Hair Replacement for Men: Surgical or Non-Surgical?

It’s true that hair loss is a gradual, progressive condition, but thanks to recent advances in hair restoration technology, it’s not one you have to live with forever. More men are getting hair transplants than ever before, and many hair replacement solutions can restore the appearance of a full head of hair and provide effective, natural-looking results.

Learn more about different hair replacement methods for men and find out about the steps you can take to find the best solution for your hair loss.

Are all men’s hair replacement options surgical?

Both surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatment options are available. That being said, a hair transplant surgery is the only permanent solution to hair loss – the only method that can permanently replace balding, thinning areas with your own real growing hair.

Other non-surgical men’s hair replacement options can promote hair growth or improve the aesthetic appearance of hair.

Surgical Hair Replacement Solutions for Men (Most Effective)

During a surgical hair transplantation procedure, a trained medical professional transplants healthy, growing hair follicles from one area of your head (donor area) to another (recipient site). No need to find a hair donor – your doctor will take healthy hair follicles from the donor area of your head (usually the back of your head) and transplant them to thinning areas, typically at the hairline or crown.

There are two main methods of surgical hair transplantation solutions for men: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction.) The primary difference between the two is how hair follicles are removed from the back and sides of the head. During FUE, follicular unit grafts are harvested individually, resulting in a minimally invasive procedure that leaves no linear scar and has a shorter recovery time. During FUT, the doctor removes a thin strip of tissue from the back of the head and then harvests follicular unit grafts individually from there, typically resulting in a faster, less labor-intensive process and more usable grafts. In both FUT and FUE procedures, follicular unit grafts are always transplanted individually, and the results are permanent.

Bosley hair restoration surgeons are among the industry leaders in creating beautiful, natural-looking hairlines.

See more before-and-after photos here.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Alternatives

Many non-surgical hair replacement methods are effective in preventing further hair loss, improving hair density, and restoring the appearance of hair, including:

• Prescription Hair Loss Medications
• Laser Hair Therapy
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
• Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
• Hair Fibers and Concealers
• Hair Systems

Prescription Hair Loss Medications

Minoxidil and finasteride are clinically proven and FDA-cleared to fight male pattern baldness. Available as a topical or as a pill, these prescription hair loss meds can help treat thinning and receding hairlines and in the crown area.

Laser Hair Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a safe, effective method that’s clinically proven to stimulate hair growth, whether as an in-clinic treatment or with FDA-cleared at-home devices like the Bosley Revitalizer.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a non-surgical procedure during which a medical professional injects a patient’s own platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

Rather than promoting hair growth, scalp micropigmentation replicates the appearance of thicker, fuller hair using pigment. During this procedure, a specially trained technician applies pigment to the scalp with micro-fine needles to create thousands of tiny impressions, giving the illusion of hair.

Hair Fibers

Hair-thickening fibers bond to existing hair using keratin to blend and cover thinning and low-density areas. This is an instant but temporary solution that can give the illusion of hair coverage.

Hair Systems

Hair systems, wigs, or toupees are another popular hair replacement method, covering thinning or balding areas with a hair piece designed to blend with your existing hair. Hair systems don’t permanently replace your real hair, but with proper maintenance they can be an aesthetically convincing alternative.

How to Choose the Right Hair Replacement Method for You

The right hair replacement method for you depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The severity of your hair loss
• Your budget
• Maintenance preferences
• Your hair restoration goals

Not sure where to start? Get a free hair restoration consultation. You’ll be able to meet one-on-one with a hair restoration expert, who will assess the state of your hair loss, offer personalized recommendations, and answer any questions about hair loss, hair transplant costs, or financing you may have.

Hair Replacement FAQs

What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical hair replacement?

Surgical hair replacement involves moving (or literally re-placing) healthy, growing hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp to the thinning areas. It’s an outpatient surgical procedure performed by a doctor. Non-surgical hair replacement uses other methods to encourage hair growth or cover thinning areas.

Is hair replacement the same thing as a hair transplant?

“Hair replacement” and “hair transplant” tend to get used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. A hair transplant is a specific type of hair replacement surgery, while a hair replacement may refer to a variety of surgical or non-surgical methods that seek to treat hair loss, from hair transplants to hair systems to scalp micropigmentation.

How long does a hair replacement procedure take?

A hair replacement procedure (or hair transplant) is a one-day outpatient procedure. It typically takes several hours.

Are hair replacement treatments painful?

Pain is subjective, but as far as surgeries go, FUE hair transplants are minimally invasive. Bosley doctors use local anesthetics, and pain medication to make sure patients are as comfortable as possible during and after treatment. Other hair replacement treatments are also virtually painless.

How much do hair replacement treatments cost?

The cost of hair replacement treatments varies greatly depending on which you go with. Prescription hair loss meds start at just $25/month, while hair replacement surgery ranges from $6,000-$12,000+.

What kind of results can I expect from hair replacement?

Hair replacement surgery gives you your real hair back and offers permanent, natural-looking results. Many other hair replacement methods are also very effective in improving the appearance of hair, but results are not permanent. Results may vary.

How long is the recovery time for a surgical hair replacement procedure?

Recovery time doesn’t take long – you can expect to resume work and most daily activities in a matter of days. As for how long it will take to see full results, expect to wait approximately 12 months for your hair to grow in fully.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for hair replacement?

Good candidates for hair replacement surgery have mild to moderate hair loss, have accurate expectations, and are in generally good health. Book a free consultation to take the next step in determining your candidacy.

What happens if my hair replacement doesn’t work?

Bosley hair replacement surgeries are backed by the Bosley Guarantee. Bosley guarantees to replace any non-growing grafts free of charge, provided certain conditions are met.

Remember, a hair transplant is the only permanent solution to hair loss – if other hair replacement methods haven’t worked for you, it may be time to try something different.