Hair transplants are becoming more popular as a permanent solution to hair loss, but many people are unaware that combining them with other treatments can significantly improve the outcome. While hair transplants on their own offer promising results, pairing them with treatments like laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, or medications can help achieve fuller, thicker hair and longer-lasting effects. To ensure the best results, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist who specialises in hair disorders. They will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.
Seeing a specialist is key because hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions. Dermatologists who specialise in hair treatments have the expertise to diagnose the root cause of your hair loss and recommend the most appropriate treatments. At a dermatology clinic specialising in hair loss, the combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments can be tailored to your unique condition, helping you achieve optimal results that suit your lifestyle and goals.
Why combine treatments with hair transplants?
When considering hair restoration, the focus is often solely on the surgical aspect of the transplant. However, additional therapies can accelerate the healing process, encourage new hair growth, and protect existing hair follicles from further damage. Here are some of the top treatments that work well alongside hair transplants:
1. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT, or laser therapy, uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, and promote hair growth. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can be easily combined with hair transplants. Studies have shown1 that laser therapy can improve the success rate of hair transplants by creating an environment that is conducive to hair follicle health. By increasing circulation and cellular repair, laser therapy helps to keep the newly transplanted hair strong and prevents further thinning of existing hair.
2. Radiofrequency treatments
In addition to physical therapies based on light such as LLLT, those that use electric currents or electromagnetic fields are another option for the treatment of alopecia. In particular, radiofrequency currents are high-frequency alternating currents whose main property is to increase tissue temperature (hyperthermia). Radiofrequency can be used for ablative and non-ablative applications, and among its non-ablative effects are the induction of activation of neo-collagenesis, neo-angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, collagen remodelling and skin tightening. Furthermore, one of the radiofrequency therapies (INDIBA®) that applies this type of electrical stimulation is capacitive resistive electrical Transfer (CRET). This therapy applies 448 kHz currents to induce electrical or electrothermal stimulation in target tissues and can be used to improve alopecia and also help to support the regrowth of newly transplanted hair2.
3. Medications
Medications like finasteride and minoxidil3 are often prescribed to prevent further hair loss and encourage regrowth. These medications target different aspects of hair loss: finasteride blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for shrinking hair follicles, while minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair growth. By incorporating these medications into your post-transplant care, you can maintain the density of both transplanted and natural hair. This ensures that you not only achieve fuller results but also sustain them long-term.
Tailoring treatments for lasting results
A hair transplant isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why it’s crucial to work with a dermatologist who can customise your treatment plan. Depending on the extent of your hair loss, your dermatologist may recommend a combination of the treatments mentioned above to ensure you get the best possible outcome. For example, low-level laser therapy could be beneficial if your goal is to reduce shedding and enhance the strength of existing hair, and radiofrequency treatments can also help to improve the regrowth of newly transplanted hair.
It is also important to address the psychological impact of hair loss. Hair loss can be a source of stress and anxiety, which can affect your confidence and self-esteem. By working with a dermatology clinic that understands both the physical and emotional aspects of hair restoration, you’ll receive comprehensive care that not only focuses on restoring your hair but also your well-being.
Conclusion
Combining a hair transplant with treatments like laser therapy, radiofrequency, and medications is an effective way to maximise results and ensure lasting success. By working with an experienced dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon like Dr Angeline Yong, you’ll receive a customised treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns, ensuring that your hair restoration journey is as smooth and effective as possible.
At Angeline Yong Dermatology, we recognise that each person’s hair loss journey is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatments designed to complement hair transplants and provide long-term, effective results. From laser and radiofrequency treatments to medical management, our clinic is equipped with the latest technologies to ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care.
References
Pillai, J. K., & Mysore, V. (2021). Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 14(4), 385–391. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_218_20
Martínez-Pascual MA, Sacristán S, Toledano-Macías E, Naranjo P, Hernández-Bule ML. Effects of RF Electric Currents on Hair Follicle Growth and Differentiation: A Possible Treatment for Alopecia. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jul 18;25(14):7865. doi: 10.3390/ijms25147865. PMID: 39063106; PMCID: PMC11277185.
Medication for hair loss. Patient Care at NYU Langone Health. (n.d.). https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/treatments/medication-for-hair-loss