A luscious and thick mane of hair is a goal for many. Hair adds confidence. However, with stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits, along with genetics and hormonal reasons, hair loss and premature baldness can occur. This is where the best hair transplant clinic in Bangalore like Hatsoff By Haircosmos comes into play.
It is one of the best procedures to get a full head of hair that is permanent and natural. This article offers a detailed overview of the hair transplant treatment for your benefit.
What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a restorative surgery which is done to fill in any bald area on the scalp. A hair graft is taken from a donor area or area, and it is shaped into a natural hairline. After that, it is implanted in the bald areas. In simpler terms, as the name suggests, it is the shifting or transplanting of hair from one part of your head to another.
Hair grafts are an element of the transplanted tissue that is extracted using FUE or FUT procedures. Your hair does not grow as a single strand in general. It grows in groups of 2, 3 or 4. These groups are referred to as hair grafts.
The Hair Transplant Method
During a hair transplant, your scalp is first cleaned, and the respective is numbed using anaesthesia. The method varies depending on the type of surgery.
- FUT: Here, a strip of skin is cut out using a scalpel from the back of your head and closed with stitches. This cut-out section is then separated into smaller sections. The implantation of these minute sections helps in achieving a natural look.
- FUE: Here, the hair follicles are directly cut into hundreds of minute punch incisions directly from the back of your head. The surgeon makes tiny holes in the area of transplant where the hair follicles are placed.
- Sapphire FUE: This advanced FUE method uses sapphire blades for more precise and smoother incisions, resulting in quicker healing and minimal scarring.
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): In DHI, hair follicles are extracted and implanted simultaneously using a specialised tool. This method does not require incisions or holes, offering more precision and control over the angle, direction, and depth of hair growth.
- Robotic Hair Transplant: This method utilises robotic technology for extracting and transplanting hair follicles with high precision, minimising human error and improving results.
A standard procedure takes around 4 hours and the stitches are removed after 10 days of the surgery. Usually, three to four sessions are needed to get a full head of hair. There are months between two sessions to facilitate optimal healing.
Timeline Of Hair Growth After Transplant
A timeline-based detailing of the hair growth process after the surgery is offered below.
Week 1
Expect minor swelling at the back of the head, forehead, and sides. There can also be some redness. These symptoms usually go away in 4 to 5 days. A crust formed around the hair follicle also falls off after ten days.
Week 2 to Week 3
This is the first phase after the initial healing. Around 2 weeks, it is common to experience some hair loss. This is natural and it is only the hair structure or shaft falling off. The root stays firmly attached to the scalp.
3 Weeks to 2 Months
There are no noticeable changes. The patient needs to keep following the surgeon’s instructions.
2 Months to 4 Months
This is when thin yet visible new hair shafts start to grow in the transplanted area. There is around 10% to 20% of hair growth during this time.
4 Months to 8 Months
This is when hair density improves and the structure develops. Pigmentation also improves. Around the 6-month time, patients can experience 50% of hair growth.
8 Months to 9 Months
This is the last stage when the donor area completely heals, and 80% of hair growth is seen. The hair density is thicker, and there is pigmentation.
9 Months to 1 Year
A year mark will see proper outcomes in case of a successful surgery. Hair thickens, although growth rates can vary from person to person.
Post Hair Transplant Maintenance
The success of a hair transplant surgery depends majorly on the post-surgery care and maintenance. Here are a few things to be followed:
- Strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated
- Moisturise the scalp
- Follow a healthy lifestyle
There are also a few things you need to avoid. These are:
- Do not scratch the area
- Do not brush your hair for at least 10 days
- Stay away from direct sunlight
- Avoid doing heavy exercise
- Refrain from smoking
- Do not use harsh chemical products
- Do not make hairdos that cause pressure or strain on the follicles
The Advantages Of Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a permanent way to get back your former thick and full head of hair. It helps enhance your appearance and also helps you feel confident. A hair transplant looks natural, avoiding the awkward social interactions that wearing wigs can cause at times. With hair transplant, worrying about bald patches will be a thing of the past.
The Risks Of Hair Transplant
Besides knowing the advantages, it is also important to be aware of the risks that can occur. This way, you can be well-prepared. The common side effects observed are:
- Bleeding
- Redness or swelling on the scalp area
- A crust formation in the donor and transplanted area
- A feeling of numbness in the transplanted and donor areas
- Itching in the scalp
- Folliculitis or infection or inflammation of the hair follicles.
- Sudden loss of hair shafts, also called shock loss
However, all of these side effects get resolved in a few days, mostly by themselves.
Hair Transplant in India
In India, hair transplants have become a common option for individuals suffering from hair loss and baldness. Moreover, the country offers one of the facilities for this procedure and has earned a place among the top 10 countries for getting a hair transplant.
As per reports, in India, around 350,000 hair transplant surgeries take place every year. This is equal to around 90% of the total surgeries that occur every year worldwide. In fact, the hair transplant market in the nation is expected to see a growth of CAGR of 17.12% by 2029.
Hair transplant in India is mainly undertaken through
- Follicular Unit Transplantation or FUT
- Direct Hair Implantation
- Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE
FUE is the most popular method and it has the highest success rate.
Final Words
A hair transplant is truly an effective way to get a full head of hair. The benefits are many and the risks are temporary post-surgical side effects. However, make sure that you check reviews and get your surgery done from a reputed clinic. Also, follow post-surgery instructions for best results. For any issue or doubt, always consult your surgeon.