Everything You Need To Know About Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is a safe procedure that ensures hair growth. It is an ever-evolving procedure, and thus, with the introduction of new technology and change in techniques, the effectiveness of hair transplants also changes. However, there may be some complications that can occur during the surgery – 

• Tachycardia – It occurs when a tumescent fluid containing adrenaline is given. This may pose a risk for patients with cardiac diseases. Therefore, doctors advise all patients above 40 years of age to undergo an electrocardiogram and physician assessment to avoid such complications. 
• Syncope – This complication usually occurs in long surgeries. The patient may feel abnormal pain, postural hypotension, poor hydration, etc. 
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia – Some patients may have a history of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. This can cause severe complications including termination of surgery. Therefore, it is important to share the family history of allergic reactions to anesthesia. 
• Pain – Mild pain is common during and after the hair transplant surgery. Several factors can contribute to pain, including bleeding, wound tension, and inadequate anesthesia. 

Surgeons often recommend certain techniques which can prove to be effective alternatives to hair transplant surgery. Non-surgical methods can prove to be effective but can also cause severe side effects. Therefore, it is generally advised to seek consultation from a renowned cosmetic surgeon before proceeding with the alternate treatment. Non-surgical methods for hair transplant are –

• Hair Platelet Rich Plasma

Hair Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is a non-surgical procedure that aims to treat hair loss with the patient’s plasma. It is a three-fold procedure where the doctor will first collect the blood sample from the patient. The blood is then put into a machine called a centrifuge that spins at high accelerations. The rapid spinning separates the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma is then injected back into the bald area. PRP stimulates the growth of new cells and progresses hair growth by strengthening existing hair follicles. 

• Medications

Medication is considered the most widely used non-surgical method. Doctors often prescribe certain medications for hair loss that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Common medications prescribed by the surgeon include – 

• Minoxidil- This medicine was conventionally used to treat ulcers, but it can also treat enlarged prostate. The androgen, such as Dihydrotestosterone, attaches to the hair follicles to trigger inflammation. This inflammatory response makes it difficult for blood vessels to supply blood to the hair follicles. This can also result in tissue death. The tissue death can progress alopecia that in turn leads to baldness. Minoxidil dilates the blood vessels allowing more blood to reach the follicles and prevent damage.
• Finasteride- Finasteride prevents androgen from sticking to the hair follicles. However, this medication can also have some side effects that can cause lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction. This is why some people may not opt for this medication. 

• Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can trigger hair growth. The surgeon uses several small needles on the scalp that stimulate new cell growth and promote collagen production. Microneedling is a safe procedure where the patient may experience mild irritation and redness during the recovery. 

• Hair Replacement

Hair replacement involves stitching the base with hair follicles that acts as a tight membrane. The surgeon chooses the appropriate skin base from the range of various types such as skin, lace, polymer, and monofilament. Then, the hair follicles to be implanted on the base are opted in terms of texture, length, and color. Finally, the surgeon chooses the ventilation options in the forms of knotting, injection, and looping.

• Low-level laser therapy

It is a non-surgical procedure where the doctor uses a probe that emits photons on the bald area. The weak hair follicles absorb these photons to promote hair growth. This procedure has several advantages (painless and non-invasive) with almost no side effects.

• Scalp Tension Reduction Device

Scalp tension is considered the primary cause of hair loss. Hence, surgeons aim to reduce this tension to reduce hair fall via scalp tension reduction device. The device causes the scalp to reduce the tension via constant inflation and deflation.