Hair loss, medically termed alopecia, is a common upsetting medical concern. It can be caused due to several reasons including age, heredity, hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions, scalp radiation treatments, certain medications and supplements, head injuries, some hairstyles, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. The most common forms of alopecia that can affect anyone irrespective of their age, gender, or race are androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), alopecia areata (a common autoimmune disorder characterized by the unpredictable falling of hair in small patches or spots), cicatricial alopecia (scarring hair loss wherein the hair follicles are permanently destroyed), and anagen or telogen effluvium. For people who experience hair thinning, receding hairline, or balding spots/patches, it can be very demoralizing to be unable to manage or stop hair loss.
People suffering from hair loss can opt for hair transplant in Mumbai at Harleys Hair Transplant Clinic, which offers a hassle-free and long-lasting remedy. Hair transplantation is one of the most demanding, safe, and effective solution to get a thick, fuller head of hair forever. There are lot many hair loss treatments available such as medications, extensions, hair wigs or artificial hair, and hair transplantations. But, many factors has confidently declared hair transplantation as the best method to treat baldness regardless of it being alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia.
There are two techniques to transplant hair: Follicular Unit Transplantation or Strip Method (FUT/FUSS) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Among them, FUE hair transplant is today’s most effective surgical method. But, is it correct that FUE hair transplantation can help manage alopecia? Read further, to know the facts if the procedure is over-praised.
What is the FUE hair transplant method?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a microsurgical hair transplantation technique wherein the healthy follicular groups are taken from the donor zone using a micro punch tool and then implanted one by one into the recipient zone (balding or thinning areas). It is done without making incisions or using sutures, hence it provides almost imperceptible visual results meaning no linear scarring.
FUE Hair Transplant in Mumbai at Harleys Hair Transplant Clinic is carried out in three stages by the famous hair transplant surgeon Dr Sumit Agrawal after both the donor and recipient sites are locally anesthetized:
- With the help of a tubular knife or a micro punch device, surface tiny holes are created in the donor area, and carefully the individual hair follicular groups (consisting of 1-5 hair strands) are pulled out. Mostly, the donor sites are the parietal and occipital zones and sometimes temporal regions. This is performed on a patient in the supine position.
- Once the hair follicular grafts are collected which means after hair sampling is done, the transplantation site is prepared. Scalpels with a blade are used to make small holes at different angles in the areas where the hair will be transplanted later.
- After the recipient area is prepared, the follicular grafts are placed carefully one by one, so as to comply with the hairline and direction where the hair grows.
The second and third stages of the surgery are performed on a patient in a sitting position with small breaks as per the patient’s request. The entire procedure may last from anywhere between 5 hours to 8-10 hours depending upon the number of hair follicles to be transplanted.
Is FUE hair transplantation suitable for patients suffering from alopecia?
Yes, an FUE hair transplant can manage alopecia (especially pattern baldness)! However, the surgery can only work out and be successful if the donor area has sufficient hair follicles that are thick and healthy to cover the recipient area adequately. The donor areas are the ones where the hair is genetically resistant to hair loss. As hair follicles continue to shed from existing hair areas, the unstable hair loss scenarios can make the hair transplant results appear failed. So, to get a successful hair transplant, the hair loss must be stable for 2-3 years. Furthermore, the success of an FUE hair transplant also depends on whether the operation is held on inflamed skin. Active scalp inflammation is not right while performing a hair transplant, as the desired results can be affected. Nonetheless, the success rate of FUE hair transplant is 70-85%.
Dr. Sumit Agrawal, MS, MCh, MRCS (UK), has Fellowship in Plastic Surgery (USA) and Specialist Plastic Surgeon (DUBAI). He has helped many patients to achieve the best results with his surgical expertise. To know more about Hair Transplant cost in Mumbai, book an appointment today!
