This article only explores the disadvantages, and not the advantages of Hair loss treatments.
Hair transplant surgery
The most expensive solution. Costs typically ranges from $4,000 to $40,000 depending on who the surgeon is.
Incredibly invasive, involves scarring, the removing of strips of skin or plugs of skin.
Can be painful for many patients.
Downtime from the surgery is usually 2 to 5 days before you can return to work.
Usually requires multiple surgeries. Sessions can take 4 hours or more. Removal of stitches only after 10 days. It may require up to 3 or 4 sessions, each session is several months apart to allow for healing.
Inadequate or low quality of existing donor hair. Lack of quality donor hair can make the procedure very complicated and challenging. Success relies heavily on the donor area.
Future hair loss is unpredictable, hair transplant surgery cannot stop future hair loss.
Long Recovery time before you can see the true results, 2 to 3 weeks after surgery the transplanted hair will fall out, most people will see 60% new hair growth after 6 to 9 months.
Unqualified Surgeons performing the surgery. At many clinics the doctor allows technicians to harvest grafts for which they are not qualified.
Unnatural looking tufts of hair.
Continued hair thinning. After the procedure, you may continue to experience hair thinning and loss. The procedure does not solve or fix the issue that caused your hair to thin in the first place. This can give you an unnatural or patchy appearance. Which will require follow up transplants.
Complications such as, scarring, bleeding, infection, itching, swelling of the scalp, and lack of sensation on the treated area, inflammation or infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis) can result.
Hair treatment systems
A new name for hair piece, toupee, and wig (glued or not glued).
Expensive hair systems can cost quite a bit, up to $2000. Cost of bonding can be high.
Maintenance to keep replacing the membrane.
Hair stylist visits for hair trimming to keep the system looking good.
Many people who have only lost a very moderate amount of hair end up shaving their hair in order for the adhesive to work.
The removal process is extremely painful for some people.
Will not last. Hair systems have a lifespan of up to one year.
The hair does not get the chance to be washed until the system is removed. They are designed to be removed only by a hair technician or stylist, usually once every six weeks.
They can be very unhealthy for you, your head, and your hair. Shampooing cannot remove the natural accumulation of flaked-off skin cells, oil, shed hair, and other organic debris that accumulate between the hairpiece and scalp.
You have to wear the hair system, unless you want people to see the shaved area on your head.
Some people have issues with the hair drying out or looking unnatural after it is removed.
Can be extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear.
A hairpiece can accelerate hair loss on the part of your head directly underneath it.
Drugs and topical treatments
Expensive, on average $40 to $300 a month.
Does not work for everybody. Everyone will not experience the same hair regrowth.
May cause sexual side effects, such as decreased sexual desire, and difficulty in achieving an erection.
You must continue the treatment long term. It will be quickly reverse if treatment is discontinued. You will lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping the treatment.
Some of the most effective topical treatments are only available by prescription.
Some topical treatments are not available for women.
Many people are disappointed after using the products, many drugs and topical treatments are advertised as effective “anti-hair loss” remedies, without being supported by convincing studies. This is the reason why “great expectations” turns into plenty of disappointments.
Temporary concealers
Daily application to conceal the scalp.
Can look artificial on your head. It can look unnatural or uneven, especially in natural or direct sunlight.
You must have existing hair. People with little or no hair are unable to use temporary concealers.
Your daily activities can be restricted. Sweat from exertion or conditions like wind, heat, humidity and rain will cause the concealer to run or rinse off.
Scalp micropigmentation
Expensive depending on the amount of area that needs to be worked on, touch ups can be a few hundred dollars to full scalp treatments ranging from $2500 to $5000.
Will fade in time, especially if you do not follow the aftercare instructions.
Always choose your technicians carefully. Seek those with multiple certifications from reputable programs. Untrained SMP technicians doing the procedure will result in disappointment.
Some will have to continue shaving the head, to maintain the buzz cut look.
Choosing the wrong or age inappropriate hairline can be difficult to fix, choose wisely. Researching the style and hairline you can negate this potential problem.
SMP does fade, but does not go gray.