Hair plays such an essential role in our identity. No other part of our physical traits can be changed or manipulated quickly or more often. Plus, the amount of money and hours that we spend on making it look good are endless.
It’s not hard to consider why our fascination with hair has been studied for so long. So when the effects of hair loss start to set in, it can often be overwhelming for many, casting doubts and insecurity on the way one looks and feels.
New developments in hairline surgery, however, a less-invasive approach that improves the look of receding hairlines, is now more accessible and affordable than ever. The reasons to consider hairline surgery are as unique as those affected by it.
Whether you’ve decided to go through with a procedure or are on the fence about it, here are five reasons you might consider hairline surgery.
Hair (or lack thereof) is integral to our self-image.
In the seminal books Your Hair: Helping to Keep It by Neil S. Sadick, M.D. et al., the authors open with:
“Throughout history, people have been obsessed with hair, equating luxurious locks with youth, virility, strength, beauty, and sensuality.” It’s hard to argue with that sentiment when you consider that the modern beauty and cosmetics industry brings billions of revenue every year. Billions.
Hairline surgery rounds out high corners and recreates a natural-looking hairline. The procedure harvests your existing hair follicles in the back portion of your scalp and transplants them where it’s needed.
There is no cure (yet)
Unfortunately, while the causes of hair loss have been studied and identified, there are still no cures available. Hair loss can be caused by various factors relating to one’s gender, genetic makeup, and hormones.
Other factors that have been purported to cause but not fully proven as common causes of hair loss include insufficient blood supply, emotional challenges, clogging of hair follicles, and poor health. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your medical history with a licensed professional before deciding on hairline surgery.
You’ve Got Options
Modern hairline lowering procedures utilize two approaches: FUE and FUT. While both procedures cause varying degrees of scarring, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with both approaches and speak with your doctor about which approach is best for you.
An undercut will be needed in Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) to harvest your hair follicles. During the procedure, scarring results in thousands of small, round dots from the hair follicles that are excised from a specific portion of the back of the scalp. The hair follicles are then analyzed, harvested, and prepped for transplantation.
In Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), often referred to as the strip method and considered the standard approach to higher quality hair follicle harvesting, a single strip of scarring results from the hair follicle harvesting procedure. However, no hair cutting is required, and the scar will remain hidden by the rest of your hair.
As Dr. Jae Pak, a professional in hairline surgery notes, “The ultimate deciding factor in a great surgical result is how the hairs are implanted and less about how the hair is harvested. Therefore, the final results depend on the artistic talent and the technical expertise of the entire surgical staff.
It’s Low-Risk and Non-Invasive
A typical hairline lowering procedure can be quite the process, requiring incisions made to the front of the hairline, scarring, and a long recovery time. However, while the procedure can still be invasive with hairline surgery, it is decidedly less so as there is no need to cut away excess skin and or fusion needed between two incisions. Plus, scarring is more manageable and can be hidden by the rest of your hair, styling your hair in any way possible.
You’re not ready to say goodbye to your hair.
“There is no question that hair plays an integral and important part in virtually every individual’s self-image and the way he or she is looked upon by society.” (Your Hair: Helping to Keep It)
Look, there’s nothing wrong with having no hair on your melon. But if you’re not quite ready to rock that look yet, hairline surgery is an excellent option for prolonging its stay.
No matter the decision, choosing or not choosing to have hairline surgery is very personal. The most important factors to consider are recognizing the reasons you want it and discussing these with an experienced professional who can answer your questions and support your journey.
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