Hair loss treatment differs for case to case and it may involve medicinal to surgical options depending on the case. Most people are unaware of the fact that each individual’s hair is unique, just like a fingerprint. Therefore, experienced hair restoration specialists provide their patients with customized hair loss treatments to achieve desired results.
Treatment Plan
The first step of treatment is to evaluate the patient’s quality and condition of hair, and make a proper treatment plan matching the patient’s needs. Hair evaluation involves the “four C’s,” which are caliber of hair, curl of hair, color contrast, and characteristics of hair loss pattern and facial structure.
Microscopic Follicular Unit Transplantation
This is a surgical treatment in which the follicular units are transplanted. A follicle refers to a tiny sac of skin tissue under the scalp. Hair solely grows out of the follicle. In this treatment, single units of follicles are transplanted with the help of a microscope. The patient receives natural looking hair and there is little or no scarring in the process.
Multi-Unit Grafting
The difference in this treatment is that a group of follicular units are transplanted in each graft. More than one follicular unit is captured in each graft and this procedure helps the patient achieve a higher hair density.
Follicular Unit Extraction
In this procedure, follicular units are taken out individually with a tiny surgical punch. As a result, only the top layer of the scalp is removed. The follicular units are then transplanted in the affected area and the patient receives only tiny scars in the process. This technique is more useful for people with short hair.
Laser Hair Therapy
This is a non-surgical alternative in hair loss treatment. In this case, the scalp is exposed to low intensity laser rays. The aim is to stimulate the hair follicles and improve their blood circulation in order to produce stronger and thicker hair naturally. Sometimes this technique is also used after surgical hair transplant to strengthen the transplanted hair.
Propecia Drug Treatment
This is an FDA approved oral medication that is effective in cases of mild to moderate hair loss. It may take up to three months for the drug’s effects to show. However, a downside of this treatment is that the patient may begin losing hair again as soon as the medication is stopped.
There are also other therapies such as Rogaine, herbal therapy and artificial hair systems such as wigs that are used in cases of hair loss.