Hair loss is a common phenomenon today. Gone are the times when it was believed to be only a symptom of old age. Today, even those as young as being in the age group of 20 years too are beginning to deal with hair loss and bald patches. It may be because of the genetic predisposition or the lifestyle or stress they undergo. What they require is a permanent solution – one that looks natural enough to pass as their own hair and which will last them a lifetime too. The hair transplant or follicular unit extraction procedure is one that can make a world of difference to bald pate.
In an interview with Dr. Dinesh G.Gowda, Dermatosurgeon, Hairline International Research and Treatment Center breaks the myth and fear associated with hair transplant.
What is a hair transplant?
Hair transplant is essentially the relocation or transplanting of hair follicles that are bald-resistant to areas around the head that are balding. The process once done is permanent. Hair is transplanted from the back of the head, where the follicles are genetically resistant to balding of any sort.
Who is the right candidate for a hair transplant?
Anybody with hair that has begun to thin, or who is going bald or is already bald is the perfect for hair transplant. Even those who have just begun to lose hair may want to consider the procedure as well.
Will the transplant look natural?
Done scientifically and by the right expert, hair transplant results will look natural. Even a hair stylist will not be able to tell the difference. It is however important to choose the right procedure and professional for the job to ensure the best results
How long is a typical procedure?
A typical session involves anywhere between 1500 to 3000 grafts. This can take an entire day of a surgery and will be done on as an out-patient case.
How painful is the procedure?
Local anesthesiais given all along the donor and recipient areas. After this there will be no pain or discomfort during the whole process. Once the anesthesia wears off, there will feel a certain level of soreness and discomfort.
What is the recovery/healing time?
Hair transplantation procedures of today are extremely advanced and the incisions required are small and less invasive. This enables quicker healing. In most cases, a day or two following surgery is when a patient will be able to normal. At most, there will be a few patches of numbness and soreness for a few days.
Is a hair transplant obvious once done?
Right after the surgery, the transplants will be visible for a while, especially if there is no existing hair to cover the patches. However, a week after the transplant is when a patient will be comfortable to venture out without a hat or scarf in a week’s time.
How long will it take for the transplant to grow?
It may take anywhere between 3 to 5 months for hair to grow out. It may look thin initially, but will grow out fuller with time.
What are the side-effects of hair transplant?
There may be a few minor side-effects of a hair transplant such as bleeding, swelling of the scalp, scabs forming around the donor area, itching, inflammation of the hair follicles or even sudden loss of the transplanted hair (shock loss). This however, is usually minor and will clear up soon.
How safe is a hair transplant?
It is a safe and simple procedure to undergo. Technology has developed to a large extent and this procedure is now a relatively superficial one. Healing time is quick and any minor side-effects may be dealt with quickly.
Which age group can undergo hair transplant ?
Starting from 22 years of age to any age ,only criteria is the donor density i.e. availability of hair on the back side of the scalp.
What is the survival period of transplanted hair ?
This is permanent hair transplant and the transplanted hairs are long lasting will stay till the life of the patient.
What if the patient begins to lose hair after the transplant , will this mean another transplant?
It is unusual and rarely one will lose transplanted hair and one can undergo any number of session i.e hair transplant provided if he/she has good donor density after the transplant procedures.
For : IBC NEWS.
