Hair loss is a significant issue and many people, especially men are suffering from this issue across the world. The moment people start to experience hair loss, they begin looking for different solutions. Of course, there are numerous solutions, including medication, therapies, hair transplantation, and hair wigs. But the question is – how to know which is the right solution to combat hair loss?
When it comes to hair restoration, people experiencing hair loss often choose between two popular options: hair wigs and hair transplant surgery. These two approaches efficiently address hair loss, restoring self-esteem and physical attractiveness. Nevertheless, every technique has its positives and negatives. Plus, they cater to meet the needs and preferences of different classes of people.
This article delves into the pros and cons of hair transplant surgery and hair wigs to offer you deep insight into both processes. Reading this will help you make a wise choice when pondering which of the options you should pick for the best results. So, without any further ado, let’s delve in…
Hair Transplant Surgery
We will begin with hair transplant surgery and understand what exactly it is and how it can help you restore your appearance. Here we go
What is Hair Transplant Surgery?
Hair transplant surgery is a procedure that entails the extraction of hair follicles from a part of the body (mostly from the scalp) and their transplantation in the bald areas. Hair transplant surgery is considered the best treatment to restore healthy and more natural-looking hair. This surgical method aims at restoring hair in bald areas as well as areas affected by thinning. The principal techniques used in this surgery are follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
The FUT procedure involves cutting a small piece of hair-bearing skin from the donor area, which is usually the back or sides of the scalp. This is followed by the dissection of hair-bearing skin into individual hair follicular units for transplantation.
Whereas in FUE the individual hair follicles are removed from the donor area directly using a specialized punch tool. These hair clusters are then meticulously implanted in the area where hair loss is occurring, thus, following the natural hair growth pattern. FUE is considered the best hair transplant technique as it yields the best outcomes for patients. It offers the highest graft survival rate.
A hair transplant is a permanent technique. Patients who undergo a hair transplant treatment start to notice hair growth in the areas where hair follicles were implanted. The hair that grows in the balding regions becomes an integral part of natural hair growth. This further results in a natural-looking and permanent hair restoration. However, the hair transplant surgery must be performed by a competent surgeon. In addition, it is crucial to be patient as this is not a one-day process. Some people may require to undergo multiple sessions to achieve the desired density and coverage.
Pros and Cons Hair Transplant Surgery
Pros:
Natural Results: The hair transplant surgery provides natural-looking results. Doctors methodically extract healthy hair follicles from the donor areas and implant them to the thinning or balding areas, thus imitating the natural hair growth pattern.
Permanent Solution: On the contrary to short-term solutions like wigs or hairpieces, hair transplant surgery provides a permanent solution to hair loss. After the hair follicles have been transplanted, they will grow naturally, and no extra care will be needed except regular hair care.
Improved Self-Esteem: The full head of hair is a key to boosting self-esteem and confidence levels. People who have undergone hair transplant surgeries have reported to have improved self-confidence and self-esteem after the surgery. They claim that they are more positive about their look, which has significantly improved their social and personal life.
Minimal Maintenance: The transplanted hair needs so little maintenance that it is as easy as natural hair. Frequent washing, styling, and grooming are enough to keep the transplanted hair looking fresh and full of life.
Just like every other treatment, hair transplantation also has its own downsides; let’s take a look at them in here.
Cons:
Costly Procedure: Hair transplant surgery is rather expensive for a lot of people. The cost is determined by factors like the scale of baldness, the location of the clinic, the reputation of the surgeon, the number of grafts needed, the city where you choose to get your treatment, and the surgeon’s competence. Moreover, it is viewed as a cosmetic process, so it is usually not covered by health insurance. Yes, many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic procedures, including hair transplants.
Risk of Complications: Just like any other surgical procedure, hair transplant surgery is also associated with many risks, for instance, infection, scarring, and uneven hair growth. Although the progress in technology and surgical techniques has reduced the risks to a great extent, they cannot be completely erased. More often than not, these side effects are temporary; they subside all by themselves once your newly transplanted head heals completely.
Long Recovery Period: Patients who wish to undergo a hair transplant surgery should plan for a long recovery period. Yes, for a few days you will be asked to avoid sun rays, strenuous physical activities, etc., to protect your newly transplanted hair. In the beginning, there could be swelling, bruising, and pain at the transplant site. In addition, it takes around 12 – 18 months for the transplanted hair to be fully grown and blended with the natural hair on the head.
Limited Donor Supply: The hair transplantation surgery’s success is determined by the availability of healthy hair follicles that are used for transplantation. People who lack sufficient hair follicles in the donor site do not qualify for a hair transplant treatment. Yes, there are circumstances where a person may not have enough donor hair, which in turn limits the scope of the procedure and the result that is wanted.
Let’s now take a look at the other hair restoration solutions in this section. Let’s begin…
Hair wigs
Let’s see what wigs are and how can they be beneficial for those looking for hair restoration solutions. Here we go..
What are Hair wigs?
