What is hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation is a procedure in which hair roots are removed from the back of the scalp, the permanent hair-bearing region (the “donor” area), and transferred to bald or balding areas of the scalp (the “recipient” area). The transplanted hair grows and has the same color and texture as your original hair.

When hair transplantation is indicated?

Hair transplantation is indicated in Male pattern baldness, Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), and also in hair loss secondary to scarring after surgery, trauma, or burns. It is also indicated for Eyebrow, Eyelash, Moustache, and Beard reconstruction.

What are the techniques of hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation can be performed by two techniques. The first method is the strip method in which a 1-1.2 cm wide strip of scalp skin is removed from the donor area, and stitched to leave a narrow scar. Follicular units/hair grafts are separated using magnifying loupes and transplanted on the balding scalp. In the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique, a small, round punch is used to extract each Follicular unit directly from the donor area. It has the advantage of avoiding the production of a linear scar in the donor area, but implantation remains the same.

What are the sequelae following hair transplantation?

Usually, all of the transplanted hairs will initially fall out within a period of two to three weeks. Approximately, two to three months later, they regrow in the recipient area. Thus, it requires 6-9 months to produce satisfactory results.

Is the procedure painful?

You may feel the initial injection prick of anesthesia after that there is no pain and you will be conscious throughout the procedure, without pain.

How many sessions will be required?

The number of sessions depends on the area to be covered.

What is the duration of surgery and downtime of the procedure?

The whole procedure is a day care procedure and the total stay in the hospital would be for 8 to 10 hours. You can resume normal activity almost immediately, but it is advised to relax for 3 days.

What are the expected side effects?

Pain after surgery is well taken care of with medicines. The chances of infection are also minimal to absent as the procedure is done in a well-equipped sterile Operation Theater under aseptic precautions. As Local anesthesia is injected, rarely some patients can develop swelling of the forehead and swelling around the eyes after 1- 3 days, so avoid bending and sleep in a lateral position. Some patients can develop rare side effects like boils, etc. but these are treatable. There are no permanent side effects.

When would it be required for me to follow up?

Your First follow-up will be on day 3 of the surgery, for a head wash, and on day 15 to start regular medicines. Thereafter, sessions will be required every 6 weeks if you are enrolled for Platelet-rich plasma sessions.

How early can I resume work?

You can resume your work 3rd day onwards.

What treatments, if any, will be required after transplantation?

You will have to continue using your medical treatments even after transplantation to prevent any further loss of existing hair from the balding area. Transplanted hair does not require any treatment.

What will be the post-surgery instructions I will be required to follow?

Post-surgery instructions will be very simple and easy to follow. The initial 3-5 days after the surgery are very important. Follow normal saline spray every 2 hours for the first 48 hours. In addition, you need to take a few medicines like painkillers and antibiotics. Head wash is given on day 3 at the hospital. You need to start topical treatments 2 weeks after surgery.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.