Hair Transplant- Purpose, Procedure, Cost, Risks, Recovery

BOOK FREE CONSULTATION

CALL US

Select City

Book Free Appointment

Select City

Table Of Index

What is a Hair Transplant?

Who can undergo a hair transplant?

Types of techniques

Need

Diagnosis

Risks & Complications

When to consult a doctor ?

Our Cosmetic specialists

Questions to ask your doctor

Treatment options & cost

Insurance coverage

Recovery rate

Long term outlook of the treatment

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where the surgeon fills the area of your scalp having thin or no hair at all. The surgery is primarily done to treat male-pattern baldness, where the surgeon takes hair follicles from the thicker parts of the scalp or other parts of the body. The hair follicles are then grafted or implanted in the head with a bald or thin scalp. The procedure is done under local anesthesia to numb the scalp area for a painless procedure.

Hair loss is considered one of the most common conditions that affect a large portion of the population, including 85% of males and 40% of females. Every year, the incidence of hair fall keeps increasing with age for both sexes. The condition can either be permanent or temporary, affecting your scalp or the entire body. Hair loss can be a result of heredity, hormonal change, medical condition, or aging. Hair loss is more common in men. There are a variety of factors that progress hair loss, such as:

Diet
Stress
Illness
Medications
Hormonal imbalance

Who can undergo a hair transplant?

Hair transplant can help improve appearance and self-confidence in people. Men, as well as women who suffer from hair thinning with no thick scalp injury, are usually the ideal candidates for hair transplant surgery. People who can undergo hair transplants are men suffering from pattern baldness, women with thin hair, or anyone who has lost some hair from a burn or previous scalp injury.

Types of techniques

Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Need

Hair thinning

Alopecia Areata

Minor scalp injury

Male pattern baldness

Diagnosis

Blood Test – This helps uncover medical conditions that can be responsible for hair loss.
Pull Test – The surgeon will gently pull some hair to check the frequency of hair loss. This can help determine the stage of the shedding process.
Scalp biopsy – This test involves scraping samples from the skin or hairs plucked from the scalp. The surgeon examines the hair roots under a microscope to rule out the cause of hair loss due to an infection.

The doctor conducts a physical examination to check the quality and extent of hair loss. You may also be asked about your diet, hair care routine, and medical and family history. The surgeon also uses light microscopy to examine the hair trimmed at their base using a microscope to help uncover possible disorders of the hair shaft.

Risks & Complications

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.

Hair transplant is a safe surgery promising great results for a natural hair look. It is important to choose a well-experienced surgeon with a demonstrated history of successful hair transplant procedures. However, just like any other surgery, a hair transplant procedure also involves certain risks and complications. The probability of any complication usually depends on the condition of the patient and the experience of the surgeon. These complications can either be short-term or long-term. Some of these complications are –

1. Bleeding

Minor post-surgery bleeding is quite normal that usually goes away within a day or two. However, at times, the bleeding tends to persist for a few days. Contact a medical care professional in case of abnormal bleeding after the surgery.

2. Infection

It is important to understand that scalp remains very sensitive and prone to infections after the surgery. Therefore, you must prevent exposure to heat, sweat, or any form of dust and dirt. In case of any infection, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics.

3. Cysts formation

The hair follicles implanted during the hair transplant surgery can sometimes cause damage to the skin, leading to the formation of small size cysts (not cancerous always) on the scalp. Complications of such nature usually occur due to the inexperience of the surgeon. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a surgeon with great experience and understanding of handling the procedure sucessfully.

4. Hair curl

This is one of the long-term side-effects of the surgery where the transplanted hair follicles get curled under the scalp. This may give an unnatural appearance to the patients and, in some cases, may also cause infection.

5. Laxity of the scalp may be affected.

Hair transplant is a major surgery that can leave a long-term impact on your scalp and affect the laxity of the scalp. It is usually more common in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) hair transplant than the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure.

