Baldness, especially in males, has been a topic of discussion and research for years. The degree and pattern of baldness varies, but it’s most common cause is androgenic alopecia, alopecia androgenetica.
More than 95% of hair loss in men is male pattern baldness. Its incidence varies from population to population and is based on genetic background. Environmental factors do not seem to affect this type of baldness greatly. Approximately 25 percent of men begin balding by age 30; two-thirds begin balding by age 60.
Apart from the genetic factor, baldness can be caused by other factors such as lifestyle, health problems and stress.
Men typically associate a full head of hair with youth and vigor. Although they may be aware of baldness in their family, many are uncomfortable talking about it as it is a sensitive issue. For sufferers, it can represent a loss of control and feelings of isolation. People experiencing hair thinning often find themselves in a situation where their physical appearance is at odds with their own self-image and commonly worry that they appear older than they are or less attractive to others. Psychological problems due to baldness, if present, are typically most severe at the onset of symptoms. A decline in one’s confidence is the most common psychological effect of baldness.
Skin City has one of the very few expert teams in hair transplantation proficient in FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) & FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) methods. The Mantis Stereo microscope is the hallmark and benchmark for quality in hair transplantation, and Skin City is one of the few centers in India to use the mantis microscope lab for the preparation of hair grafts in hair transplantation surgery.
Dr. Niteen Dhepe, Director – Skin City, answers some of the most asked questions pertaining to hair transplantation, the most reliable and sought after treatment for baldness :-
Q: Why does baldness occur?
A: Causes of baldness are different for males and females. In males, who predominantly suffer from it, mostly it’s the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that is responsible. Apart from that, there could be other medical conditions responsible for baldness.
Q: What are the treatments for baldness?
A: There are several options for treatment of baldness depending on the extent and severity, like:
- • Hair Transplantation (FUT / FUE)
- • Mesotherapy
- • Medical treatment
- • Scalp Reduction / Expansion surgeries
- • Flap surgeries
Q: What is Hair Transplantation? (HT)
A: It’s the surgical technique that involves moving skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to bald or balding parts (the recipient site).
Q: What are the Objective(s) of HT?
A: HT surgery addresses the following issues
- a) To recreate hairline
- b) More extensive hair replacement
- c) To add density to existing hair
- d) To correct transplanted hair line if you are not happy with previous surgery
Q: What is the best available method for hair transplantation?
A: Follicular Unit Hair Transplant (FUT) is the best available method of HT as gives the most natural look.
Q: What is Follicular Unit Hair Transplant? (FUT)
A: Most hair follicles in the scalp are naturally grouped together in units of 1, 2 or 3 hair, called follicular units. This natural pattern is replicated in the surgery. This kind of transplantation of follicular units gives the most natural look after surgery. After 3 to 4 months, transplanted hair begins to grow and continue to grow at half inch per month for the rest of your life.
Q: Is it Painful?
A: No. Not at all. Only a couple of pricks to give local anesthesia and after that our patient can relax and enjoy listening to music during the procedure.
Q: What should I expect after surgery?
A: After the surgery, no dressing is placed on the grafted area. Most people do not have significant pain after surgery and is mostly controlled by simple pain killers taken orally. Some itching and swelling occurs but is generally mild. The transplanted hair may fall out in about 2 to 4 weeks and begins to grow back in about three months. Once the hair has grown, another session may be performed to improve the density of hair. 3 weeks after the surgery, some oral medication is prescribed. Mesotherapy of scalp is added to accelerate re-growth of transplanted hair and preserve existing hair growth.
Q: How many sessions of surgery will be needed?
A:A single mega-session is usually enough. Those with extensive baldness may require 2 -3 sessions. Correct evaluation & estimation is possible after personal consultation.
Q: How long will it take to cover bald areas after transplant?
A: It takes 3 to 4 months to start showing re-growth. It takes 9 to 10 months to show full growth.
For more details, please feel free to write to director@skincityindia.com