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Everything You Need To Know About Hair Transplants

Who should opt for hair transplantation?
A hair transplant surgery is recommended for individuals between the ages of 25 to 50 years with no co-morbidities or addictions and realistic expectations.
The surgical treatment is customized depending upon different variables including the patient’s age, general well-being, genetics, scalp condition, hair quality viz strength, thickness, luster, etc., the type of hair loss(alopecia) viz alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, alopecia secondary to immune disorders like lupus, etc., any skin disorder like psoriasis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.

Candidates benefitting from Hair transplant are:
• Men with male pattern baldness/androgenetic alopecia
• Men/women with thin/brittle hair
• Patient not responding to medical treatment
• Patient with loss of hair from burns or scalp injury
• Reconstruction of eyebrows, eyelashes, sidebuns
• Hair loss due to trauma
• Hansen’s disease(Leprosy)
• Operated cleft lip scar
• Hairless scars in hair-bearing areas
• Congenital absence or thinning of beard or mustache
• Stable vitiligo

Hair Replacement isn’t a good option for:
• Women with a widespread pattern of hair loss throughout the scalp.
• People who don’t have enough “donor” hair sites from which to remove hair for transplant.
• People form keloid scars (thick, fibrous scars) after injury or surgery.
• People whose hair loss is due to medication such as chemotherapy.
• Patients with co-morbidities like uncontrolled diabetes, blood coagulation disorders, addictions like smoking or tobacco chewing, etc.

PRE-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS:
While going for a hair transplant surgery, it is critical to take adequate pre-transplant care. It primes the scalp and has a synergistic effect on hair growth to ensure promising results.
A Hair Transplant is a daycare procedure conducted in a well-equipped operation theatre with well-trained doctors and staff. However, it is a very time-consuming and cumbersome procedure for patients as well as doctors, so a patient needs to keep loads of patience and be cooperative during the entire procedure. The patient will receive a set of instructions to follow before the procedure.
They may include the following:

• Have a hair wash and clean your scalp adequately with a mild cleanser before the procedure.
• Regularly massage your scalp for about a month or two weeks before your surgery. Do this for at least 10 minutes or a maximum of 30 minutes per day if possible. This will help to soften the skin and improve blood circulation.

• Meds to continue- Patients on regular medications for Diabetes, BP, Asthma, Thyroid disorder, etc. should continue their medication and take the morning doses on the day of surgery.
• Avoid these meds – Stop taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medication, or any multivitamins, steroids, or minoxidil 5-7 days before your surgery.
• Avoid vigorous exercise at least a week before surgery as it causes hyperdynamic circulation in the scalp leading to bleeding during the procedure.
• Stop smoking for at least 1 week before and 3 weeks after surgery. Smoking affects wound healing and also delays your recovery.
• Do not have alcohol in the three days before your surgery. It is better if you have your last alcoholic drink a week before your surgery.
• Don’t shave the hair before your surgery. Trimming of hair as per the requirement of the procedure will be advised by the surgeon.
• Certain routine blood tests may be needed before surgery depending on your age, co-morbidities, etc.
• Avoid energy drinks, caffeine, bodybuilding protein shakes or supplements, and stimulants atleast 5 days prior to surgery

POST-PROCEDURE CARE
• A set of post-surgery instructions will be given to the patient on the day of the operation.
• It is a good idea to book some time off (at least 2-3 days) from work following this surgery. This is because your head will be sore, and swollen with some pain at the operative site for the first few days; so allow yourself time to recover from this and to let the treated site heal.
• A loose cap can be worn post-procedure to cover the grafts. It should not be adjusted or moved much while wearing to avoid damaging the grafts.
• Antibiotics, Analgesics should be taken as prescribed.
• The patient is advised to sleep on the back propped up with extra pillows to avoid swelling. Avoid sleeping on your sides for a long time to avoid dependant swelling or changing sides frequently.
• Ice cold compresses to be applied on the forehead and gentle massage against the forehead 3-4 times a day
• Spray Saline over the grafts slowly for 2-3 days to avoid drying of grafts
• Head Bath is avoided for 48-72 hrs. On the 3rd/4th day, the patient is advised to wet hair in lukewarm water, use a medicated shampoo, and spread it without massaging the scalp.
• DO NOT rub the grafts till 10 days or until advised. Avoid scratching on the grafts.
• Physical exercise, bending down, yoga, and lifting heavy weights are to be avoided for a couple of weeks

Things to take care, of 1 day prior to Hair Transplant Surgery:
• The patient should get sufficient rest and sleep.
• It is necessary to try not to apply or utilize any hair splash, hair gel, or other styling items.
• It is additionally essential to consume any prescribed medicines by the surgeon.
• Wash the scalp with a gentle cleanser.
• Have a light breakfast and keep away from an excess of caffeine.

With the introduction of modern techniques and technology, hair transplant surgeries have undergone a lot of evolution in the past few years. In addition to the traditional Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) methods, other new methods of hair transplant have also been introduced. However, there are specific sets of pre/post hair transplant care precautions and instructions that one must follow for achieving the desired results from the procedure.
For more details, book your appointment with our experienced Cosmetologist or Cosmetic Surgeon @9137792915