Dear Friends,

This is the second of the two-part series of newsletters that explain the options available to those of us who experience hair loss. As we recall, we explored the first option of Hair Replacement Systems in depth in the first newsletter. In this edition, we will find out more about the second option, Hair Replacement Surgery, and the last option, Drugs and Topical Treatment.
 

A Closer Look
 

2) Hair Replacement

What is Hair Replacement Surgery?

This is basically surgical hair restoration. When conducted by a capable surgical team, this procedure is safe, but do beware the risks that surround this option.

The actual process that takes place during surgery is simple enough to understand:
 

1. Small pieces of hair-bearing scalp grafts are removed from the donor site as shown in the picture. These grafts are relocated to bald or thinning areas. Grafts will differ by size and can be very small, containing 2-3 hairs, to much larger, containing 10-15 hairs. Just before surgery, the "donor area" will be trimmed short so that the grafts can be easily accessed and removed.
   
    
2. The donor site areas may be closed with stitches. After stitches are removed, a small, straight-line scar will result. Stitches are usually concealed with the surrounding hair.
   
    
3. This surgery is usually conducted in an outpatient setting and takes about 2-4 hours to complete. Though anesthesia is provided, patient remains alert but experiences no pain. Several surgical sessions may be needed to achieve satisfactory fullness-and a healing interval of several months is usually recommended between each session. It may take up to two years before you see the final result with a full transplant series.

Do note that this surgery is more suitable for some than others. The best candidates for hair replacement surgery must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of their heads to serve as donor areas. Hence, an individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.

Pros & Cons of Hair Replacement Surgery 

Pros

Cons

Patient attains improved appearance. A more youthful appearance can be attained and this certainly contributes positively to both business and social interactions. Increased self-esteem also comes about.

This surgery is non-reversible. One has to dive into the surgery without knowing for certain the final results. Surgery is one of the more expensive options. Results do not come about immediately. As mentioned above, years may go by before results become apparent. One side effect that can be a hair transplant problem is numbness around the donor or recipient site. This lack of sensation is almost always temporary and should disappear within two or three months of hair replacement surgery. This option is not suitable if hair loss is severe.

 
3) Drugs and Topical Treatments

About Drugs and Topical Treatments

There are many drugs for hair loss on the market. Some of the more popular ones are highlighted below:
 

1. Rogaine – This drug is sold in cream form and is to be applied directly on balding areas. Though the original intention of this drug was to treat high blood pressure, side effects like increased hair growth made it a popular solution to hair loss.
   
    
2. Propecia – This drug is to be taken orally. It is only to be used by men. This is because Propecia blocks dihydrotestosterone, the hormone thought to be responsible for male pattern hair loss. It also helps stimulate hair follicles. Especially pregnant women should not even come into physical contact with this product as it is known to cause defects in male babies. It has been proven to have up to 80% success rate amongst men.
    

Pros & Cons of Drugs and Topical Treatments

Pros

Cons

These drugs tend to be cheaper than other alternatives like surgery. This option of treatment can be administered by the patient himself/herself. There is no need for hassle at a clinic/treatment facility. Drugs and topical treatments are readily available at most drug stores. Success rate for drugs like Propecia is high at 80%.

These drugs tend to be dose-dependent. Hence, drugs must be continuously taken till stipulated dosage is taken. If treatment is halted half-way through, progress is stopped. This option may be cheap on a one-time basis, but could be expensive long-term if drugs need to be bought constantly. Moreover, popular drugs like Rogaine and Propecia are not covered by most health insurance plans. Though many claims have been made over the effectiveness of these drugs, a 100% cure has not been found yet. This option is not very practical if patient suffers from serious hair loss. Many hair growth drugs prevent hair loss better than they re-grow hair.

We have come to the end of this series. I hope that you have learnt a little bit more about the various types of choices you could make when it comes to managing your hair loss. Remember that only you can make a difference in your life by choosing to take action! Do something about the hair loss you may be facing!

Please do feel free to call me at (65) 6372 – 1221 to schedule a FREE information appointment where you can clarify any doubts you may have.

Sincerely,

Peter Lim
Business Development

Remember to let your friends know about it.

About iAremyhair:

iAremyhair is a fully integrated hair centre, specialised in providing the best quality Non-Surgical Hair Replacement System (hairpieces) for both men and women who have hair loss problems in Asia and worldwide. It also provides treatment for thinning and damaged hair.