Hair Transplant
(Hair Restoration Surgery)
What is a Hair Transplant?
A Hair Transplant is a surgical procedure designed to treat hair loss (androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness). It involves moving individual hair follicles from a donor site—typically the back or sides of the head where hair is genetically resistant to balding—to a recipient site, which is the bald or thinning area. The goal is to restore a natural-looking and permanent hairline and add density to thinning areas.
Who is a Good Candidate for this Procedure?
You may be an ideal candidate for a hair transplant if you
- Are experiencing male or female pattern baldness.
- Have sufficient healthy hair at the back and sides of your scalp to serve as a donor area.
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome.
- Have hair loss that has stabilized.
- Are in good overall health.
The Consultation Process
- our journey begins with a thorough consultation in our Rajahmundry clinic. We will discuss your hair loss history, your goals, and I will perform a detailed scalp examination (trichoscopy) to assess your hair density, hair quality, and the extent of the donor area. We will discuss which technique is best suited for you and map out a potential hairline design that complements your facial features.
Surgical Procedure
- The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with mild sedation, ensuring you are comfortable throughout. The two primary techniques used are:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This is the most popular modern technique. Individual hair follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs) are meticulously extracted one by one from the donor area using a micro-punch tool. These follicles are then implanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area. FUE leaves no linear scar, making it ideal for patients who prefer to wear their hair short.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT or Strip Method): This method involves removing a small strip of tissue from the donor area. The strip is then dissected under highpowered microscopes to separate individual follicular units. These units are subsequently implanted into the recipient area. FUT can yield a large number of grafts in a single session but leaves a fine linear scar that is easily concealed by the surrounding hair.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is used for both techniques
Recovery and Downtime
- First Few Days: Mild swelling and discomfort at the donor and recipient sites are normal, managed with prescribed medication.
- Week 1: Tiny scabs will form where the grafts were placed; these will fall off naturally. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 3-5 days.
- Weeks 2-4: The transplanted hairs will temporarily shed. This is a normal and expected part of the hair growth cycle.
- Months 3-4: New hair growth begins.
- Months 6-9: Significant growth and increased density become visible.
- Months 12-18: The final, mature result is achieved.
Potential Risks and Complications
- While hair transplantation is very safe, potential risks include infection, temporary swelling of the forehead, temporary numbness in the treated areas, and folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). Choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes these risks significantly.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQs)
Is the result permanent?
Yes, the transplanted hair follicles are genetically resistant to balding and will continue to grow for a lifetime.
Is the procedure painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthesia, so you will feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative pain is mild and easily managed.
How many grafts will I need?
This depends on the extent of your hair loss and your desired density. We will determine the exact number during your consultation.
Take the Next Step
If you are considering hair restoration, I invite you to schedule a private consultation at my clinic in Rajahmundry to discuss how we can restore your hair and your confidence.