Written By: Mansi Kohli | Updated : April 29, 2019 1:14 PM IST
Surgical hair transplant has always been in vogue. Not only for those who have lost their hair because of untimely hair fall, but also for those who are interested in acquiring an attractive mane or want to alter their hairline completely. It is a procedure where the surgeon removes hair from one side of the head to add to the bald area of the head. It is usually done by taking hair from the back or side of the head to fill up top or front portion of the head. Typically performed under medical supervision under local anaesthesia, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic says while one can choose from a limited range of certified hair transplant procedures, one should also have realistic expectations before getting the surgery done.
How to choose the right hair transplant procedure? There are not too many options for hair transplant procedures. The surgeon doing the procedure generally decides the right hair transplant procedure. So rather than the type of procedure, it is more essential to look at the qualification of hair transplant doctor and select the right doctor. Ideally, only dermatologist and plastic surgeons are qualified and certified to do hair transplant procedures. Do not opt for centres where technicians or therapists or other medical attendants do hair transplant. Currently, one of the most popular and patient-friendly hair transplant procedure is Follicular Unit Extraction or F.U.E., which is generally performed by 'No Root Touch' technique. Read more about Hair replacement techniques Should you opt for it?
How exactly is the procedure done? The 'No Root Touch' hair transplant procedure usually takes a whole day and is a comfortable patient-friendly procedure. Before the procedure, there will be multiple consultations with the patient.
How many sittings does the surgical hair restoration take? Ideally, in one sitting 1500-2000 hair follicle units are transplanted in an individual. 1-3 sittings may be required for complete hair coverage.
What is the procedures recuperation time? You need about 3-7 days to recuperate. Most of the patients resume work by the 5-7th day. You can start working from home from the next day itself. Read here Scalp Tissue Expansion what it entails
What should one expect after a surgery? Swelling may occur (especially after your first transplant), usually on the forehead and usually around day 2-4 following surgery. This usually resolves completely in 2-3 days. The patient is advised to sleep in a semi-reclining position for 2-3 day after surgery. Few patients may experience minor symptoms, like itching, decreased sensation (mostly on the top of the head). Even though these problems occur rarely, they do resolve quickly.
What are the estimated costs of this treatment? Also, are there any recurring costs? The cost of treatment is variable as it depends on the number of follicle grafts done in a patient. The hair transplant procedure does not have any recurring cost as it is a one-time treatment with long term results. Hair fall treatment at home 7 remedies that work!
Who is the right target audience for this treatment? The right audience for FUE is listed below:
Who is not a good candidate for this treatment? Individuals with large bald areas with very small poor donor area are not good candidates for FUE. Again individuals with unrealistic expectations of the results are not eligible for this treatment. It is important to note that FUE or any form of hair transplant is also not done in individuals with excessive scarring tendency.
Right age of getting this treatment done? Anyone above 18 years can opt for 'No Root Touch' hair transplant. However, the recommended age is in individuals who are 30 or above.
Advantages of this treatment:
Disadvantages of this treatment:
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