Hair Transplant Surgery

A hair transplant surgery is generally recommended for people who have tried other hair loss treatments but have failed to regain hair.

 

 

Know More About Surgery

A hair transplant procedure is generally performed in the following cases:

  1. Hair thinning
  2. Men having pattern baldness
  3. Minor scalp injury
  4. Alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition leading to loss of hair)

 

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will check the extent and quality of hair loss. The doctor will also inquire about your hair care routine, diet, medical history, and family history.
  2. Light microscopy: The hair trimmed at their base are examined using a microscope to check for possible disorders of the hair shaft.
  3. Blood tests: They help in checking for medical conditions that could be the cause of hair loss.
  4. Pull test: The surgeon will gently pull some of your hair to check for the frequency of loss of hair. This can help in determining the stage of the shedding process.
  5. Scalp biopsy: Some samples are scraped from the skin or hairs are plucked from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This helps the doctor in ruling out any infection that could be a cause of hair loss.
  6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test helps in evaluating the electrical activity of the heart.

 

A hair transplant surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia to numb the treatment area so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Hair transplant surgery can be performed in the following different ways:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):

  • The back of the head is first numbed using local anesthesia. 
  • The site from where the hair follicles will be taken, which is usually the back of the scalp region, is sterilized by the surgeon.
  • A scalpel is used to remove a section of the scalp from the back of the head and closed using surgical sutures.
  • The scalp section will then be split into about 2,000 small pieces using a scalpel. These pieces are known as grafts.
  • Small holes are created using needles in the rest of the scalp, where hair transplantation is needed.
  • Small grafts are inserted into the holes by a procedure known as grafting.
  • The surgical sites are then closed using bandages.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):

  • This procedure involves cutting out the hair follicles directly from the back of the head using tiny punch incisions.
  • The back of the head is first shaved and local anesthesia is administered in this area.
  • Individual hair follicles are then extracted by the surgeon from the shaved portion of the scalp.
  • Small holes are then made in the remaining part of the scalp and the hair follicles are precisely grafted.
  • The surgical site is then covered using a bandage.

3. Direct Hair Implantation:

  • The surgeon will first shave the donor area and the back of the head.
  • Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the scalp.
  • A DHI implanter, which is a pen-shaped device, is used to remove the hair follicles from the donor region without touching other hair.
  • The hair follicles obtained will be sent to a laboratory to process them into grafts.
  • The processed hair follicles will be implanted back in the recipient area.
  • The hair follicles will be implanted carefully by the surgeon in a specific direction.
  • Each hair transplant session may take about four to six hours to complete. Approximately, three to four such sessions are performed over the course of one year to obtain the best results.

The following complications may be associated with hair transplant surgery:

  • Pain
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Heart problems
  • Itching
  • Infection
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling of the scalp and around the eyes
  • Formation of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the scalp
  • Hair curl (curling of the transplanted hair follicles under the scalp)
  • Scarring 
  • Crust formation in the transplanted or donor area
  • Shock loss (sudden, temporary loss of transplanted hair)
  • Loss of sensation in the transplanted area

 

  1. It is normal to have some soreness after the procedure.
  2. You will be prescribed pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic medications after the procedure.
  3. Minoxidil or finasteride (hair growth medicine) may be recommended by the doctor to improve hair regrowth and prevent future loss of hair.
  4. Most people can resume work three to four days after surgery.
  5. The recovery time following FUT is around two to three weeks, and for FUE is around five days.
  6. Transplanted hair may fall out two to three weeks after the procedure to make way for new hair growth. New hair growth is usually seen eight to twelve months after surgery.

Home remedies:

The following tips can help in a smooth and fast recovery after hair transplant surgery:

  1. Avoid going in direct sunlight.
  2. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
  3. Massage the scalp gently as recommended by the doctor.
  4. You can wash your hair one day after surgery.
  5. Follow your doctor’s guidelines on how and when to take a shower and bath to decrease the chances of complications. 
  6. Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery.

Cost of hair transplant in India- 

The cost of hair transplant surgery in Mumbai is between INR 60,000 to INR 1,50,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Delhi is between INR 55,000 to INR 1,30,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Bangalore is between INR 55,000 to INR 1,30,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Chennai is between INR 50,000 to INR 1,10,000.

Top Doctors for Hair Transplant Surgery in Bengaluru

Hair Transplant Surgery

A hair transplant surgery is generally recommended for people who have tried other hair loss treatments but have failed to regain hair.

