What is a Hair Transplant?

Posted On January 20, 2021

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that has been popular since 1950. In recent decades, the recognition has increased even more. Dr. Mohit Srivastava who is one of the best hair transplant doctor in Surat says that the surgery involves extracting hair follicles from the donor site, either individually (FUE) or as a strip of skin from the back of head that has healthy hair growth (FUT). These extracted follicles are then transplanted into the bald patches on the scalp with the help of transplanting tool. The follicles start promoting the growth of new hair in the bald area of your scalp.

In this article, Dr. Srivastava will explain the hair transplant procedure whereas we also have Dr. Firdous who will be explaining the other alternatives to hair transplant surgery. Dr. Firdous is one of the best dermatologist & is also known for laser hair removal in Hyderabad. She also specializes in hair fall treatment.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In Follicular Unit Extraction method of hair transplant, the surgeon will extract individual follicles from the donor area with the help of a microneedle. This process doesn’t involve any skin removal, thus no stitches are required. The surgeon makes tiny incisions from where the follicle units are extracted. These incisions will heal and shortly be concealed by existing hair. The extracted follicular units are then transplanted into small incisions made on the bald patches with the help of a pen like transplanting tool which ensure less scars.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Unlike FUE, where individual follicular units are extracted, in FUT the surgeon grafts a whole strip of the scalp from the donor area. This strip is typically extracted from the back of the head which is usually less effected by baldness. The strip is further split in to 500 to 2,000 minuscule follicular grafts depending on the need of the patient, with each graft comprising either a single strand of hair or a couple of hairs. The surgeon then punches tiny incisions into the recipient area with the help of a pen like transplanting tool, where the follicular grafts are transplanted.

How Long does Hair Transplant Last?

While considering a hair transplant, it’s normal to wonder how long a hair transplant will last. If you would like your hair transplant to last a lifetime, it’s important that you simply opt for an experienced and reputed hair restoration specialist.

Once the hair transplant procedure is complete, you’ll notice the new outline of your enhanced hairline. However, many patients might notice that the newly transplanted hair falls out within two to 6 weeks. This will be frustrating to encounter, but note that this is often normal and you’ll start to see new hair growth within a few months. It takes around six months before you’ll see significant changes in hair growth. The entire results of the transplant are going to be visible after a year.

In most cases, a hair transplant will last a lifetime because healthy hair follicles are transplanted into thinning or bald areas which will ensure natural hair growth. However, a hair transplant’s lifespan are often suffering from factors just like the patient’s hair type, lifestyle, age, and therefore the extent of hair loss. In such cases, the patient might require multiple procedures to urge the specified results. Modern-day hair transplants are permanent, safe, and natural-looking. No matter your gender, age, and extent of hair loss, consult your doctor today, and discuss your hair transplant options.

How To Choose A Surgeon?

Choosing a surgeon is often a difficult task, since it’s a matter of your safety and health. But, you can always take help from local doctors, patient forums, online medical tourism facilitators, etc to contact doctors before undergoing the procedure. Hair transplants, if done the proper way can last for an extended time. Therefore, one should select their surgeon very carefully. The patient should ask the surgeon for records and testimonials of his patients to make yourself sure of his expertise in procedure.

Alternatives to A Hair Transplant Procedure?

A hair transplant is used as a treatment for early balding patterns and excessive hair thinning but only after the hair loss has stabilized. It cures loss of hair and restores hair of an individual by transplanting it from a special a part of the body to the bald area. It’s a considerably invasive procedure.

Thus, many of us may consider other affordable alternatives to the surgery.

Medication 

Finasteride are oral medications which may be taken to restore old hair growth patterns. They need to be taken daily in regular dosages and may only be purchased on the basis a confidential prescription.

Monoxide

Aside from oral medicines, one can even choose Minoxidil, which is an ointment to be applied directly on the scalp for hair restoration. These are often attained without a formal prescription. However, both of the above alternatives provide results after a substantial time and do not give permanent solutions. Besides, they might also cause severe side effects.

Supplements and other Things 

One can also choose between other medical options like growth supplements and Spironolactone (particularly employed by non-childbearing women). New technological innovations including the Laser Light Comb, PRP, or Low Level Laser Therapy also are prospective solutions. However, these are still in experimental form and aren’t easily available. While wigs, hair sprays and hair extensions provide only a short time solution.