If hair loss or baldness bothers you, a hair transplant may help you regain your hairline. But before you go for the hair transplant, know about the procedure, precautions it calls for, expected recovery and more.
Dr. Vikramjeet Singh Dhingra, an experienced Plastic Surgeon, and Hair Transplant Surgeon, who has done his super specialization from NHL Medical College Ahmedabad, one of the most prestigious plastic surgery training centres in India, and performed surgeries for many celebrities, answers common queries related to this cosmetic surgical technique.
How dense should the hairline be while distributing the number of hair?
Hairline contributes majorly to the looks of an individual. In design of hairline, what is more important is the natural appearance rather than the density. Depending on the patient’s existing hair and final look wanted, the density aimed may vary from 40 to 80 grafts per cm square.
Will the new hairline created be straight or wavy?
The design again depends on the natural hairlines present. Generally, wavy irregular pattern is seen in most of the human population with the exception of very straight hairlines seen in Blacks.
Are there any contraindications or precautions that one should take prior to the procedure?
The contraindications for hair transplant include unrealistic expectations of patients. Due to some medical conditions, the patient may be unfit for surgery. These include illnesses like trichotillomania. As far as precautions are concerned, one should avoid smoking and blood thinning agents prior to surgery, clear any local skin infection, get proper blood investigation as required, reveal any preexisting disease or medications the patient is on, undergo a detailed consultation to avoid any confusions, and carry a button open shirt on day of surgery.
Is there any way to prolong the effect of anesthesia?
Yes, there are medications that can be used to prolong the effect the anesthesia.
What is the maximum permissible duration of extraction?
Generally, the duration of the extraction varies with the technique and it is not the duration of extraction but the dose of local anesthesia which is the limiting factor in duration of extraction.
Does the hair graft ratio impact the final outcome?
Yes, the hair graft ratio is a very important factor in determining the final outcome.
When will the results of hair transplant be visible? Will implanted hair stay throughout life?
Generally, the hair implanted starts showing some growth at three months post transplant. However, it takes 6 to 12 months to achieve good growth. The implanted hair generally stay till the donor site hair stay.
Will the hair extracted from the donor re-grow?
The hair roots once extracted from the donor site do not grow back there.
Why is it necessary to use saline water after the implantation?
Saline water is used to keep the grafts moist and well hydrated after implantation. This helps in avoiding itching and the scabs stay soft. This also helps in the quick shedding of the scabs.