 

 

Symptoms

A hair transplant procedure is generally performed in the following cases:

  1. Hair thinning
  2. Men having pattern baldness
  3. Minor scalp injury
  4. Alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition leading to loss of hair)

 

Diagnosis

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will check the extent and quality of hair loss. The doctor will also inquire about your hair care routine, diet, medical history, and family history.
  2. Light microscopy: The hair trimmed at their base are examined using a microscope to check for possible disorders of the hair shaft.
  3. Blood tests: They help in checking for medical conditions that could be the cause of hair loss.
  4. Pull test: The surgeon will gently pull some of your hair to check for the frequency of loss of hair. This can help in determining the stage of the shedding process.
  5. Scalp biopsy: Some samples are scraped from the skin or hairs are plucked from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This helps the doctor in ruling out any infection that could be a cause of hair loss.
  6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test helps in evaluating the electrical activity of the heart.

 

Treatment

A hair transplant surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia to numb the treatment area so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Hair transplant surgery can be performed in the following different ways:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):

  • The back of the head is first numbed using local anesthesia. 
  • The site from where the hair follicles will be taken, which is usually the back of the scalp region, is sterilized by the surgeon.
  • A scalpel is used to remove a section of the scalp from the back of the head and closed using surgical sutures.
  • The scalp section will then be split into about 2,000 small pieces using a scalpel. These pieces are known as grafts.
  • Small holes are created using needles in the rest of the scalp, where hair transplantation is needed.
  • Small grafts are inserted into the holes by a procedure known as grafting.
  • The surgical sites are then closed using bandages.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):

  • This procedure involves cutting out the hair follicles directly from the back of the head using tiny punch incisions.
  • The back of the head is first shaved and local anesthesia is administered in this area.
  • Individual hair follicles are then extracted by the surgeon from the shaved portion of the scalp.
  • Small holes are then made in the remaining part of the scalp and the hair follicles are precisely grafted.
  • The surgical site is then covered using a bandage.

3. Direct Hair Implantation:

  • The surgeon will first shave the donor area and the back of the head.
  • Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the scalp.
  • A DHI implanter, which is a pen-shaped device, is used to remove the hair follicles from the donor region without touching other hair.
  • The hair follicles obtained will be sent to a laboratory to process them into grafts.
  • The processed hair follicles will be implanted back in the recipient area.
  • The hair follicles will be implanted carefully by the surgeon in a specific direction.
  • Each hair transplant session may take about four to six hours to complete. Approximately, three to four such sessions are performed over the course of one year to obtain the best results.

Risks

The following complications may be associated with hair transplant surgery:

  • Pain
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Heart problems
  • Itching
  • Infection
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling of the scalp and around the eyes
  • Formation of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the scalp
  • Hair curl (curling of the transplanted hair follicles under the scalp)
  • Scarring 
  • Crust formation in the transplanted or donor area
  • Shock loss (sudden, temporary loss of transplanted hair)
  • Loss of sensation in the transplanted area

 

After Procedure

  1. It is normal to have some soreness after the procedure.
  2. You will be prescribed pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic medications after the procedure.
  3. Minoxidil or finasteride (hair growth medicine) may be recommended by the doctor to improve hair regrowth and prevent future loss of hair.
  4. Most people can resume work three to four days after surgery.
  5. The recovery time following FUT is around two to three weeks, and for FUE is around five days.
  6. Transplanted hair may fall out two to three weeks after the procedure to make way for new hair growth. New hair growth is usually seen eight to twelve months after surgery.

Home remedies:

The following tips can help in a smooth and fast recovery after hair transplant surgery:

  1. Avoid going in direct sunlight.
  2. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
  3. Massage the scalp gently as recommended by the doctor.
  4. You can wash your hair one day after surgery.
  5. Follow your doctor’s guidelines on how and when to take a shower and bath to decrease the chances of complications. 
  6. Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery.

Cost of hair transplant in India- 

The cost of hair transplant surgery in Mumbai is between INR 60,000 to INR 1,50,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Delhi is between INR 55,000 to INR 1,30,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Bangalore is between INR 55,000 to INR 1,30,000.
The cost of hair transplant surgery in Chennai is between INR 50,000 to INR 1,10,000.

FAQ Section

Q. What is a hair transplant?

A. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure performed to move hair from one place on the head to the bald or thinning areas of the scalp.

 

Q. What is the minimum age for undergoing a hair transplant?

A. The minimum age for undergoing a hair transplant is 18 years of age. However, one can choose to undergo the procedure whenever you feel fit and your doctor gives you the go-ahead for the same. Most people undergoing hair transplants are between 30 and 45 years of age.

