Hair Loss Treatment: Microneedling vs Hair Transplant

Once you begin to notice significant hair loss, or you are concerned about bald patches or thinning hair, two of the most commonly used hair treatments to mitigate the worrying effects of thinning hair are microneedling and hair transplant.

Microneedling for Hair Loss

Microneedling is an effective hair restoration technique for individuals with hair loss when the hair follicles are still healthy and intact. With the help of microneedling, hair follicles can be stimulated into their natural growth phase. It is a minimally invasive procedure which uses fine needles to make small punctures in the scalp. This technique stimulates wound-healing response and triggers growth factors that might support hair regrowth. The method is often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Minoxidil (Rogaine).

Advantages of Microneedling

• Can prevent further occurrence of hair loss

• Encourages natural hair growth, resulting in improved hair density and a higher hair count.

• Non-surgical procedure

• Efficiency and safety (approved by the Health Canada)

• Less costly than a hair transplant

• Detectable hair growth within four to six weeks after treatment

Best For:

• People not eligible or ready for surgery

• Androgenic alopecia (female/male pattern baldness)

• Early-stage hair loss

Microneedling for Hair Loss

Microneedling for Hair Growth

The Medical Aesthetic professional will apply numbing medicine on the scalp 30–45 minutes prior to the procedure. Once the scalp is fully numb, the Medical Aesthetic professional uses a medical grade micro-needling pen to make tiny micro-injuries in the scalp. Afterwards, either the Rogain or PRP solution is injected to induce hair follicle in the growth phase and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. However, research has shown that no use of stimulating medicine is required. Micro-needling procedure usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the hair density and the size of the area being treated. Results of new hair growth can be seen within 4 to 6 weeks.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is a type of surgery which involves transferring hair follicles from a donor area of the body to a thinning or bald area, known as the recipient site. It is a productive hair loss treatment. In recent years, techniques involved in hair transplants have undergone considerable improvement. The transplant is usually performed when the hair follicles in the affected area become inactive and damaged and can no longer be stimulated to re-enter the growth phase.

Advantages of Hair Transplant

• Fast recovery and minimized scarring

• Uniform hair texture can be attained

• Natural, safe hair from your own body

• A good alternative for severe balding or hair loss  

Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant for Hair Loss

A surgeon cleans the scalp and administers a local anesthetic to numb the area. The surgeon will select one of two techniques for the transplant: follicular unit extraction (FUE), which involves removing individual hair follicles and transplanting them to the desired area, or follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS), which involves removing and replanting a strip of hair. The overall duration of hair transplant is longer than microneedling

Differences Between Microneedling and Hair Transplant

Both of these procedures are effective and safe hair restoration treatments. Moreover, they provide fabulous aesthetic results that subvert hair loss. However, microneedling promotes natural hair growth by increasing both the number and density of hair from existing follicles without any scars. In contrast, hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves relocating hair follicles from one area of the body to the scalp resulting in scar to the donor area. Additionally, the procedures for microneedling and hair transplant are different.  

Treatment Cost

Hair transplant will cost more than micro-needling. On average, you may spend between $6,000 and $30,000, depending on the desired hair density, chosen procedure (FUE or FUSS), and area to be treated.     

Conclusion:

Micro-needling has evolved as a promising, non-surgical solution for people experiencing hair thinning or early hair loss. Individuals looking for safe and affordable micro-needling in Kingston, Ontario, should consult FAM Medical Aesthetics. When systematically performed under supervision, micro-needling can lead to noticeable improvements in hair thickness, density, and overall scalp health. Book a consultation at FAM Medical Aesthetics for a productive micro-needling treatment session in Kingston, Ontario, to evaluate your hair loss treatment plan.