Changing trends in surgical hair restoration: Use of Google Trends and the ISHRS practice census survey

Abstract

Background Hair loss affects most people at some point in their lifetime, causing anxiety and decreased self‐esteem. There are multiple surgical and nonsurgical treatments available, with the surgical options having greater and longer‐lasting effects. Such treatments have evolved over time with advances in technology and research, with numerous patients researching these treatments on Google. Many surgeons who provide these treatments belong to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS). Aims To investigate trends in surgical hair restoration treatment from both the surgeon and patient perspectives. Methods Patient epidemiological and surgical data from the ISHRS were combined with search trend data from Google to analyze changing trends in surgical hair restoration treatment. Results Worldwide Internet searches for “hair transplant” have increased from 2004 to the present. Follicular unit excision (FUE) has supplanted follicular unit transplant (FUT) as the most popular hair transplant performed. Since 2004, there has been an increase in both nonsurgical and surgical female patients. Beard and eyebrow transplants have increased in popularity. Google searches follow this trend. Nonsurgical treatments such as platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) are being searched more frequently. Hair restoration clinics and Google searches were affected adversely by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusion Technological advances in available therapies, improvement in delivery systems, changes in hair fashion, and global events have direct impact on hair restoration treatments offered by physicians and researched by patients. It is in the best interest of all hair restoration providers to keep abreast of changing technologies and treatment trends to stay at the forefront of their profession.

Hair loss treatment information on Facebook: Content analysis and comparison with other online sources

“…Some hair transplant content was concerning, including FUE procedures with a very high number of grafts and unrealistic timelines for hair density improvement. Most content was on FUE, which is consistent with Google search interest and the proportion of hair transplant procedures performed 10 . Unlike Facebook, YouTube offered better quality hair transplant content and more balanced discussion on FUE vs FUT procedures (Table 3).…”

“…Hair loss can affect both men and women, and can have a significant negative psychological impact 6,7 . With a myriad of hair loss treatments available, patients are increasingly using the Internet to search for hair loss information 8‐10 . Patients utilize Facebook to access dermatologic treatment information and peer support.…”

“…6,7 With a myriad of hair loss treatments available, patients are increasingly using the Internet to search for hair loss information. [8][9][10] Patients utilize Facebook to access dermatologic treatment information and peer support.…”

Hair transplantation Follicular Unit Excision (FUE): Introducing the multipurpose octagonal ring punch

“…The preferred technique for performing hair transplants has shifted from the traditional strip extraction (Follicular Unit Transplantation, FUT) to follicular unit excision (FUE), primarily driven by the patient's preference for a shorter recovery time and no linear scarring 1 . To perform the FUE technique, the surgeon uses small diameter (generally 0.8‐1.0 mm) punches to remove individual follicular unit grafts from the patient's donor area for implantation in the recipient area.…”

Surgical interventions for androgenetic alopecia

“…Beyond drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride, and nonmedical topical therapies, surgical interventions are also an option for AGA patients. In recent years, interest in surgical hair restoration has increased 5 . In this paper, we aim to present an updated overview of surgical options and techniques for the treatment of AGA.…”