Let’s face it… there are a lot of hair restoration myths and misinformation circulating about hair transplants. You may have heard “transplanted hair looks fake,” or that the process is painful. Perhaps you’ve heard only men can have transplants, or that older people can’t have them at all. The good news is what they don’t tell you about hair transplants is that the procedure is accessible and comfortable, and the results look more natural than ever.
Here are some of the most common hair restoration myths and misconceptions about hair transplants…and the truth about these procedures.
Myth: Hair Transplants Look Obvious
One of the most persistent hair restoration myths is that hair transplants are obvious or look “fake.” This may have been true decades ago when hair could only be transplanted in clumps, even in areas where they would stand out from the surrounding hair. Today’s hair transplants use smaller groupings of follicles or even individual follicles, placed precisely and strategically to blend with the existing hairline.
Doctors who perform hair transplants in 2023 are both artists and technicians, often deploying AI-assisted robotics for precise hairline design, follicle harvesting, and follicle placement. Hair Center of Nebraska offers manual and ARTAS® robot-assisted follicular unit extraction (FUE), as well as manual follicular unit transfer (FUT), to give you the widest range of options possible for restoring your hairline.
Myth: Hair Transplants Are Painful
Today’s hair transplants feature only minimal discomfort, are performed with a local anesthetic, and usually only over-the-counter pain relievers are necessary if there is any tenderness or discomfort after the procedure. These sensations are only temporary… resolving within days. It is our goal to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
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Myth: Only Men Can Have Hair Transplants
Although the vast majority of hair transplants are performed on men… women with certain types of hair loss may benefit from the procedure as well. Women who are experiencing pattern or patchy hair loss that is non-hormonal in nature may be candidates for a hair transplant.
Traction alopecia responds particularly well to transplantation from other, denser areas of the scalp. Additionally, hair transplants can be effective in replacing hair around plastic surgery incisions and in areas with trauma from burns or other types of wounds. As long as hair loss isn’t occurring throughout the entire scalp, a transplant may be an excellent option for women who have specific, discrete areas of hair loss.
Myth: Older Patients Can’t Have Hair Transplants
While these procedures typically aren’t recommended for those younger than 21 years of age, there is no upper age limit. Hair transplantation isn’t a major surgery. It doesn’t require general anesthesia, and it’s considered low-risk – especially for patients who are in good health. If you have a medical condition or chronic illness, it’s wise to consult with your physician before considering any type of procedure, regardless of age.
A Consultation Is the Beginning of Your Journey
A consultation is the first step on your journey to a fuller, healthier head of hair. The Hair Center of Nebraska can help you decide which method of hair restoration is right for you and answer any questions you may have about the products and procedures we offer. Contact us now to set up an appointment.
