Hair loss is a problem that a lot of people experience. For some people, the hair fall doesn’t affect the overall look of their hair. Unfortunately for some, their hair loss leads to a visible scalp or receding hairlines. The good news is that a hairline transplant procedure that can treat this problem. However, not everyone is a good candidate for such treatment.
Here are a few factors that a doctor will check to determine whether you can get the procedure done or not.
Your Hair Type
Everyone has different hair types. Wavy and curly hair are generally thick, and if you have this hair type, you’re a good candidate for a hairline transplant. Thick hair can hide bald spots very well. Light – which is reflected by your scalp – won’t pass through thick hair, which will make your bald spots less noticeable.
People with straight hair are not necessarily bad candidates. If your hair is straight but thick, then you have a high chance of a successful transplant because of the coverage that thick hair provides. However, if your hair is straight and thin, it’s hard to cover up the thinning areas and bald spots, reducing your rate of success.
Your Age
It’s usually older people – those who are 30 years old and above – who are the best candidates for a hairline transplant procedure. Doctors are generally careful in considering people who are 30 years old or younger.
Teens and young adults can experience hair loss, too. However, their hair loss still has the potential to be treated in a nonsurgical way. For instance, there are conditioners, special creams, and products that can reverse the damage. Additionally, the progress of their hair loss could still change, so undergoing a hairline transplant procedure at a young age may be unnecessary or too soon.
Your Hair Loss Type
Certain hair loss conditions and their severity can also affect your eligibility for the treatment. People with male or female pattern baldness are great candidates because they only lose hair on some parts of their scalp, which means they have a good amount of hair donors.
If you have alopecia, then you’re not a good candidate for a hairline transplant procedure because you have poor hair donors, leading to unfavorable results. Undergoing a hair transplant will only waste your time and money.
Your Health Condition
If you’re undergoing any kind of surgical procedure, including a hairline transplant, it’s necessary that you’re in good general health. Surgeries can take a toll on your body, so you need to be physically fit. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you stay in shape.
You should discuss any illnesses you have and the treatment you’re undergoing with your doctor. Certain diseases can worsen your hair loss problem. The medications you currently take may also adversely affect your body, including your hair. Transparency in your medical conditions and the medications you’re taking will help your doctor create the best treatment plan for you.
Your Dedication to Post-Procedure Recovery
You may have gone through the hard part, which is the surgery, but it’s not over yet. After the surgery, you need ample time to recover. You’ll receive instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure.
You need to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the success of the treatment and your fast recovery. If you’re the kind of person who can follow post-procedure care, you can push through with the treatment. If you can’t, perhaps hiring someone to remind you to take your medicines or care for you, is necessary.
Your Budget
Most healthcare plans don’t cover hairline transplant procedures, which are not cheap. The surgery cost usually ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. Additional costs include the medicines and supplements you need to take after the procedure.
Hairline transplants are also not a one-time thing. You may need several visits to the doctor to ensure you get your desired results. You shouldn’t miss appointments just because you don’t have the money for it as it may affect the success of your treatment.
The recovery period may also take some time. If you can’t show up to work, then you won’t receive any salary.
So, unless you have a source of passive income, it’s best to save up for the whole process first.
Conclusion
If you qualify according to the factors above, then your thinning hair and bald spots may still be resolved through a hairline transplant procedure. Talk to your doctor and make sure you thoroughly understand all the possible outcomes before undergoing the procedure.