Hair Fall prevention
Here are some tips to prevent hair fall in men and women –
- Diet- It is important to maintain a balanced protein-rich diet. Our hair is made up of a protein called keratin and so consuming a keratin-rich diet can ensure healthy hair growth. Several other dietary components include Vitamin A, green salads, basil, and fresh herbs.
- Supplements- Some supplements such as multivitamins, vitamin D, biotin, etc., can encourage hair growth and increase hair quality.
- Hair Care- It is essential to regularly wash your hair to keep the scalp moist and clean from pollutants. Several essential oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, etc. can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
Best oils to prevent hair fall
Hair oils can relieve your hair loss problem and boost hair growth, thus, improving the health of your hair. Moreover, hair oils also help combat problems like frizziness, dryness, split ends, and dandruff. However, if you are experiencing heavy hair fall, it is always advisable to take a doctor’s advice for reliable and long-lasting solutions. It is important to take good care of your hair before they wear off. Certain oils that can help you prevent hair fall are –
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is considered one of the most readily available hair oil in India. You’re likely to find coconut oil in your mother’s or grandmother’s cupboard as well. Coconut oil has several characteristic properties such as vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals that nourish the hair like nothing else. Moreover, coconut oil is also rich in fatty acids that penetrate deep inside the hair follicles, giving them strength and texture.
- Argan oil
Argon oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E that are essential for hair nourishment. This oil is considered very suitable for dry, frizzy, and brittle hair. Applying argan oil daily can hydrate and moisturize your hair, giving them strength and preventing breakage. If you are constantly exposed to heat treatment, like curlers, hairdryers, hair straighteners, then argan oil is the best hair oil to keep your hair nourished.
- Almond oil
Almond oil is considered one of the best solutions for all hair problems. It contains fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants, proteins that help reduce hair breakage while promoting hair growth. Almond oil is essentially great when it comes to restoring hair growth. The oil deals with damaged and dull hair providing omega-3 fatty acids, thus promoting hair growth.
Myths and facts around hair transplantation
- Myth: The newly grown hair will fall off after some time and not grow back. Fact: Many people believe that newly transplanted hair grow for some time and then tend to fall off. However, the truth is that transplanted hair will tend to grow for a lifetime. Your transplanted hair will fall off after 2-4 weeks of the surgery and grow again slowly in 8-12 weeks for complete results.
- Myths: The results of my hair restoration will be temporary. Fact: The surgeon takes hair follicles from one area and grafts them to another. Therefore, as long as the transplanted follicles don’t fall off from the site, your hair will keep growing. Hair follicles maintain their nature even after being taken from one place and planted in another part of the body.
- Myths: Hair transplant requires a lot of post-surgery care. Fact: You will be provided with post-treatment care and tips for better recovery. You are required to keep your scalp clean and be gentle with your hair during the initial days after the surgery.
- Myths: Hair transplant surgery can affect the brain Fact: Hair transplant surgery does not cause any harm to the brain as the follicles are placed on the scalp structure of the patient and do not come in contact with the skin below the scalp.
- Myth 4: Going through a hair transplant will give me a very unnatural look Fact: Hair transplant is an effective surgery that must be done under the supervision of a good and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will make sure to precisely place the follicles along with the angle of the hair and graft to help you achieve that natural look. You can wash, cut, and flaunt your hair the way you want after the surgery.
Celebrities who underwent hair transplant
- Amit Mishra ( cricketer)
- Ranbir Kapoor (actor)
- Himesh Reshammiya (Singer)

When to consult a doctor ?

You can consult the doctor if –

You feel constantly distressed due to your persistent hair loss or hair loss of your kin and wish to pursue treatment.
Women who are constantly experiencing a receding hairline and want to undergo early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness.
People who notice patchy hair loss or lose hair more than usual while combing or washing the scalp. Sudden hair loss can signify a medical condition that may require immediate medical attention.

Our hair-transplant Specialist

Questions to ask your doctor

Will my hair transplant be noticeable?

Will my transplanted hair look natural?

Will the hair transplant surgery cause pain?

When will I see 100% results of hair transplant?

How many successful hair transplant surgeries have you performed?

How many years of experience do you have in hair transplant surgery?

Treatment options & cost

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.

Hair transplant surgery is a daycare procedure which means you can go home on the same day of the surgery. The surgeon takes the hair follicles from other parts of the body or scalp where the hair density is high and implants these follicles into the area where there is baldness. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which means the patient does not feel any pain other than a prick on the scalp. There are majorly three methods of doing a hair transplant – Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI).

