Scarless Hair Transplants?

Hair transplant surgery has come a long way from the “plug” era, especially in recent years. Traditionally, large, circular hair grafts were used, creating rows of unnatural, plugged hair. Now, however, the treatment has evolved into a sophisticated and trusted solution to hair loss. In fact, some of the latest techniques are using tools and tactics that result in scarless hair transplants, making it nearly impossible to tell that any procedure was conducted. Can this be true? Is there really such a thing as scarless hair restoration? Thanks to a strategy known as follicular unit extraction, it certainly seems possible. Read on to learn more about this advanced hair transplant procedure.

How Are Scarless Hair Transplants Accomplished?

Follicular unit transplantations, the most popular form of hair restoration, can be done in two different ways: strip harvesting or unit extraction. Traditional strip harvesting requires doctors to remove a long piece of the scalp from the back of the head, the donor area. Then remaining skin is sutured together and hair is removed from the strip and placed in the balding regions around the crown and hairline. The problem here is that the sutures generally leave a linear scar along the back of the head, which is especially noticeable if a person has shorter hair. Unit extraction, on the other hand, is a technique that uses a small round punch to extract follicular units of three or four hairs, which are then transplanted into the balding area. The patient is left with small circles that heal on their own, leaving undetectable white dots; a scarless hair transplant.

Is the Hair Transplant Really Scarless?

The truth of the matter is that there is no scarless hair restoration surgery, it’s just a different kind of scar. The linear scar leftover from the strip technique is much more obvious, which makes people less inclined to have their procedure done that way. Follicular unit extraction does have some scarring, but the dots are practically invisible once they fully heal; this is the main reason that people claim it as scarless hair transplantation.

There have been improvements in the strip technique that have made scarring less noticeable. The use of trichophytic closure leaves a practically undetectable scar, and when hair grows out, no one will be able to see any indication of the surgical procedure. There will also be less scarring with this technique if it is performed by a well-trained, certified hair restoration specialist. Many people are deterred from getting the strip technique because they have seen pictures of unsightly scars, but those are often the results of an inexperienced doctor.

Is Scarless Hair Restoration Right for Me?

Follicular unit extraction is one of the most advanced and trusted techniques of hair restoration surgery. However, it may not be the best option for every patient. While it does boast a reputation of being one of the only scarless hair transplantation procedures, the enhancements to the strip technique have made it a popular option, as well. Unit extraction is good for a person who wears their hair really short, since a larger scar would be much more obvious without anything covering it. Another benefit is that unit extraction causes no tightness in the scalp, since there is no need for sutures. These are all factors you need to discuss with a trained hair loss specialist. A certified professional can walk you through all the pros and cons of each method and help you figure out which one might work best.

A couple other factors that need to be considered about scarless hair transplants are time and money. Follicular unit extraction it is a long process, since units are taken out one at a time and transplanted to the hairline individually. Also, the cost can be pretty daunting, and surgery prices can range depending on the extent of restoration. Smaller sections can run between $4,000 and $5,000, while larger areas can reach upwards of $12,000. This does not mean that scarless hair transplants are completely out of the question for those who may not be able to afford these costs. Your surgery can be custom-tailored to fit your budget, and many hair loss specialists will offer patient financing options. Also, when you consider that hair restoration surgery is permanent, the cost is well-worth it.

If you are suffering from an ever receding hair line, hair restoration is one of the best solutions. The kind of restoration you choose is up to you, but it is important to look at all the facts and speak with a hair loss specialist before going ahead with surgery. We have a number of highly-qualified and certified specialists in our network, so you will be sure to find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable to handle your hair restoration. Contact us today to learn more about scarless hair transplants or to schedule a free consultation with a hair loss specialist in your area.