April 3, 2018

Anyone searching for a solution to thinning hair has likely heard about hair plugs.

Hair plugs, a type of hair transplant, date back to the 1950s, and while it's still an option for combatting hair loss, many doctors consider it obsolete.

Newer technologies, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplants, provide a more comfortable experience and more reliable results.

Here are 7 reasons why you should ditch hair plugs in favor of modern procedures:

1. Hair Plugs Require Multiple Sessions

There's a limit to how many hair plugs can be moved in a single session. This means that achieving a full restoration will take multiple appointments, while newer technologies can give you the same results in one day.

2. Hair Plugs Don't Look Natural

Hair plugs can't mimic the growth of natural hair. The transplanted follicles often form obvious clusters, which can look like hair on a doll. FUE transplant procedures provide discreet results that blend seamlessly with your natural hair.

3. Hair Plugs Leave Scars

Hair plug procedures often leave circular scars on the back of the scalp. The recipient area may also scar, as the plugs must be inserted into slits that can require stitching. Newer transplant procedures like FUE move smaller amounts of tissue, leaving imperceptible scars.

4. The Procedure Has Side Effects

Pain and swelling are common side effects of the hair plugs. Other side effects can include bleeding, infection, bruising, numbness, and crusting on the scalp.

5. Hair Plugs May Not Be as Permanent as Some Doctors Claim

Although often touted as a permanent solution, hair plugs have a lower success rate than more advanced hair transplants. When you choose more effective technologies, you can be confident that you're getting a result that will last.

6. Getting Hair Plugs Can Be Painful

Since the procedure involves removing sections of scalp that can be several millimeters in diameter, getting hair plugs can hurt. Patients may experience pain not only during the procedure, but also for several days afterwards.

7. Hair Plugs Are High Maintenance

As the hair plugs heal, patients must follow an inconvenient aftercare routine. This can include applying ice packs hourly and sleeping with your upper body elevated for several days after the procedure. Exercise, bending over, and hair washing are also often forbidden to prevent bleeding.   Hair plugs may once have done wonders, but today they are decidedly obsolete. Request a complimentary consultation to learn how FUE transplants can deliver the results you're looking for.