What is the Difference between Hair Transplant and Hair Replacement?

Hair transplant refers to the surgical removal of hair from a part of scalp to another part. Men and women suffering from hereditary/genetic baldness are the ones who consider going for a hair transplant.

Hair replacement is offers a cheap alternative to the hair transplant. During hair replacement, no surgical procedures are done. In most cases, the hair replacement systems are made customarily for each individual by use of high quality human or synthetic hair. In hair replacement, there are no anesthetics, pain medication, immobilization of the patient for long or recovery time.

Before a hair transplant, there are a number of factors which the client has to consider. These include the amount of available donor hair so as to get hair volume which is acceptable based on the expectation and the amount of hair to be lost during aging.

During hair transplant, the surgical procedure takes about 6 to 8 hours and a local anesthetic has to be done so as to numb your scalp. Some strip of hair follicles is then removed, disserted and then implanted into some small incisions which have been made on scalp. In most cases, two to three sessions are done per client. There has been a conflict on the time that it takes for a complete growth to take place, but this ranges from 3 to 12 months. It is after this that the surgeon will determine whether there is a need for a further procedure. The most important thing during a hair transplant is for the patient to go to a surgeon who is highly qualified and experienced and this will help prevent complications such as infections, tell-tale hairlines and uneven placements from occurring.

It is good for you to know that a hair transplant is always expensive compared to a hair replacement.

With the advancement in technology for hair preparation, coupled with ongoing and extensive stylist and training of hair technicians, there has been an emergence in choices for hair replacement. The client and the image stylist have to meet in a private room in which they will discuss expectations, objectives, options and the optimal solutions. If the measuring is done precisely and the molds are prepared carefully, one gets breathable caps, snug-fitting featherweight and bases which have been coordinated to the scalp tones very well.

The full caps usually fits as a glove and they then incorporate some undetectable adjustable band which will be capable of allowing any changes which may occur in the scalp. For the case of partial systems, one is provided with numerous attachment methods for provision of a secure and undetectable placement so as to meet the client’s needs and the comfort level that they desire. You are also provided with thousands of colors to choose from and several stylists with the capability to blend colors, density and texture so as to get a natural effect regardless of whether the stylist has to integrate with existing hair or has to construct a full cap replacement. The success of a hair replacement system should be measured both by the outward appearance and the overall transformation of the client who has become self-assured.

For you to get a high quality hair replacement system, a good partnership has to exist between you and the designer/stylist. The stylist should be ready to listen while the client should be ready to participate actively in the creation of the hair replacement system even it means only giving some serious considerations and this will lead into results of a higher quality.

A hair transplant should be considered under the following circumstances:

1.      When the client is need of an all-natural solution for the remaining part of his or her life.

2.      If the client has some moderate hair loss, but still there is enough hair at the sides or the back of the head for provision of donor grafts.

3.      When the client has tried the topical mechanisms for prevention of hair loss with no success, or the clients is in need of more quality results.

4.      If the clients highly prefers their natural hair, or maybe with only fewer styling options.

5.      If the client views the higher cost of the hair transplant surgery as a future investment.

A hair replacement should be considered under the following circumstances:

1.      One is in need of dramatic results, either slowly after some months or immediately.

2.      If one undergoes a severe hair loss up to a point that the number of donor grafts present for surgery become limited.

3.      You are in need of looking better than you did before you began to lose your hair.

4.      You are in need of exercising maximum control over how your hair looks and is styled.

5.      If you work in a profession with a high visibility such as broadcasting, acting or modeling.

From the points already discussed above, it is very clear that considering a hair transplant is a serious decision which should not be taken lightly. Note that the few permanent hairs that you are having can be removed after an incorrect implantation or by removal after an incorrect placement. Although it is good for you to have expectations before going for the surgery, it is for you to ensure that your expectations are realistic.

The hair transplant procedure may also be painful to you and the results usually emerge after a long time. The procedure is also expensive. Some of the side effects associated with a hair transplant include coarse re-growth, infection and in most of the cases, only 80% of transplants will take to scalp.

Before going for a hair transplant, it is recommended that you consider going for a non-surgical hair replacement. This is usually what is recommended for younger individuals, that is, those under 30 years of age. Note that at this age, your hair loss pattern has not well been established, and it is good for you to first go for a non-surgical hair replacement.