One day, you’re simply minding your own business when you take a quick glance in the mirror.

However, that quick glance turns into a second glance which turns into an entire internal monologue berating the passage of time and the genes you were not so blessed to have inherited. The days of full, thick hair are behind you and have been replaced with something sparse and patchy. Although you have used your older brother’s and father’s heads as a crystal ball for your hair loss future, it never hit you until now that this is now your reality.

Receding hairlines can be difficult to accept and deal with. Whether time has just flown by too quickly or you’re genetically predisposed to male pattern hair loss, it’s normal to pine for the luscious locks of your youth. Unfortunately, hair loss is one of the starkest changes that comes with age. Yet, despite that over 66% of American men over the age of 35 deal with this problem, the taboo nature of this topic makes many men still hesitant to discuss their struggles.

However, the medical community has tirelessly fought to develop effective methods to both restore and improve the appearance of male pattern baldness. With the assistance of medical technology developments and cutting-edge techniques, there is now no longer a need to keep struggling with hair loss. Both short-term and long-term options are available depending on your needs and desired results.

Scalp Micropigmentation
Take the more unorthodox route with scalp micropigmentation. This short-term procedure is ideal for those with thinning hair. Mimic the appearance of more voluminous locks by tattooing the scalp and hairline with tiny hair-like strokes. These hair-like strokes are created to mimic the natural color and density of your hair. Although scalp micropigmentation produces immediately visible results, it takes about three to four sessions for the best outcome. Your “hair tattoo” may last for about 3-5 years.

Hair Transplant Surgery
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to your hair loss, consider taking the surgical route at Modena Hair Institute. Hair transplant surgery is the most permanent and effective treatment to restore both your hair and your confidence. This procedure works by extracting hair follicles–either individually or in strips–from a donor area of the scalp where hair is still growing, such as the back and sides. Then, the harvested hair follicles are transplanted to the areas of your scalp affected by hair loss. Although this procedure can take upwards of 6 hours to complete, the slow and steady process is worth the wait. Permanent hair growth begins only 2-3 months post-surgery while significant growth will be visible around the 6-month mark. Most men will regain their full heads of hair around 9-12 months. However, for the best results, surgery must be accompanied by hair loss preventing drugs like minoxidil and finasteride.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.