How to choose the right hair transplant procedure?
There are not too many options to choose from types of hair transplant procedures. The surgeon doing the procedure generally decides the right hair transplant procedure. So rather than the type of procedure, it is essential to look at the qualification of a hair transplant doctor and select the right doctor. Ideally, only dermatologist and plastic surgeons are qualified and certified to do hair transplant procedures. Do not opt for centres were technicians, therapists, or other medical specialities do hair transplants.
Currently, the popular and patient-friendly hair transplant procedure is Follicular Unit Extraction or F.U.E. At Yavana Aesthetics Clinic we do the hair transplant by the ‘No Root Touch’ technique.
How exactly is the treatment done? Step-by-step procedure pls?
The ‘No Root Touch’ Hair transplant treatment usually takes a whole day and is a comfortable patient-friendly procedure. Before the procedure, there will be multiple consultations to understand and decide the exact areas of the ‘No Root Touch’ transplant in discussion with the patient.
- Anaesthesia – This is done with local sedatives and anaesthesia only in the areas to be treated. The anaesthesia is delivered so that the scalp is numb and the patient does not feel discomfort or pricking during the extraction and transplant procedure. The patient goes back home immediately after the session is done.
- Extraction of grafts – The follicle unit is removed by the performing doctor depending on the number of follicular units required in the individual patient. It is removed using sharp micro punches one at a time with care and precision. After separating the selected follicle from the surrounding hair, it is extracted by the doctor using forceps without disturbing or touching the viable root of the follicle. The micro spot or hole caused after the removal of extracted hair heals by itself in the following week due to the body`s natural healing response and becomes practically invisible at the end of 10-15 days.
- Implantation of grafts – This is a fine, artistic visionary job as the recipient site has to be selected with care that the transplanted hair looks natural. In ‘No Root Touch’, the recipient site is created by making slits according to the orientation of the natural existing hair so the transplanted hair blends in well. Then the extracted grafts are placed in these slits. The placement of grafts is done with precision to ensure appropriate desired results. The slits heal rapidly with time and there is no evidence of them in a few days after the ‘No Root Touch’ procedure. Finally, the donor area is bandaged and the dressing is removed on 3rd day after the procedure. A detailed post-transplant care list is given.
How many sittings does it take?
Ideally in one sitting, 1500-2000 hair follicle units are transplanted into an individual. Depending on the areas of hair loss a patient is desirous of getting treated,1-3 sittings can be required for complete hair coverage.
What is its recuperation time?
In ‘No Root Touch’, there are no long periods of downtime. You need about 3-7 days to recuperate. Most of our patients resume work by the 5-7th day. You can start working from home the next day itself.
What should one expect after surgery?
Swelling may occur (especially after your first transplant), usually on the forehead and usually beginning around day 2-4 following surgery. This usually resolves completely in 2-3 days. The patient is advised to sleep in a semi-reclining position for 2-3 days after surgery. Few patients may experience minor symptoms like itching, and decreased sensation (mostly on the top of the head), but rarely are a problem and resolve quickly.
What is its cost in India? Also, are there any recurring costs?
The cost of treatment is variable as it depends on the number of follicle grafts done in a patient. The hair transplant procedure does not have any recurring cost as it is a one-time treatment with long-term results.
Who is the right target audience for this treatment?
The right audience for FUE is listed below:
- Ideally patients with age 30 years and above are excellent candidates for hair transplant. An early age between 25 to 30 yrs the doctor will decide on an individual basis whether it can be done or not.
- Individuals with inadequate response to medication.
- There has to be sufficient donor area in the individual and average hair calibre of the donor graft. This can be decided by the treating doctor.
- Individuals looking for frontal hair loss or hairline recreation.
- Individuals with temporal hair loss or complete hair loss on the top and crown area.
- FUE is also done for correcting a poorly transplanted area from the past transplants
- Body FUE hair transplant is also done in areas like beard, moustache, eyelash, eyebrows etc. if the growth is sparse and affects the cosmetic appearance.
Who is not a good candidate for this treatment?
Individuals with large bald areas with very small poor donor areas are not good candidates for FUE. Again individuals with unrealistic expectations of the results are not eligible for this treatment.FUE or any form of hair transplant is also not done in individuals with excessive scarring tendencies.
How different is this treatment from a Non-surgical hair transplant?
There is no such thing as a non-surgical hair transplant. Any hair transplant is a surgical procedure. The advantage of ‘No Root Touch’ is it is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure. There are other non-surgical hair growth treatments such as PRP however their results are different and not comparable to a hair transplant.
Right age of getting this treatment done?
Anyone above 18 years can opt for a ‘No Root Touch’ hair transplant. However, the recommended age is for individuals who are 30 or above age.
What are the top 3 advantages and top 3 disadvantages of this treatment?
The top 3 advantages are it is scarless, and sutureless surgery. Hence there is no visible linear line scar after ‘No Root Touch’ unlike other hair transplant methods. There is less discomfort and faster healing in ‘No Root Touch’. Another top advantage is it is possible to take hair from other body areas like the chest and beard in case the scalp donor area is poor.
The top 3 disadvantages of ‘No Root Touch’ is it can time consuming and expensive. It requires scalp trimming for larger harvesting. At a time multiple balding areas cannot be done in a single sitting so requires multiple sittings.