Hair Transplant

Hair Transplant is a surgical procedure wherein follicles are extracted from the donor region and implanted into the hairless or recipient region, leading to mimicking natural hair development. Medications assist in managing hair thinning, but for bald areas, only a transplant is effective.

Major Types of Hair Transplant

1. FUSS (Follicular Unit Strip Surgery)

A strip of hair is removed from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) under local anesthesia.
Grafts are prepared from the strip and transplanted into bald areas.
Leaves a visible scar in the donor region (can be hidden by hair).
Healing takes about 15 days due to stitches or staples.

2. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Individual follicular units are removed one by one under local anesthesia.
Recovery time is less than 7 days.
No suturing needed; minimally invasive and painless.
Can use body hair for transplant.
Time-consuming; requires long or multiple sessions.

Hair Transplant Procedure

Before Procedure

The doctor examines the scalp, understands the patient’s expectations, and discusses options.
Diagnoses the cause and evaluates the best approach.

During Procedure

Outpatient procedure
Scalp is shampooed and treated with an antibacterial agent.
Grafts extracted via FUSS or FUE methods.
Procedure duration: 4–8 hours depending on graft count.
Number of sessions depends on individual needs.

After Procedure

Scalp may be tender and covered with bandages.
Protect scalp from sunlight.
Antibiotics prescribed to avoid infection.
Shampooing prevents scab formation around follicles.
Transplanted hair falls within 2–3 weeks and regrows within 6–9 weeks.

Mandatory Tests for Hair Loss

Dermatological consultation
Pull test: hair pulled from different scalp regions
Pluck test: examines roots under microscope
Trichoscopy: scalp and hair evaluation via dermoscopy

Diagnosis

Recommended for conditions like:

Androgenic alopecia
Eyebrow transplant
Receding frontal hairline

Complications of Hair Transplant

Infection
Scarring (especially with FUSS)
Unnatural hair growth
Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are the Causes of Hair Loss?
A: Stress, poor lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disease, medications, and aging.

Q: Why Should Hair Loss Be Medicated?
A: Aesthetic reasons — boosts confidence and self-esteem.

Q: Is the Hair Transplant a Debilitating Process?
A: No, it's performed under local anesthesia. Mild tenderness may occur post-op.

Q: Does Hair Transplant Need a Hospital Stay?
A: No, it’s an outpatient procedure.

Q: What’s the Perfect Number of Grafts for a Hair Loss Operation?
A: Typically ranges from 1000 to 3000 grafts, depending on the area.

Q: Is the Hair Transplant Process Permanent?
A: Yes. The transplanted hair retains donor site characteristics and resists hair fall.

Q: What Is Body Hair Transplant (BHT)?
A: Grafts are taken from beard, chest, axilla, or pubic area if scalp hair is insufficient.

Q: How Can Hair Loss Be Prevented?
A: Lifestyle changes, healthy diet, stress management, scalp hygiene, regular conditioning.

Q: What’s Trichopigmentation?
A: A form of micro tattooing that mimics hair appearance, lasting about two years.