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Hair loss can have a profound psychological impact on an individual, triggering feelings of anxiety, sadness, and a decline in self-confidence. While various factors can contribute to hair loss, hereditary hair loss, which can be inherited across generations, stands out as the most prevalent cause. Additionally, trauma, systemic illness, and hormonal imbalances are among the potential reasons for hair loss.

As noted by Dr. Bhavyashree, MBBD, MD (DVL), FRGUHS (Dermatosurgery), an experienced Dermatologist with over 12 years of experience in the field, addressing the underlying causes of hair loss is crucial in restoring not only physical appearance but also psychological well-being. Through proper diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches, individuals experiencing hair loss can regain their confidence and quality of life.

Approaches to Treating Hair Loss:

Hair transplantation is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves harvesting hair grafts from the donor area and implanting them into the balding regions. Donor sites can include the back and sides of the scalp, as well as the chest, armpits, pubic region, and beard. Modern procedures typically last between 4 to 9 hours per session and deliver satisfactory outcomes in a single session.

Advantages of Hair Transplantation:

Utilization of Permanent Hair Roots: Hair transplantation utilizes permanent hair roots for the procedure, ensuring that the transplanted hair maintains the natural characteristics of the roots. This aspect establishes hair transplantation as a lasting solution for hair loss.

Natural-Looking Results and Enhanced Hair Growth: Hair transplants yield outcomes that are not only natural in appearance but also encourage optimal hair growth. It’s essential to carefully select a skilled hair transplant surgeon to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and achieve desired results.

Minimal Discomfort and Recovery Time: Hair transplant procedures are generally minimally invasive, resulting in minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Additionally, the healing process typically involves minimal morbidity, leading to a smoother recovery. Special maintenance is not mandatory for transplanted hair, but to retain the existing hairs, you will have to use minoxidil, or follow your surgeon’s advice to consider taking PRP or GFC sessions.

Absence of Complications and Special Maintenance: Hair transplant treatments are associated with few complications, especially when performed by a qualified surgeon. Following the healing of the affected areas, there are no specific maintenance requirements. Patients can treat their transplanted hair like regular hair, including styling, trimming, and coloring, as desired. Hair growth, which starts after the shedding phase (i.e., 1.5 - 2 months post-transplant), will be permanent. You can expect a 10% improvement each month, with desired growth typically attained in 6-7 months, though growth can continue for up to a year to achieve maximum results. The result will be great if post-operative care is followed sincerely.

Types and Techniques:

There are two primary types of transplant procedures: slit grafts and micrografts. Slit grafts typically consist of 4 to 10 hairs per graft, providing coverage for larger areas of baldness or thinning hair. Micrografts, on the other hand, are composed of 1 to 2 hairs per graft, offering more precision and suitability for areas requiring finer detail or lesser coverage.

Following a thorough cleansing of your scalp, a surgeon administers local anesthesia to numb a specific area of your head using a small needle. Two primary techniques are employed to obtain follicles for transplantation: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

In FUT, the surgeon uses a scalpel to excise a strip of scalp skin from the back of the head, typically spanning several inches in length. This incision is then closed with stitches. Subsequently, the removed scalp portion is meticulously dissected into smaller sections using a magnifying lens and a sharp surgical knife. These sections, when implanted, facilitate the natural growth of hair.

Conversely, in FUE, hair follicles are directly extracted from the back of the head through numerous tiny punch incisions. The surgeon creates tiny holes in the recipient area of the scalp using a blade or needle and delicately places hairs into these holes. Hundreds or even thousands of hairs may be transplanted during a single treatment session. Following the procedure, the scalp is covered with grafts, gauze, or bandages for several days.

A hair transplant session typically lasts for 4 to 6 hours or longer. The donor area usually heals within 8 days post-surgery. Achieving the desired full head of hair may require two sessions for individuals with an advanced grade of balding. These sessions should be spaced several months apart to allow for complete healing between transplants. The only potential complication is minimal pain during the administration of local anesthesia, which usually resolves within a few hours.