Hair Restoration and Replacement

The loss of hair can negatively influence a person’s self-esteem and self-image. For women especially, society has created certain ideals that everyone wants to conform to; having beautiful, lustrous hair is one. That is why hair restoration for women is so important.  If you are or know a woman facing hair loss, there are options that can remedy the situation, including over the counter products, hormone treatments, and surgery.

Everyone has probably seen the commercials for hair restoration products that claim to magically re-grow hair in no time. Be careful which products you choose though; Rogaine and Propecia are the only two that have attained the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are often effective, but there is one big disadvantage; once a person starts using them, they will have to continue using them for the rest of their lives. If they stop, hair growth will conclude and hair loss will resume.  Also, be aware that Propeica, based on the drug Finasteride, is not approved for females because of the possibility of birth defects.

Hormone treatments are an alternative that many women find attractive. Hair loss is caused by the presence of male hormones, including testosterone, in a woman’s body. By undergoing anti-androgen therapy, women may be able to reduce hair loss. Medications that may be effective include birth control pills and low-dose oral corticosteroid. These choices are not right for everyone, yet have proven effective in some cases.

Surgery is perhaps the most drastic choice, but can offer more permanence than other options. There are different types of hair restoration surgery; some have proven more viable for women than others. Hair transplant surgery is common in men, but not suggested for most women. This is because men usually experience pattern baldness, while women tend to have thinning of the hair all over the head rather than in one spot. In a hair transplant surgery, hair is taken from areas where healthy hair that is unaffected by baldness is located; since women experience weakening of hair all over the scalp, there is no place to take hair from. Hair flap and scalp reduction surgeries are other choices that may provide better results for women. Hair flap surgery is a good solution for a receding hair line; strips of the hair and skin are cut out and sewn into the bald spot. In a scalp reduction procedure, the scalp is made smaller, which diminishes the appearance of bald patches. Like any other surgery, hair restoration can be painful; it is important to assess the risks before deciding to have any procedure.

Regardless of which method is chosen, getting back lost hair is not easy. Every woman should consult a doctor before undergoing any of the aforementioned treatments. For many, hair restoration can be beneficial; choosing to restore hair can greatly restore a woman’s confidence in herself and allow her to enjoy life more freely.