Hair Transplant Surgery All You Need To Know
Alopecia is the medical term for baldness and it affects both men and women. The hair growth process slows and hair starts shedding with increasing age. In men, the process begins at the sides of the head, like a patch on the crown and spreads from there. The patch gets larger with time. This kind of hair loss is called male pattern baldness and it is most common in men.
Pattern baldness is less common in women than men, though it’s still the most common cause of baldness in women. Approximately 50% of women have a mild hair loss while 20% of women develop severe hair fall as they age.
Medical conditions like thyroid, hormonal changes, stress and excessive over styling are the major causative factors of hair loss in both men and women. Some medication also causes hair loss as a side effect.
Your dermatologist might recommend some medications like Minoxidil when it comes to stimulating hair growth. It is a widely used medicine with some side effects like scalp dryness, itching, and dermatitis.
For people whose hair loss is too severe for medications and other topical treatments, they may consider hair transplant surgery. They first have to look out for the Best Hair Transplant Surgeon in Delhi.
What are the different hair transplant methods?
The procedure for hair transplant surgery involves a surgeon taking strips or individual plugs of hair from the donor site (area contains more hair) and placing them in the recipient site (area there is no hair). It’s important to consult with a dermatologist before opting for hair transplant.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) techniques have become very advanced in recent years. Both techniques can reverse male and female pattern baldness.
Follicular Unit Extraction: In this method, hair follicles are extracted individually containing 1-4 hairs under local anaesthesia. Grafts receiving sites are punctured by the surgeon using very small blades or fine needles. Grafts are then placed as a final part of this procedure.
Follicular Unit Transplantation: A hair strip is extracted in this method from the area on the scalp in which hair is growing, for eg. from the back of the head. A surgeon then divide individual hair follicles into groups before inserting them into the bald area.
What is the cost of a hair transplant?
The cost of the surgery usually depends on the amount of hair you are transplanting at the recipient site. The cost generally ranges from 50,000 to 2,00,000 INR. Most of the insurance plans don’t cover it. Price may also vary from clinic to clinic.
What are the possible risks and post-operative considerations?
Just like with any kind of surgery, transplants also have some risks including:
- Pinpoint bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Scars
- Sometimes the hair growth looks unnatural
- Folliculitis (Inflammation or infection of the hair follicles)
Antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory medications can relieve the problem. The patient should sleep with his head elevated in 45 degrees to avoid swelling. Avoid dirt and dust while doing daily tasks for at least 2 weeks. Try not to put too much pressure into the area where follicles are planted. Proper care can lead to better results.
How long does it take to recover after a hair transplant?
Your scalp may be very tender after the hair transplant surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe you some pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory for a few days. He will make you put on bandages over the scalp for 1-2 days. You will be able to return to your daily activities within 3 to 4 days. The transplanted hair will fall out after 2-3 weeks and you will observe new growth within a few months.
What are the alternative options of hair transplant?
Many people who are balding, dont prefer hair transplant as a treatment option. The reason may be it is expensive and sometimes risky. Fortunately, there are some other alternatives to consider for hair regrowth.
- Medications for hair loss: Minoxidil and Finasteride are the medicines for hair loss available for men and women both.
- Laser therapy
- PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) therapy
- A variety of shampoos are available in the market claiming a successful restoration of hair. Consult your doctor before you start using them
- A nutrient-rich diet is an essential step to get rid of unwanted hair fall.
Finding the best hair transplant clinic in Delhi will be a real tough task. You may have the best hair transplant in gurgaon by our expert hair transplant doctor Dr. Ritesh Anand. Dr. Anand is a highly qualified and experienced cosmetic and plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing the best hair care treatment ever. You may contact him to book an appointment today.