’re sure to have questions. How do you know it’s right for you? Will your treatment achieve the results you’re looking for? And how much does a hair transplant cost?

Below, we’ll explore the biggest hair transplantation pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of hair transplants

A hair transplant well done can be truly transformative. But there are many more reasons why an increasing number of men opt for such procedures.

Restores growth with natural results

The chief benefit of a hair transplant is that it creates completely natural growth — your implanted hairs will blend seamlessly with the surrounding hair.

A surgeon will implant healthy hair follicles from the back and/or sides of your head, carefully matching your follicles’ natural growth patterns. Once your transplanted hairs grow (after 12 – 18 months in most cases), people will have no idea that you have undergone a hair restoration treatment.

No need for follow-up treatments in most cases

Certain hair loss treatments are a long-term commitment. A topical minoxidil product, for example, must be applied to the scalp frequently to maintain hair growth over time. If you were to stop, your hair loss would gradually return.

But that’s not an issue with hair transplantation: one procedure is enough in the majority of cases.

And even if some of your hairs fail to grow as expected, the best hair clinics will offer to reimplant them for free.

Suitable for various types of hair loss

Hair transplantation treats different forms of hair loss, such as mature hairlines and male (and female) pattern baldness. The nature of the procedure will vary depending on the extent of your hair loss.

For example, adding growth to a mature hairline is typically a smaller, simpler process than treating advanced male pattern baldness. You may require just 1000 grafts to restore your growth if you have mild hairline recession.

But total baldness on top of the scalp would call for a more comprehensive package, possibly up to 5000 grafts.

The Norwood scale is a great resource if you want to identify what stage your male pattern baldness has reached.

A good hair clinic will offer an in-depth consultation to assess your hair loss and recommend the most effective treatment plan at a competitive rate.

Minimally invasive treatments available

Two types of hair transplant are available: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).

FUT is the most invasive. A surgeon will remove a strip of skin from the back of the head to harvest its hair follicles. They will then implant these into the thinning/bald areas.

But during FUE, a surgeon will use a needle to extract between one and three hair follicles at a time instead. They’ll take these from across the back and sides of the scalp, to avoid noticeable thinning in one area.

The recovery time required for FUE is shorter, and you’ll have no visible scar running across the back of your head. This is why FUE has become the go-to option for countless patients today.

Cutting-edge technology offers reliability and safety

The most advanced hair transplantation technology, the FUE2 Safe System, makes procedures safer and more effective.

The FUE2 Safe System utilizes a state-of-the-art micro punch device for removing hair with unparalleled precision. It lowers the risk of grafts becoming damaged, and creates tiny wounds that heal within a few days. And the device’s scalp penetration is tightly controlled for added safety.

Cons of hair transplants

While results are promising, it is always best to weigh the cons and potential drawbacks of surgical hair restoration.

FUT leaves visible scarring

As mentioned above, the FUT hair transplant method can leave a large visible scar on the back of the head.

This can limit your hairstyling choices in the future, as the scar will be noticeable with short cuts. FUE is the better option if you want to keep your procedure discreet.

Hair transplants can be expensive at certain clinics

Cost is a primary factor when researching hair transplants. You may be put off by the prices at some clinics throughout the UK, and assume hair transplantation is beyond your budget.

But you can find more affordable hair transplants outside the UK with reputable clinics

offering a portfolio of cost-effective packages.

You may not be a suitable candidate

If you’re completely bald, with no hair around the back and sides of your scalp, you may be unable to have a hair transplant. Healthy growth in one or more areas is essential, otherwise hairs cannot be harvested.

Furthermore, if you have male pattern baldness, your hair loss may continue even after your treatment. It’s recommended that you wait until your baldness is complete before opting for a transplant.

How do you know if you’re a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?

The first step to finding out if a hair transplant is the right option for you is to consult a specialist.

Following an examination, an expert will discuss your hair loss, identify your goals to set up the best course of treatment for your needs.