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

In FUT, the anesthetist first numbs the back of the head with local anesthesia for painless experience during the procedure. The surgeon then sterilizes the site from where the hair will be taken.
Medical equipment called a scalpel removes a section of your scalp from the back of your head, which are then closed using surgical sutures.
The scalp is then split into as many as 2,000 tiny pieces using a scalpel known as grafts.
The surgeon makes small holes in the rest of the scalp where the hair is to be transplanted via needles.
The surgeon inserts small grafts into the holes via a procedure called grafting and closes the surgical sites with the help of the bandages.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE, the surgeon cut out hair follicles directly from the back of the head through tiny punch incisions.
The surgeon will first shave the back of your head, and local anesthesia will be administered that will numb the back of the head.
The surgeon will proceed with the extraction where the individual hair follicles are removed from the shaved part of your scalp.
Finally, small holes are made in the rest of the scalp, and hair follicles are precisely grafted. The surgeon will cover the surgical site with a bandage.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

In DHI, the surgeon will shave the donor area and the back of the head.
The patient is administered with local anesthesia to numb the scalp for painless treatment.
Medical equipment shaped like a pen called, DHI implanter is used to remove hair follicles from the donor area without touching other hair.
These hair follicles are sent to laboratories to be processed into grafts. These processed follicles are then again implanted back in the received area.
The surgeon makes sure the hair follicles are implanted in a way so that the direction of the hair follicles can also be decided.

The surgeon or hospital generally provides a set of instructions for the patients before surgery. This may include dietary restrictions, medications, and pre-surgery tips. The doctor generally instructs on when you can have your last drink or food before the surgery. Since anesthesia has to be done on an empty stomach, many doctors recommend skipping dinner or not eating after midnight before your procedure. Here are some tips that may help you before your surgery –

Inform your doctor about any prior medications and allergies. Some medications like vitamin B and vitamin E tablets can increase the bleeding from your wound site and make it difficult to heal.
If you smoke, then quit smoking. Smoking will make it difficult for the body to heal after an incision. This may also increase the chances of leaving scars on the site of the incision. Moreover, nicotine can also increase the risk of infection.
Just before the surgery, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner as normal. Do not use any hair products such as hair gel, hair cream, hair wax, etc.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to ensure no damage to the incision spot while changing after the procedure.

The doctor will explain to you the course of procedure one last time to make sure the goals and expectations are met. Then, the surgeon will discuss the best way to utilize the donor’s hair and begin the procedure.
The anesthetist will administer local anesthesia that will numb the site of treatment. The surgeon will then remove donor hair from the back of your head or other body part and place it in the required area.
Once the surgeon has completed the hair restoration procedure, you may wear a cap if you wish and go back home.

Hair transplant is considered a major surgery to restore hair growth for natural-looking hair. It is always advisable to undergo the procedure by experienced cosmetic surgeons for zero post-surgery complications. However, even with all the precautions, some patients may experience mild side effects after the hair transplant procedure. You may expect the following after the surgery –

Itching
Bleeding
Swelling of the scalp
Swelling around the eyes
Sudden loss of the transplanted hair
Lack of sensation in the transplanted area
Formation of crusts in the transplanted or donor area
Infection or inflammation of the hair follicles- folliculitis

Insurance coverage

A hair transplant surgery is a cosmetic procedure and not a medical necessity. Therefore, it is not covered under the insurance. Cosmetic surgeries are usually not covered under insurance, but it can depend on the type of your insurance company and the terms and conditions set by them.

Recovery rate

The recovery rate of a hair transplant procedure depends on the type of treatment you are undergoing. Since direct hair implantation does not involve any cuts or incisions, recovery is swift compared to other surgical procedures.

The recovery time for FUT is around 2-3 weeks, depending on how strictly the patients follow the post-surgery regime.
The recovery time for FUE is around 5 days if the patient follows all the recovery tips given by the doctor.

While most patients usually see the results of hair transplantation after 6-7 months, it may take 8-10 months or even 10-12 months for complete recovery. The recovery rate depends mostly on the quality of your hair and how strictly you follow recovery tips.

Cities Where We Treat Hair transplant

Hair transplant treatment in Bangalore

Hair transplant treatment in Chennai

Hair transplant treatment in Delhi

Hair transplant treatment in Faridabad

Hair transplant treatment in Ghaziabad

Hair transplant treatment in Gurgaon

Hair transplant treatment in Hyderabad

Hair transplant treatment in Mumbai

Hair transplant treatment in Noida

Hair transplant treatment in Pune

FAQ

How should I choose the doctor for hair transplant surgery?

The surgeon should have prior experience in hair transplant surgery. You can ask the surgeon about their history of successful hair transplants surgeries to narrow down your options to the most suitable one.

