How to Help A Balding Husband
As a wife, it can be challenging to watch your husband struggle with hair loss. Although it is very common, losing hair can often hurt a man’s emotional and mental state. The good news is there are now many options available to help him feel like himself again.
Statistically speaking, men are least likely to seek medical help, so as a spouse, you can help by getting the information he needs to feel comfortable with a hair restoration procedure. Below are some questions and information about the pre and post-op procedure, to help you decide if hair restoration is right for your husband.
Questions About Your Husband’s Hair Loss:
How long has your husband been balding?
A hair transplantation procedure is best approached after 5+ years of balding. Hair loss doesn’t happen all at once, so your husband should wait until he has experienced thinning for at least five years. This will give the doctor a better understanding of his particular pattern of hair loss and help tailor his treatment to produce the best results.
Is your husband old enough?
Realistically, hair loss can start any time after puberty, so some men find they are balding much earlier in life than others. However, men should wait until they are at least 30-years old so they can achieve the most natural looking results. Even if your husband is losing hair earlier than most men, chances are he may not have lost enough just yet.
Have you ruled out other external and internal factors that might be causing hair loss?
There are a lot of reasons why men and women lose hair. Both physical and emotional stress can certainty play a part, but also certain medications, such as blood thinners or thyroid medication, can wreak havoc on the hairline. Try reducing stressors and talking to your doctor about medication use to ensure you know what is really causing hair decline.
Do you both have realistic expectations?
Helping your husband consider hair transplantation surgery can be the first step in getting him to feel like himself again. However, the results don’t appear directly after surgery. Usually, after the procedure, it is common for the transplanted hairs fall out. They will grow back, but it can take months to a year before your husband will be able to style, dye, and cut his new hair. Patience is vital in this process.
What to Expect Before Hair Transplantation Surgery
The most crucial component of hair transplantation surgery is the consultation. You want to research the best hair transplant surgeon and schedule a consultation. This is where you and your husband voice all your concerns and gain more knowledge about the procedures available. There are both surgical and non-surgical options that work well for many patients.
Pre-op steps are discussed at the time of the consultation. Often, the doctor will get information about the medications your husband is taking and request that he stop taking any blood thinners before his appointment.
What to Expect After a Hair Transplant
Following post-op instructions carefully is crucial for the best looking results. Typically, your doctor will instruct your husband not to engage in exercise for at least three days and to continue to stay away from blood thinners, like aspirin. Most patients will experience tenderness to the scalp, but your doctor will prescribe a mild-narcotic to alleviate any discomfort. Other potential medications might include antibiotics to prevent infection and Prednisone to reduce or ease swelling. Swelling is a common side-effect from hair transplantation surgery and usually lasts anywhere from 48-72 hours. A cold compress will help bring the inflammation down. It’s quite common for individuals to experience mild shedding which is a result of the trauma the scalp has undergone. As the scalp recovers, the hair follicles will begin to grow back.
Hair Transplantation Nashville
If you think your husband is a good candidate for hair transplantation surgery, call our offices today at 615-257-1496 to book a consultation. Our doctors and physicians are highly trained in the latest technologies and procedures to get the most natural looking results.