Hair loss can create a massive effect on your scalp as well as your entire body. While some hair loss can be temporary, others can be permanent. Hence, it is important for people to notice the cause behind the hair loss. In this article, Dr. Aanchal Panth answers common questions about hair transplants for individuals experiencing hair loss.

What is a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanting them to balding or thinning areas of the scalp. The goal is to redistribute healthy hair follicles to areas of the scalp where hair is needed, resulting in a fuller and more natural-looking head of hair.

How is a hair transplant performed?

Talking about the procedure Dr. Panth says that first the patient is given local anaesthetic to numb the front and back of the head before the slitting process takes place to create space for the hair grafts. The hair is then extracted from the donor area using a punching technique. Two main methods through which the hair transplant process is done are : follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction. FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area and dissecting it into individual follicular units, which are then transplanted to the recipient site. FUE, on the other hand, involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor area and transplanting them to the recipient site.

What is the right age to get a hair transplant done?

The ideal age for hair transplantation varies from person to person. It also depends on various factors such as the extent of hair loss, the stability of the donor area, and the overall health of the patient. Though, it is advisable to wait till the age of 25.

When is hair transplantation not recommended?

Dr. Panth says that there are certain situations where it may not be suitable to go for hair transplantation. For instance, it may not be recommended for individuals with certain health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other medical conditions that are not under control. 

What is the expected time period to do the hair transplant?

In general, a hair transplant session can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, or even longer for more complex cases.

When will you see results after getting the hair transplantation?

Most patients will start to see visible signs of new hair growth within 3 months after the procedure, but Dr. Panth says that it may take up to 6 months or more to see the full results of a hair transplant.

What are the side effects of hair transplant?

Hair transplant is generally safe with minor side effects like folliculitis, itching, and scabbing that can be managed with medication.

Is hair transplant surgery painful?

Hair transplant surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, which means that the patient will be awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain. However, Dr. Panth cautions that there may be some discomfort during the recovery period as the scalp heals.

How many grafts would I need?

The number of grafts needed for a hair transplant depends on several factors, such as the extent of hair loss, desired hair density, and availability of donor's hair. As a rough estimate, 2,000-2,500 grafts are typically needed for grade 3 baldness, and 2,500-3,000 grafts for grade 4 baldness.

What is the success rate of hair transplants?

The success rate of hair transplant surgery depends on several factors, such as the strength of your donor area, the quality of your hair and the post-operative care you provide.

What precautions to take after a hair transplant?

Some general precautions to take after hair transplant surgery include:

• Avoid intense physical activity, heavy lifting, and other strenuous activities.

• Keep your head covered for the first week.

• Use normal saline spray every two hours.

• If you have had a crown hair transplant, sleep on your side.

What is the age of a transplanted hair?

The lifespan of transplanted hair is typically 15-20 years. However, this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, age, overall health, and the speed at which you experienced hair loss.

What medications are given post-hair transplant?

Minoxidil lotion & anti-androgen medication can be used, although it is best to consult your surgeon about any medications.

Whether am I suitable for a hair transplant or not

Those people are considered good candidates for hair transplant who have:

• Have experienced significant hair loss, thinning, or balding

• Have good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that could complicate the procedure.

• Are there sufficient amount of donor hair available for hair transplant process

Conclusion

In conclusion, people who are dealing with hair loss can consider hair transplant surgery which can prove beneficial and can be an effective solution to cope-up with hair loss problems.