According to the American Hair Loss Association, 85% of men will have experienced significant hair loss by the time they reach 50 years old. Of this figure, two-thirds of men will have experienced considerable hair thinning by the age of 35 years old, with 25% of men beginning the balding process before reaching their 21st year.

95% of these cases are caused by male pattern baldness, a hereditary and hormonal condition that causes thinning to the crown of the head, and the tell-tale horseshoe or “M”-shape of receding hair from the front of the head.

It is widely believed that genes inherited from one’s parents can affect the sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone DHT, causing shrinkage of hair follicles, thinning of the hair shaft, and eventual cessation of hair growth from those follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss to the affected areas of the head.

A rarer, yet also permanent, cause of hair loss among both men and women is the condition scarring alopecia, a rare condition that destroys hair follicles and forms scar tissue in their place so that hair will not grow back.

The psychological effects of hair loss.

Often referred to as ‘the cancer of the spirit’, hair loss can cause a dramatic loss in confidence to sufferers, affecting every part of a sufferer’s life, including intimate relationships, social activities, and professional life, particularly so when hair loss begins at a young age. Many sufferers have been known to become increasingly depressed and anxious as a direct result of their hair loss.

Although not as common as with men, women can also suffer from pattern baldness, with two-thirds of women experiencing hair loss after menopause and many women, particularly mothers, experiencing hair loss and hair thinning from their early 30s and 40s. The psychological effect of female pattern balding can be even more dramatic than with their male counterparts due to the social stigma attached to female hair loss.

Hair transplant procedure: what is the process?

Individuals who have experienced significant thinning and hair loss are likely to have looked into the option of hair transplants, a permanent procedure to transplant hair follicles from an area of the head where hair grows abundantly to the area affected by thinning or complete loss of hair.

The procedure can be performed in one of two ways:

FUSS: Follicular unit strip surgery

The patient’s head will be gently cleaned and numbed by injection, and a thin strip of skin will be removed from the back of the head. The scalp will then be neatly closed, and the resulting scar will be hidden by the hair surrounding it.

The surgeon and medical team will divide the strip of hair into between 500 to 2000 grafts of individual hair follicles, which will then be individually transplanted to the area of hair loss.

FUE: Follicular unit extraction

After gently cleaning the patient’s head and numbing the area by injection, a member of the medical team will shave the back of the patient’s head and the surgeon will remove individual hair follicles one by one, which will be carefully transplanted to the area of the head affected by hair loss.

The area of follicle donation will heal with dots of scar tissue which will be hidden by the remaining hair upon regrowth.

Aftercare and recovery:

Depending upon the extent of the transplant, the hair transplant surgery will take approximately 4 to 8 hours to complete, with aftercare and recovery taking place over the following days and weeks.

Immediately after surgery the scalp may feel quite sore and pain medication may be needed for the first few days. Patients will be given bandages to wear to keep the area clean and to reduce swelling, and antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed, as required.

When performed properly, the success rate of hair transplants is very high – up to 98% - making hair transplants a very appealing option for individuals experiencing significant hair loss.

Can I afford a hair transplant?

For those considering a hair transplant procedure the figures can be daunting, with average hair transplant procedures costing between £4000 and £15,000, and even up to £25,000, depending on how much hair requires transplanting.

For many sufferers of hair loss this price tag is unattainable and, at first glance, their goal of hair restoration can seem beyond their reach. However, their goal may not be as unobtainable as they think, with the average cost of a hair transplant procedure in Turkey costing between just £1800 and £3400.

Why consider Turkey?

Turkey is the leading country in the world for hair transplants. In recent years there has been a huge rise in individuals seeking hair transplant procedures, with approximately 5000 patients per month travelling to Turkey to undergo a hair transplant procedure under the experienced care of one of their professional and highly experienced surgeons and team of medical professionals.

Many medical practices offer all-inclusive package deals to their patients to make their hair transplant procedure, travel, and stay in Turkey as simple and convenient as possible, and keeping the overall cost affordable and transparent to the patient. Costs and services vary from clinic to clinic allowing the patient a wide variety of options when considering their requirements and budget.

Most patients will be able to return to their country of origin with a few days of the procedure, after a final examination and assessment with the medical team, and will receive clear instructions on continuing aftercare, with clinics available 24/7 for all patient aftercare queries.

Individuals seeking hair transplant in Turkey have their choice of many exceptional clinics and packages, and can schedule the procedure at a date to suits them and to fit in with their travel schedule. Individuals can enjoy a comfortable stay in one of Turkey’s luxury establishments, combining their medical procedure with a relaxing break in this enchanting land.

With so much choice of quality medical care and package options, individuals can once again enjoy a full head of hair at a price to suit their budget. For more information about hair transplant in turkey check vera clinic.

Alternatively if you don't want to move forward with a hair transplant you can try Scalp Micropigmentation. SMP is pigmentation of the skin on your scalp that imitates the look of hair. Check this site for more info on SMP.