Having bald spots or patches on the scalp or thinning hair is one of the major concerns that can crush one’s confidence and considerably affect one’s mental health. However, according to Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, a renowned cosmetic surgeon, known for offering the best hair transplant in Gurgaon, with the progress made in cosmetic medical treatments, balding or receding hairlines are no longer a cause of concern. There are many hair care products and claims out there to restore hair growth, but the simplest and most effective permanent solution that works for such cases is a hair transplant. Continue reading to learn more about the hair transplant procedure.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgery to relocate healthy hair from one part of the scalp (the donor area) to another part of the scalp (the recipient area). The donor hair is usually taken from the back or side of the head and then moved to the recipient area, which is the balding or thinning hair section of the scalp. 

How should one prepare for a hair transplant procedure?

The candidate must be prepared for the treatment by ensuring the scalp is healthy enough.

• The candidate must begin massaging the scalp every day for 10-30 minutes. This way, blood flow to the entire scalp is regulated, the scalp skin is evenly toned, and the natural healing process is encouraged after hair transplantation.
   

• Two weeks before the treatment, the candidate must stop or discontinue the intake of certain medications like aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications that can cause unnecessary bleeding; stop heavy consumption of alcohol; and refrain from hair cutting if the donor's hair is already short for transplant.

• A week prior to the hair transplant, the candidate must give up smoking and complete the prescribed course of antibiotics. At this time, the intake of vitamin and herbal supplements must also be avoided.

• On the day of the hair transplantation, the candidate must show up with a properly washed, clean scalp without any residue of additional hair products like hair oils, gels, or wax.

Two Most Common techniques of hair transplantation

There are two techniques to transplant hair, known as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Both of them vary in how the hair follicles are removed from the donor site. 

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

During the traditional FUT method, a strip of hair-bearing skin is surgically excised from the back of the head by making a linear incision. This strip is further dissected under a microscope to extract the hair follicles. These donor hair follicles are then placed precisely into each hole created at the hair-thinning or balding areas of the scalp.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

During the advanced FUE method, the donor hair follicles are removed using a micropunch tool and then 1-3 hair follicles are relocated one at a time, precisely at the recipient site. 

Recovery and Aftercare

After the hair transplant surgery, the patient can expect to have a very tender scalp and may have to take painkillers. Most people take leave from their work for 2-5 days to properly recover. Significant hair growth can be noticed after 6-12 months of hair transplantation. To support and maintain a natural youthful look, the candidate can take certain prescribed medications that stop or slow down hair loss.

Who is the right candidate for hair transplant surgery?

For all those who have been constantly asking themselves whether they should go ahead with a transplant, it’s likely that they haven’t done much research about having a hair transplant. After gathering the right knowledge, information, and support from a surgeon and combining them with their research, the candidate can undergo the hair transplantation with much more confidence and be comfortable with whatever comes next.

• People who have lost their hair and have been diagnosed with pattern baldness beyond class 3 on the Norwood Scale for at least 5 years or longer.

• Healthy individuals who have tried prescription drugs and other treatments but failed to have natural hair back.

• People who hold realistic expectations from their treatment; a hair transplant won’t change one’s look overnight, but it can be a great long-term solution.

• Those who have lost their hair due to a scalp injury/trauma or burns. 

• Men and women with a stabilised pattern of hair loss who are seeking coverage of the balding or thinning areas of the scalp.

If one wants to get a hair transplant and is searching for a hair loss treatment clinic in Gurgaon, one can visit SB Aesthetics. Dr. Shilpi Bhadani at the clinic has been performing hair transplant procedures for 18 years and patients have always expressed their happiness with the results of her treatments. In addition to other hair transplant procedures, she also performs Hair-ART procedure, which has a hair follicle survival rate of 99-100%.