What is the minimum age to undergo a hair transplant?

The minimum age to undergo a hair transplant is 18 years. However, you can undergo the procedure as you feel fit. It is usually done to restore hair due to hair loss, a common problem in middle-aged men and women.

How safe is a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is a safe and effective procedure if done by an expert cosmetic surgeon. The hair follicles grow back naturally to give your hair a more natural appearance. In addition, an experienced surgeon ensures minimal post-operative risks and complications.

Will I get a natural look after a hair transplant?

Yes, there are high chances your new hair will appear natural. However, the effectiveness of surgery depends on the surgical expertise of the surgeon and how strictly the patient follows post-operative care. The hair follicles shed within a few weeks after the surgery, and new hair begins to grow from the transplanted roots.

What are post-recovery tips after hair transplant surgery for best results?

Avoid lifting any heavy weights or performing any strenuous activities that can put pressure on the grafts.
No alcohol consumption during the recovery period.
Avoid swimming to protect the scalp from salt, dirt and chlorine.
Avoid direct contact with water while taking a shower
Do not let direct exposure to sunlight.
Massage the scalp gently in a circular motion while applying the conditioner.

What are the benefits of undergoing a hair transplant procedure?

Improved Appearance
No Bald Spots
Increase Confidence
Cost-Efficient
High success rate
Chances of complications are almost nil
Almost no side effects

What is the cost of hair transplant surgery?

The cost of a hair transplant procedure is around Rs. 30,000 to Rs, 80,000. The cost of a hair transplant depends on the number of grafts, and so the cost can go as high as Rs 1,00,000.

Facts and statistics around Hair Transplant:

Benefits of choosing Pristyn Care for Hair Transplant

Pristyn Care is a full-stack healthcare provider associated with some of the best multi-specialty hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country. We aim to ease the process of accessing advanced treatment and surgeries for each individual at minimal costs. We have some of the best plastic surgeons and specialists with years of experience in hair transplants to ensure a very high success rate. Pristyn Care is a full-stack healthcare provider that performs outpatient surgeries with almost no risk and a faster recovery. Some of the benefits of choosing Pristyn Care are –

Highly experienced aesthetic surgeons- Our team of cosmetic surgeons has years of expertise and training to perform advanced surgeries with a very high success rate. Our cosmetic surgeons will discuss all the necessary information prior to the procedure to make you aware of the risks and complications involved during the treatment.
Personal Care Buddy– Pristyn Care has a unique concept of a ‘personal care buddy’ who is present with the patient on the day of the surgery. This care buddy takes care of all the paperwork and miscellaneous formalities from admission to the hospital till discharge.
Flexible payment options– Pristyn Care offers various modes of payment for hair transplants with no cost EMI. In addition, we accept credit cards and cash payments for the procedure.
Free pick-up and drop facility– Pristyn Care provides free cab services for pick-up and drop-off to each patient within the city on the day of hair transplant surgery.
Free follow-up consultation- Recovery plays an essential role in the treatment. Pristyn Care provides free follow-up consultation along with proper diet charts to all the patients who have undergone hair transplant for a quicker and smoother recovery process.
COVID-19 safe environment – Pristyn Care makes ensures proper sanitization of all the OTs and clinics before each surgery to curb the spread of the COVID. It is our top priority to maintain excellent hygiene and social distancing while providing a seamless patient experience.

Booking an Appointment with the best cosmetic surgeon for a hair transplant

Pristyn Care has some of the best cosmetic surgeons with years of experience in hair transplant surgery. Our specialists are fully trained and upskilled in performing advanced surgeries for the best outcomes with almost no risks. You can book an appointment with the aesthetic surgeon at Pristyn Care for hair transplant surgery in the following ways:

Fill out the patient form on our website pristyncare.com. Our medical coordinators will reach out to you at the earliest and gather details from your end once the appointment form is submitted. They will subsequently fix an appointment with the concerned hair transplant surgeon according to your schedule.

Connect directly with our medical coordinators via the contact number on our website. A team of dedicated medical coordinators will gather inputs from your end and connect you with the cosmetic surgeon near your area and book an appointment consecutively.

You can also book an appointment through our Pristyn Care app. Our medical coordinators will arrange an offline or online consultation with our cosmetic surgeon near your area at the earliest via video call. A nominal consultation fee will be charged.