Hair wigs are artificial hair placed on the scalp to cover baldness. There are numerous types of wigs available out there, including the custom-made wigs. The full lace wigs or cranial prostheses, which are non-surgical hair replacement systems, are custom-made wigs that are intended to give a long-term solution to people experiencing hair loss. A custom-made wig is specifically designed for patients who experience significant hair loss as a result of medical conditions or treatments. Unlike the usual wigs that are taken off and put on daily, these hair wigs are attached to the scalp using adhesive or bonding techniques that make your hair look normal and natural.
These wigs are expertly made from either human or synthetic hair that is of the highest quality. Thus, the wearers can precisely adjust their look according to their natural hair texture, color, and style. Given this, it can be fairly said that hair wigs are usually preferred for their versatility, durability, and the fact that they can give instant results without the need for any invasive surgical procedures. However, we cannot deny the fact that wigs are temporary solutions, even when they are custom-made as per your needs.
Pros and Cons of Hair wigs
Pros:
Immediate Results: Among the most significant advantages of hair wigs is the fact that they provide instant transformation. You can attain a full head of hair right after the wig is put on your head. That, too, without the requirement of surgery or the time needed for the recovery.
Versatile Solution: Hair wigs are considered a versatile solution. This is because they come in different styles, colors, and lengths. This gives individuals the freedom to choose the ones that suit their style and taste. Whatever the aim is, to get a natural look or to change the hairstyle, there are various choices to pick from depending on your taste.
Cost-Effective: The cost of the hair wigs is usually much cheaper than the hair transplant surgery. However, high-quality wigs may be very costly as they eliminate the need for maintenance.
Non-Invasive: Of course, hair wigs are non-invasive solutions. You don’t have to undergo a surgical treatment in order to restore hair growth. This makes it the best for people who avoid surgical interventions, those who are scared of surgical treatment, and those who do make the right candidates for hair transplant surgery due to medical reasons.
Cons:
Maintenance Requirements: We all know that hair wigs do not require any surgical maintenance. However, they require regular care and maintenance in order to maintain their appearance and ensure that they last as long as possible. This entails the cleaning, styling, and the regular check-ups and adjustments to make sure the thing fits perfectly.
Limited Longevity: Though they are considered “permanent,” wigs have a life span that can be limited by wear and tear and may need to be replaced at some point in time. Factors like the quality of the wig, how often it is worn and the maintenance practices can be the deciding factors of its durability. So, all in all, this turns out to be a pricey affair in the long term.
Potential for Discomfort: Wearing hair wigs could cause discomfort or irritation for certain individuals, particularly if the wigs are not well-fitted or if the materials used to make them cause skin allergies.
Risk of Detection: Although the development of wig technology has resulted in more realistic options, there is still a chance of the wig being discovered. And this can be particularly likely if it doesn’t align with the wearer’s natural hairline or if it’s not set correctly.
Final Verdict: Which is Better, Hair Transplant Surgery vs. Permanent Wig
Well, when it comes to choosing between hair transplantation and a permanent wig, it all boils down to the desired result, the risk, tolerance, and the willingness to spend time and resources on maintenance. People are free to choose any option they wish to. However, in the battle between hair transplant surgery vs. permanent wig, hair transplant treatment comes out as a winner clearly. Definitely, we all want permanent hair restoration, which is only possible with hair transplant surgery. You don’t need to revisit your doctor after you get fuller hair growth. Hair surgeries allow you to lead a normal life without worrying about the adjustment of your wig. Moreover, they don’t need to adjust their hair on and off, which is very common with hair wigs.
Yeah, sometimes people find it difficult to adjust with wigs when they get dislodged (it may occur in rare circumstances). A permanent wig can be an ideal solution for someone who doesn’t qualify for hair transplant surgeries. However, they should keep in mind that wigs can be embarrassing sometimes, especially when they are being detected. Moreover, you need to change them after some time. In such a situation, hair transplant surgeries come as a permanent solution. These treatments offer patients with peace of mind and greater levels of happiness. However, it is suggested that you get your hair transplant from a reputable hair transplant clinic only.
Wrapping it up…
So, this is all about hair transplant surgery vs. hair wigs; in the debate about hair transplant surgery or hair wigs, which solution to choose depends totally on you. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages. As such, these options are suitable for different tastes, budgets, and health issues of people. Know that both solutions provide different results. Hair transplant surgeries are permanent and offer you fuller and natural-looking hair, whereas hair wigs are non-invasive, but they are not permanent. You need to change your hair wig pretty often during your lifetime, which adds to your overall cost in the long term.
In the end, the decision between the two is to be determined by factors such as your budget, tolerance, and desired goals. However, by talking to a competent hair restoration expert, you can weigh the pros and cons of the procedure and make the right decision that fits your particular needs and objectives. Choosing the right solution can give you the chance to be confident and regain a beautiful appearance. Make sure to choose your option after careful evaluation. You can even contact Neoaesthetica, a renowned hair transplant clinic in Lucknow. Our experts will help you choose the best option after carefully evaluating your condition and the level of your baldness.
So, don’t waste time waiting for the right moment, just visit Neoaesthetica for the best advice from highly skilled and experienced surgeons!