Hair restoration options

The effects of hair loss in women and men can be both psychological and social. Our culture favors the young, and people with hair loss are often passed over for employment and social memberships. The emotional effects of women’s hair loss and male pattern baldness can also be severe in terms of lessened self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there is a broad range of successful hair loss treatments today, including topical applications, wigs and hairpieces, and medical hair transplantation.

Combinations and Costs for Hair Restoration

Depending upon the severity of their hair loss, patients today may combine topical treatment with hair transplantation. The well known topical or oral-medication solutions include Propecia, Rogaine and Tricomin, and these must be taken for as long as six months before you’ll see significant results. Propecia is for men only. It costs approximately $150 every three months. Rogaine used twice a day costs about $30 for a month’s supply. Based on the degree and progression of your hair loss, hair transplantation may be the best solution. Hair transplantation places living, permanent, vibrant hair into your bald spots.

How Hair Transplantation Works

Your transplant physician will evaluate your medical and family history, degree and rate of hair loss, and previous hair treatments. Rates are based on the size of coverage you require and begin at around $2,500. A strip of hair follicles is removed from the side of your head or lower back and converted into follicular units that are transplanted into thinning or balding areas. It may take four to six months before the transplanted hair begins to grow. Once the transplanted hair reaches maturity in a year it will grow throughout your life.

--G.H.