Hair replacement surgery is one of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures sought by men in the United States. Hair replacement surgery has been performed for over thirty years. In 2003 alone, nearly fifteen thousand males underwent hair replacement surgery. It is estimated that one in five women will experience some degree of hair loss at some point in their lifetime and may benefit from hair replacement surgery.

There are many factors that people have claimed to cause hair loss. The only proven reasons for hair loss are aging, hormone changes, and genetics. In general, the earlier a person begins to bald, the worse it will get. Hair loss can also be the result of burns or head trauma. When a person seeks hair replacement surgery for cosmetic purposes, they will be responsible for full payment of the hair replacement surgery costs. When hair replacement surgery is sought for reconstructive purposes, (as with trauma or burns) the patient's health insurance may cover the costs of hair replacement surgery.

Patients who are interested in a more modest enhancement may benefit from one or more of the following hair replacement surgery techniques: punch grafts, mini grafts, micro grafts, slit grafts, and strip grafts. For those patients looking for a more dramatic improvement, the best hair replacement surgery techniques may include flaps, tissue expansion, or scalp reduction. These hair replacement surgery options can be discussed with an experienced plastic surgeon in order to find a technique, or combination thereof, that would benefit a patient most.

The cost of hair replacement surgery depends on the extent of the hair loss and the type of procedure that is being used. Because there are a number of hair replacement surgery techniques, the cost can range from three to twenty thousand dollars. In 2003 the average cost of hair replacement surgery was $3,084. This average does not cover additional related costs such as surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, medication costs, and facility expenses.

Hair replacement surgery involves taking a patient's own hair and using it to fill in places of hair loss. For this reason, hair replacement surgery patients must have healthy hair growth at the sides and/or back of the head. Hair color, texture, and waviness will also influence the outcome of hair replacement surgery. Hair replacement surgery is typically performed under a local anesthesia plus heavy sedation, though more complex procedures may require a general anesthetic. Hair replacement surgery also requires multiple treatment sessions. The results of hair replacement surgery may take up to a few years to achieve.

As with all surgical procedures, hair replacement surgery carries some risk of complications. It is important for prospective hair replacement surgery patients to discuss the details of this procedure in full with a qualified plastic surgeon prior to beginning treatment. Hair replacement surgery can be a successful and satisfying way to reduce baldness permanently. For more information on hair replacement surgery, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in your area.