Hair restoration techniques are classified into two distinct categories, surgical and non-surgical methods. Surgical methods include hair transplanting or scalp reduction, also referred to as scalp stretching. Restoration procedures are divided into 2 categories –surgical and non-surgical. Here are the more significant differences between surgical and non-surgical hair restoration.
Non-surgical hair restoration techniques do not involve hair transplantation surgery. The consensus is that these techniques typically don’t work at correcting hair loss and are considered by many to be a complete waste of money. However, there have been advances in the non-surgical hair restoration market and there are now two drugs that have been approved by the FDA as well as being affordable and effective. These are:
Non-surgical methods
Finasteride – marketed under the brand name Propecia, this hair re-growth prescription drug comes in pill form and is to be taken on a daily basis in order to start the restoration process. Over the course of several months, the person does experience some noticeable re-growth in hair loss areas. Propecia can cause birth defects so pregnant women are not prescribed this medication.
Minoxidil – formerly a prescription medication, Minoxidil is marketed under the brand name Rogaine and is now available as an over-the-counter (OTC) hair restoration medication. It is a topical product which the person applies to the hair and scalp on a daily basis in order to stimulate hair re-growth. Usually, the person starts seeing results within several months, but these results vary with the individual.
Surgical methods
Surgical hair restoration has become an extremely popular method for overcoming hair loss. There are certain surgical procedures and techniques used, but they are surprisingly affordable, contrary to popular belief.
Scalp reduction (scalp stretching) – this is a surgical restoration procedure wherein the bald area (hairless portion) of the scalp is surgically removed while the hair covered portion of the scalp is stretched up over the removed portion and then attached to the patient’s skull.
Hair Transplantation – still the most common hair restoration procedure of the two, hair transplantation surgery is considerably less invasive than scalp reduction and typically produces extremely good results for the patient. It is now considered to be easier and safer than ever due to improvements and innovations in the equipment used and the types of techniques that are employed.
The experienced hair restoration surgeon is skilled at producing very natural looking results when performing this surgery. Unlike the earlier years of hair restoration surgery when patients were subjected to rows of what were called “hair plugs”, current methods do not look artificial like hair plugs typically did.
