Five things you learn when you have a hair transplant.
You are in very good company
There has been a surge in men seeking cosmetic surgery in the last five years. Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons show that the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery has more than doubled in the past decade – rising from 2,440 in 2005 to 4,614 in 2015.
Hair transplants are by far the most popular form of male cosmetic surgery. The surge is down to a number of factors – increased interest in male grooming; men having more disposable income; Brits following Hollywood in embracing cosmetic surgery; the improvement in techniques – but the biggest single influence we have noticed at Crown Clinic is the growth in the number of celebrties having procedures. Men see stars like Wayne Rooney and Calum Best after their transplant and think: ‘They look so much better – I’m having some of that.’
You will look years younger
Research by Crown Clinic shows that hair loss is the biggest factor in the ageing of men. Crown Clinic patient Calum Best reckons he looks at least five years younger thanks to the help he has received from our surgeon Asim Shahmalak. Calum has had three FUE (follicular unit extraction) procedures to bolster his hair. It has been very effective and kept 35-year-old Calum at the top of his game and in demand as a male model. It is why Burton Menswear recently signed Calum as the face of their brand.
Strangers will have no idea you’ve had hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant techniques have improved markedly in the last 15 years. Some of you may recall early transplants for stars like Elton John who ended up with unsightly doll’s hair individual clumps dotted throughout the scalp. Yes, he covered up his bald spots but there was nothing seamless about the new grafts and it was obvious he had a procedure. That is not the case any longer. New techniques ensure experts like our surgeon Mr Shahmalak can very naturally blend in the new hair with the old. No one who was not familiar with you prior to having the procedure will have any idea that you have received help.
Your self confidence will surge
Studies show that men who look after their appearance earn more and are more successful in their careers. This doesn’t just apply to celebrities but people in ordinary jobs, too. When you are talking about celebrities, the effect is even more remarkable. James Nesbit says that he has been picked for roles which he would not have able to audition for if he had let his male pattern baldness go unchecked. Wayne Rooney started losing his hair in his late teens. He would be completely bald on the top of his scalp by now – aged 30 – if he had not taken action. Do you think his ‘image rights’ would be as valuable if had not taken action over his hair? Crown Clinic patient Martin Roberts, presenter of the BBC1 show Homes Under The Hammer, said he went under the knife with our surgeon Mr Shahmalak so he could stay looking good in front of the cameras. The same reason was given by TV doctor Christian Jessen, star of Embarrasssing Bodies, who had a FUT (follicular unit transplantation) procedure, also known as strip harvesting, at Crown Clinic.
You might want to do it again
Transplanted hair is permanent and should last a patient for the rest of their lifetime but it is worth remembering that hair loss is an continual process.
It is why around 20% of patients come back for a second or even third procedure. Calum Best has had three procedures at Crown Clinic (mainly because he prefers not to take Finasteride). Wayne Rooney does not take Finasteride because, although not a banned substance, there is evidence it could take some of edge off his aggression as a footballer – aggression you need if you are one of the world’s best strikers.