Men and Hair Loss: Should You Have a Transplant?

Let it go, or replace it? 

Being a man has its perks, but it certainly has its downsides. One of those downsides is male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness has a lot to do with genetics, but there are a numerous amount of other factors that can contribute to it. Then eventually it gets to a point where you have tried everything you can to keep it, and it may not be working, so you have to consider other options. Should you have a hair transplant? What does a hair transplant entail?

Let’s dive in.

What Causes Hair Loss in Men

The issue of hair loss in men stems largely from genetic makeup and male sex hormones. These include things such as testosterone, DHT, and other androgens. Taking substances such as anabolic steroids can also speed up the process of hair loss in men.

Not even just that, but your diet and exercise regimens can also contribute to hair loss. Stress is another large factor. 

Follicles are small cavities in the scalp that hold each and every single strand of hair, and generally, when the hair follicle shrinks over time, this is what causes the baldness to start, and results in shorter, thinner, and finer hair. The follicle will eventually shrink to the point where new hair will no longer grow within it, but typically the follicles remain alive, and this suggests that it is still possible to grow new hair.

Now when you comb your hair and some hair comes out, or you wash your hair and end up with a few more strands that you’d like on your hands, don’t freak out, that is a normal thing that will happen. There are specific symptoms to look for when it comes to a legitimate hair loss issue. Typically, hair loss will begin right at the hairline, and it will gradually recede (move backwards) which forms that “widow’s peak” or “M” shape on the top of the head.

Another symptom of actual hair loss in men, or male pattern baldness, starts at the crown of the head. You may see a circular area begin to lose hair, and that area will continue to thin over time.

Another thing to keep an eye out for is when the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, and creates a U-shaped pattern of hair around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head.

If you are noticing all of these symptoms, then maybe it is time to take action.

Treatments to Fight Hair Loss

There are plenty of options when it comes to combating the symptoms of hair loss, some are even over-the-counter. Let’s take a look at the some of these options.

One way to fight hair loss is Minoxidil (Rogaine). Rogaine is available over the counter as a liquid or foam, and just needs to be applied to the scalp twice per day. It will help with the stimulation of hair growth, as well as the prevention of hair loss. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, and it can be found on its own as a liquid solution or also as an oral tablet. However, do not expect overnight results with this option, and results can vary from person to person. If you were to choose these options you need to be patient, as Rogaine and Minoxidil can take 4 to 6 months to see results, if any.

Another option of treatment to fight hair loss in men is Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Rather than a cream or foam, Finasteride is a pill that you take daily, and unfortunately it is only available with a prescription from your doctor. This option also requires a lot of patience, as the FDA states that generally, it will take at least 3 months of daily use to see results from the drug, and results are not guaranteed.

Now, if you have tried these options and they have not worked, or if your case of hair loss is too severe, then perhaps a full on transplant is the route to go. 

Hair Transplants

Hair transplants are surgical procedures that are designed to reverse or fight hair loss or male pattern baldness. During these procedures, the doctors will move hair to already bald or thinning areas of the scalp. A hair transplant typically is utilized by people that have tried other options and not had luck, or feel that this option just makes more sense for the severity of their case.

To give a little more detail on the actual procedure, healthcare workers will take grafts of skin from areas of the body already containing hair, otherwise known as the “donor site”. Donor sites usually are areas on the scalp where the hair is the thickest. From there they will move these grafts to the balding or hairless areas of the scalp. Once the procedure is done, and the spot heals, hair should grow as normal. 

Hair transplants are permanent solutions to hair loss.

Risks of Hair Transplants

Typically, these surgeries go very well and yield great results, but there are always risks and side effects that you may come across, so it is good to be aware of them ahead of time.

• Allergic reactions to anesthesia
• Failed grafts or flaps
• Infection of the grafted areas
• Loss of feeling on your scalp
• Scarring

Risks are something that comes with just about any procedure from wisdom teeth removal to laser eye surgery, so there is more than likely nothing you have to worry about, but it is alway good to know what could happen. The key is to find a clinic that is well versed in these procedures.

Side Effects of Hair Transplants

• Crust or scabs
• Itching
• Loss of feeling
• Pain or throbbing
• Swelling
• Tightness

Side effects are relatively normal, and they should happen around the donor site or where the new hair has been placed, so don’t freak out right away if you notice some of these. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, consult a physician.

As far as the recovery process, it is more than likely that you will be washing your hair pretty much normally within just a day or two after the surgery! You should be back to work within the week as well. This is also not an immediate solution, as many times it may take up to a full year to see the results that you want from a hair transplant surgery. Sometimes you may also have to get “touch-ups”.

Where Can I Get a Hair Transplant?

You can go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get these procedures done, but we have a bit of a different recommendation.

Vera Clinic

Our team Generation Iron can firmly stand behind one clinic that we absolutely recommend, which is Vera Clinic, in Turkey. Turkey for a hair transplant might seem a bit far-fetched to you, but if you want the best of the best from a clinic that specializes in hair transplants, a good option is Vera Clinic, as they are the best hair transplant in Turkey.

Vera Clinic is an international hospital staffed with highly accomplished specialists such as some of the best dentists, hair transplant surgeons, and plastic surgeons in Turkey. When it comes to reputation, they have been providing hair transplant operations for about a decade, and are staffed with the best hair transplant doctors you can find. 

Vera Clinic is really catching attention, and their reputation is growing by the day. They have been known as the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey since they were established. Vera Clinic has earned recognition from the European Awards in Medicine 2021 as the Best Hair Transplant Clinic of Europe, and they have performed over 30,000 successful surgeries since they started.

Hair Transplants for Men Wrap Up

Overall, hair loss in men is something that is fairly common. There are plenty of options to treat it, but when it gets too severe, maybe it is time to consider a full on hair transplant. For something like that, we recommend the best of the best, which is Vera Clinic!

Will you be trying the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey?