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.

Can PRP treat hair loss?

So, can PRP treat hair loss? Well, again, PRP is not currently FDA-cleared for hair loss treatment. However, some hair restoration doctors may prescribe PRP off-label to treat hair loss. 

PRP can legally be prescribed off-label by doctors using their independent medical judgment. The FDA condones this – according to the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, clinicians may use a product off-label if they are well-informed about the product, base its use on firm scientific rationale and medical evidence, and maintain records of the product’s use and effects.

PRP is sometimes used off-label in combination with FDA-proven hair loss solutions like finasteride, minoxidil, or low-level laser therapy to treat hair loss. 

Many clinical studies and industry professionals report promising findings regarding PRP and hair loss:

• A randomized placebo-controlled trial found that PRP injections had positive effects on male pattern hair loss over the course of two years, without any observed major side effects.
• One scholarly literature review observed significant evidence supporting the efficacy of PRP in hair restoration, as well as skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and fat grafting.
• The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery identifies PRP as “a growth factor-based treatment for hair loss that falls under the regenerative medicine umbrella” that “may decrease shedding or result in thicker-looking hair.”
• This review of recent clinical studies affirmed that while further study is needed to achieve maximum therapeutic efficiency, PRP can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss either on its own or with conventional hair restoration methods.

Learn More about PRP and Hair Loss

As America’s #1 Hair Restoration Experts®, Bosley offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions to restore your hair and confidence.

Speak with a Bosley physician to find out whether PRP is right for you. Book a free consultation with a Bosley hair restoration expert today to learn more.