Procedure for Hair Transplantation

Hair Transplantation

The problem of baldness has not only affected men but also women. Most of us are looking forward to hair growth or hair regrowth or hair loss remedies that can be of help. Women lose hair in a subtle way and experience thinning hair as compared to evident baldness in men. People go for alopecia treatment in order to find cure for hair loss.

What is Hair Transplant?

In today’s time, hair transplant surgery has been extensively used to reduce thinning of hair and to treat baldness. It is an easy procedure and relatively risk free. In this procedure the balding or thinning area of the scalp is treated to restore healthy normal hair. In the hair transplant procedure, healthy hair follicles are moved from donor site and to recipient site.

Reasons for Hair Loss, Hair Thinning or Alopecia
Various factors lead to hair loss. However, the primary hair loss causes are below:

• Heredity
• Hormones
• Illness
• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Poor circulation of blood to the scalp
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Dandruff
• Genetic
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Menopause in women
• Pregnancy
• Post delivery

Types of Hair Implants or Grafts

Following are the Different Types of Hair Implants:

• Strip grafts
• Punch grafts
• Mini-grafts
• Slit grafts
• Micro-grafts

Hair Transplant Surgery Procedure

The Patient can Expect Following Things Before the Surgery

• General medical history is taken
• Routine blood/ urine examination
• Routine health check up to know symptoms like hypertension, diabetes and blood disorders
• History of previous hair transplant
• Hair growth is evaluated
• Amount of hair loss is checked
• Donor and recipient areas are mapped
• Hair of the donor is trimmed.

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and sedation.

There are many types of hair transplant surgery. They are done after conservative treatments for hair regeneration have failed. They can be done either alone or in combinations for better results. Hair-bearing scalp from a donor site is separated in small pieces and used as grafts to the bald sites of the scalp.

• Flap Surgery:

When hair bearing scalp is transplanted into bald areas

• Tissue Expansion:

Hair bearing scalp is expanded to cover bald areas

• Scalp Reduction Surgery:

Removing bald areas surgically and bringing together hairy areas of the scalp

Steps of Procedure

• Punch round grafts from the donor site are punched out by a tube-like instrument.
• The skin is stretched 
• Small cuts are made in the recipient area/ bald area and grafts are inserted.
• It is then sutured into this area.
• Punch grafts contain about 10-15 hair, mini grafts contain 1 to two hair whereas strip graft contain 30-40 hair.
• In each session about 50 hair are transplanted sometimes this can go up to 700 hair.
• Dressing is done and the area covered in bandages.
• Many sessions are usually required for the best results. Sometimes a good result takes about a year or two of sessions.
• The size of graft and time for hair regrowth also depends of colour and texture of hair. Dark and coarse hair cover is better as compared to light or thin hair.

Indications
Hair transplantation is suggested to patients who have-

• Baldness
• Hair thinning
• For more hair volume
• When wigs are not suitable
• Hair extensions are not accepted
• Conservative hair treatments like topical drugs have failed
• Alternative hair treatments from homeopathy and Ayurveda have failed
• After certain scalp infections
• Limited burns
• Injuries

Contraindications
The Procedure is not Recommended for People who are

• Very old
• Very young
• Have severe diseases including cardiopulmonary conditions
• Autoimmune diseases
• Immuno-compromised patients
• Undergoing chemotherapy

Statistical Data Showing Need of Hair Transplant

20 % woman experience hair thinning or some amount of hair loss. 40% to 80% of men lose their hair by the time they are 80.

Complications

Immediate Complications

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Infections

Delayed Complications

• Delayed wound healing
• Ugly scars
• Large bumps
• Failure of hair re-growth
• Uneven or patchy hair growth
• Failure of transplant

Recovery and Rehabilitation
It takes time like after any other surgery:

• It depends on the complexity of the surgery
• Bandages are removed after 1 day
• Anti-inflammatory, analgesics and antibiotics are given
• Vitamins for hair loss are given for improving general health and stimulating hair growth
• Hair can be washed in 3 days
• Stitches are removed after 1 week
• Avoid vigorous exercises for a month
• Avoid sexual activity for a week
• Normal hair growth and hair regeneration will happen in about one or two months but can take about a year to become normal.