Hair Transplant

DHI Hair Transplants - Safest and Natural Lifetime Results

Before choosing the perfect technique for your hair transplant, it is important among other things to understand how the procedures are performed and by whom. 

Since it is a surgical process that involves permanent alteration to one’s looks, it is important to dwell deeper into this matter. 

The last 10 years have been extremely eventful for the hair transplant industry in India. 10 years back, there were only a few plastic surgeons, who along with their plastic surgeries, used to perform some hair transplant procedures sporadically.  The only method of hair transplant known to them was the invasive and extremely painful “Strip method” which is also called “FUT” (Follicular Unit Transplant).

Strip surgery or FUT is a traditional technique where a "strip" of skin is removed from the back of the scalp and the resulting gap is stitched together with sutures.  A team of assistants sits down to segregate hair follicles from pieces of this strip of skin.  Then these hair follicles are implanted in the recipient area by creating recipient holes with scalpels and inserting hairs in these holes with the help of forceps.

The disadvantages of Strip method are obvious. 

-       Strip technique leaves a permanent scar in the donor area which a patient is to carry for life.

-       Due to the excessive manual handling of the follicles during extraction and implantation phase, the survival rate of implanted follicles is very poor.

-       Since the implantation is done by inserting follicles in pre-created recipient holes, there is little control on the angle depth and direction of the hair follicles implanted, after their growth.  Due to this results are mostly unnatural.

-       The recovery of the patient takes a long time, at least two weeks since the procedure is highly invasive and a lot of time is required for the recovery and healing of the scar.

-       The procedure is mostly done by technicians/nurses, and the role of the doctor is very limited, mostly to creating slits for recipient holes for implantation. 

Around a decade back, the technique of FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) came into India and slowly became popular. FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area using motorized extractors. The implantation is done exactly the same way as the FUT method, i.e. by creating recipient holes with scalpels and inserting hairs in these holes with the help of forceps.

The advantages and disadvantages of the FUE method are obvious. 

-       Unlike Strip technique, FUE does not leave a permanent scar in the donor area.  However, small cars cannot be ruled out as the motorized extractor is blunt and creates bigger holes than the natural follicles diameter.  

-       The healing process is quicker than FUT and it takes around 2 weeks.

-       Motorized extractor generates heat causing damage to the extracted follicles.  It also makes extraction of curly hairs difficult, causing low graft survival.     

-       Like FUT, since the implantation is done by inserting follicles in pre-created recipient holes, there is little control on the angle, depth and direction of the hair follicles implanted, after their growth.  Due to this, results are mostly unnatural.

-       The procedure is mostly done by technicians/nurses, and the role of the doctor is very limited, mostly to creating slits for recipient holes for implantation.   

The most recent technique for a hair transplant is known as DHI- Direct Hair Implantation. This technique was developed by DHI Medical Group, Greece, 10 years back.  

In DHI, follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using a specifically designed disposable tool with a diameter of 1mm or less. The follicles are then kept at a specific temperature in a solution that enhances their development, without separating, cutting or excessive handling. The follicles are implanted directly in the recipient area using a patented Implanter, in a single one-step process which ensures correct angle, direction and depth at the same time, without prior creation of holes or slits.  A DHI procedure is performed by a doctor, end to end.

The Donor area after a DHI procedure can be seen in the above picture

DHI procedure is exclusively performed at DHI clinics. There are 16 clinics in India and 65 clinics worldwide in 36 countries.

Results after a DHI procedure can be seen in the above pictures

There are many versions of FUE techniques available in the market so it is obvious that the patients might get confused as to where they should go. Every clinic and every doctor claims to give the best hair transplant leaving patients very confused, finally making price the deciding factor for a hair transplant. As a result, people end up going to the cheapest clinics which unfortunately leads to poor results compromising the safety of the patients and also leading to severe medical complications.

Therefore, it is important for a person undergoing hair transplant surgery to keep certain questions in mind and only if he/she is thoroughly satisfied, he should go to a particular clinic for a hair transplant.

There are 7 mandatory questions one should ask to the clinic before deciding on a hair transplant procedure.

1.    Who will perform the procedure?  Will a doctor perform the procedure or an assistant? 

2.    Is the Doctor suitably trained and certified?

3.    What is the experience of the clinic/doctor you are going to?

4.    Is the clinic technically sound with proper protocols on instrument usage?

5.    What kind of Diagnostic system does the clinic have?

6.    Compare their results with others.

If not done properly, hair transplant procedures can go extremely wrong.

We hope the information given in this article helps you in making the right choice!



Hairfear




Frequently asked questions about hair transplant procedures

How much does a hair transplant cost?

Hair transplants can vary in price based off of the area in the world that you are interested in getting a hair transplant as well as the size of the area where you may need a hair transplant. Experienced doctors in the United States will often charge some of the highest prices for a hair transplant worldwide and this is why so many travelers make the move to other parts the world like Turkey, India, Thailand, Mexico...etc for their hair transplants.

Will a hair transplant hurt?

Although hair transplants may look like a particularly unpleasant or painful experience is actually very little discomfort involved with the surgery itself. Hair transplants are always done under an anesthetic so there's absolutely zero pain during the treatment itself. Many people actually relate the process as being very similar to going to the dentist for filling or root canal. Mild pain can persist over the course of postop treatment but he generally just resumes for a few days.

Who can deliver the best surgery?

It's usually best to consider working with surgeons who have and IAHRS certification or international alliance of hair restoration surgeons recognition. IAHRS can often deliver recommendations for the best surgeons in each particular area.

Is this scarring noticeable?

Any type of hair transplant will require the use of incisions throughout the scalp. There can also sometimes be a small scar from the donor area towards the back of the scalp. Asking to look at photos of the surgeon's previous work will help you to see roughly how bad the scarring could be. In most cases an experienced professional can limit the look of scarring and noticeable marks from the surgery.

How long does it take for the hair to grow?

In most cases hair growth will start within eight months and you can start to see a full effect from the hair transplant after a full year. The initial signs of growth can usually start between 3 to 4 months after the surgery.

Are the results permanent?

The hair follicles that are transplanted are generally the ones which are genetically resistant against the symptoms of baldness. As long as you receive hair loss treatment later in your life after the symptoms of balding have started to subside, you can have a better chance at permanent results.

While everyone know you've had surgery?

If you want to limit the chance that people may find out about your surgery it's important to give at least three weeks of healing as the surgical area will be affected and red just after surgery. After around a month of healing it can look far less noticeable. You could consider wearing a hat while time passes or opting for some extra time off if possible.

How long should I rest after surgery?

It's recommended to rest for at least a few days after surgery so that your body can recover. Trenton to over exert yourself and limit sexual activity, running in the gym for around 10 days after surgery.

Is it possible to lose more hair as a result of surgery?

There is always a chance of shock loss which happens when the hair is weak and miniaturizing after the surgery. As long as the surgeon is choosing the correct hair follicles and performing the surgery well it's possible to minimize the chance of this happening however.

Will I need another hair transplant?

The need for another transplant really depends on the individual. With a solid foundation surgery and working to potentially bolster results with drug therapy, you can improve the stability of the hair that was transplanted as well as prevent further loss. Getting a hair transplant early on in your 20s or early on in life could lead to needing long-term transplants as hair loss can be progressive.


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