Are you ready for a hair transplant
Are you ready for a hair transplant ? : David Beckham is not only a worldwide sports icon and celebrity, he’s also a style icon. Somehow he finds a way to seamlessly navigate the worlds of sports, business and family. However, recent photos reveal that he is beginning to suffer from androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. The bald spot on the crown of his head and overall diffuse thinning suggest that he might be ready for a hair transplant — or at least hair restoration treatments. If you find that you are in a similar situation, then the discussion on David Beckham’s hair should prompt you to ask: Are you ready for a hair transplant yourself?
THE INS AND OUTS OF HAIR LOSS
In order to treat hair loss and/or balding, one must first understand the underlying cause or causes. Men tend to lose hair based solely on genetics, with a particular gene inherited from your mother’s side. Hair loss and balding is the result of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is present in all human scalps and those with genetically weak androgen receptors typically suffer hair loss. DHT miniaturizes follicles and wrecks havoc on them.
At 38-years-old, Beckham’s hair has lasted longer than many men. Men typically lose about 50 percent of their hair before they even notice they have male pattern baldness. Hair may start falling out as soon as your early twenties, which may lead to a devastating loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. Whether due to genetics, aging or illness, the effects of thinning hair — even balding — can be detrimental. Whether or not you’re ready for a hair transplant is determined by your age, type of hair loss, donor hair availability and more.
ARE YOU READY FOR A HAIR TRANSPLANT: HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME
Different methods of hair restoration may be used to address hair loss. They range from temporary solutions (medication, topical solutions) to permanent solutions (surgery). Hair restoration methods also dramatically vary in cost, efficacy and appearance. Patients may first choose medications or topical solutions if they’re not sure they’re ready for a hair transplant surgery.
Beckham’s former England teammate Wayne Rooney had a successful hair transplant earlier this year, which may also influence him. Thousands of other men have also benefited from surgery as their last options. Hair transplant surgery is one of the most sought out cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. to improve attractiveness. Beyond just being a personal decision if you’re ready for a hair transplant, it’s also a medical decision.
The surgery entails removing viable hair (grafts) from where your hair is still present (donor area) and replaces them where you lack hair (the recipient area). Hair is usually removed from the back and sides of the head and then moved to the top and front. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is the latest innovation in hair transplantation surgery.
Body hair transplantation (BHT), also known as body hair to head transplant, is an even more advanced method of FUE. BHT allows more options for hair restoration if you are ready for a hair transplant since the technique uses non-head hair as donor hair. This includes the beard, chest, legs and arms. If you’re completely bald or don’t have enough traditional donor hair, it’s a great option.
FUE and BHT Advantages:
- Ability to harvest more head donor hair in the future
- Allows more options for donor areas
- Faster recovery time
- Minimal scarring, unlike the strip scar
- More natural hairline using nape hair
- Less risk of permanent nerve damage without strip incision
- Less invasive surgery
- Patients can wear hair short, without scar visibility
Things to Consider If You’re Ready for a Hair Transplant
- Age: Are you old enough where your pattern of hair loss is determined? Will you need another hair transplant in the future?
- Goals: Do want to undergo surgery for a permanent solution or keep using topical products and solutions?
- Budget: Can you afford a hair transplant from a reputable hair surgeon or specialist? Do it make sense to spend the money on a long-term solution?
- Donor Hair: Do you have enough donor hair for FUE? Will you need to have the BHT methods for more donor hair?
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Do you have a medical condition that would interfere with surgery? Are you healthy enough for a hair transplant?
Consult with a hair surgeon or specialist to determine if you’re ready for a hair transplant.