Q. What are the causes of hair loss?

A. Hair loss could occur due to several reasons, namely:
Aging
Unhealthy diet
Stress
Hormonal imbalance
Side effects of some medicines
Certain underlying medical diseases

 

Q. Which doctor performs a hair transplant surgery?

A. A hair transplant surgery can be performed by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist who is trained in the hair transplant procedure.

Q. How do I protect my head after a hair transplant surgery?

A. The following tips can help in protecting your scalp or head after a hair transplant surgery:
Avoid exposure of the scalp to direct sunlight
Take your pain-relieving medications
Sleep on your back with your head in an elevated position for the first few nights after the procedure
Avoid tight hairstyles or headwear after the procedure
Take your vitamin supplements as recommended by the doctor
Avoid strenuous activities for two weeks after surgery

 

Q. Is the hair transplant procedure safe?

A. Yes, hair transplant surgery does not involve the use of any chemicals or artificial aids during hair extraction and implantation, and is therefore considered to be a very safe and effective procedure.

Q. What is the cost of hair transplant surgery in India?

A. The cost of hair transplant surgery will vary depending on different factors, like the technique being used for the hair transplant procedure, the amount of area that requires transplantation, the overall health of the patient, and the expertise of the doctor performing the procedure.
On average, the cost of hair transplant surgery in India varies between INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000.

 

Q. What is the recovery time following hair transplant surgery?

A. Complete recovery following hair transplant surgery may take up to two to four weeks. But this period may vary depending on the type of hair transplant procedure that you have undergone, the amount of treatment area, and other factors. 

Q. Can hair loss be prevented?

A. Certain tips that can help in preventing hair loss include:

  • Consume a healthy diet
  • Quit smoking 
  • Follow a good hair care routine, such as regularly washing your hair to keep the scalp dirt-free and clean
  • Take supplements prescribed by the doctor to help with hair growth 

 

Q. Is hair transplant surgery painful?

A. Hair transplant surgery is a fairly painless procedure. The patient may experience some discomfort as local anesthesia is administered to the scalp. There will be no pain once the skin is anesthetized. If the anesthetic effect wears off during the procedure, more anesthesia may be injected to re-anesthetize the area.

Q. How many years will a hair transplant last?

A. A hair transplant will begin to take on a natural appearance about 6 to 12 months after the procedure, and the hair transplant will continue to grow for the entire lifetime.

 

Q. When can I comb my hair after hair transplant surgery?

A. Avoid combing or brushing your hair in the implanted area for seven days after surgery. After this period, you can gently start combing your hair at the non-implanted areas, however, be careful not to touch, brush, or comb the implanted areas till healing is complete.

Q. How soon can I take a bath or a shower following a hair transplant?

A. Patients can immediately take a bath after a hair transplant surgery but should keep the scalp area dry. 48 hours after the surgery, the patient can gently wash the transplanted areas while taking care that the shower water does not directly hit the new grafts. Approximately one week after the procedure, the patient can take a shower and wash his or her hair normally.

 

Q. What are the risks of hair transplant surgery?

A. A hair transplant surgery may be associated with the following complications:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising around the eyes
  • Scalp swelling 
  • Itching
  • Crust formation
  • Numbness in the scalp region
  • Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles)
  • Shock loss (a temporary loss of the transplanted hair)
  • Tufts of hair that look unnatural

Q. How is hair transplant surgery performed?

A. Hair transplant surgery is generally performed under the effect of local anesthesia, which is administered in the donor and recipient sites. The different techniques that can be used for hair transplant surgery include:

1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
This procedure involves the extraction of the hair follicles directly from the thick area of the head using punch incisions.
Small punch holes are then made in the affected area to implant the extracted hair follicles for restoration of hair.

2. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):
A scalpel is used to remove a follicle-dense area from the back of the scalp. This area is later closed using surgical sutures.
Tiny incisions are then created in the hair-loss-affected area.
Selected hair follicles are then transplanted to the affected area using needles.
After hair transplant surgery is completed, the surgical site is then secured using a bandage.

3. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI):
The donor site will first be shaved and anesthetized.
A DHI implanter, which is a pen-shaped medical device, is used to remove the hair follicles from the donor site.
The extracted hair follicles will be sent to a laboratory to achieve processed grafts.
The processed grafts are then implanted in the recipient area in a specific direction so that the direction of hair growth can be determined.

 

Q. Will my hair look natural after a hair transplant surgery?

A. Yes, the growth and texture of transplanted hair look natural after complete recovery.

Q. What is the recovery time following hair transplant surgery?

A. Complete recovery following hair transplant surgery may take up to two to four weeks. But this period may vary depending on the type of hair transplant procedure that you have undergone, the amount of treatment area, and other factors.