Hair loss can be a source of extreme embarrassment. In most cases, there is a familial pre-disposition for male pattern baldness. I offer surgical correction only to carefully selected cases, where the hair loss is not too severe, and the expectation realistic.

It is a long procedure and is always done as a team to reduce time taken for surgery. Essentially, a strip of hair is taken from the back of the head, an area that rarely loses its hair. This gap is closed primarily. The strip is very carefully, under magnification, sliced into several hundreds of little pieces, each containing 1 or 2 hair follicles, which are then transplanted into the areas where the hair loss exists. We may transfer 2000 to 3000 grafts in one sitting, depending upon the requirement.

Local Anaesthesia is used along with sedation, so that the patient can shift positions during the surgery to prevent stiffness.

Generally day care. Unless the procedure is inordinately long, in which case a days stay may be required.

Poor re-growth of transplanted hair is a possibility, which can occur due to a variety of reasons. Even a mild infection can damage the transplanted hair.

The first dressing is done after 3 to 4 days. Patient is generally allowed to shower lightly after this. No oiling or combing of hair for 3 to 4 weeks. Stitches from the back of the head are removed after 2 weeks.

The patient must realise that it is not possible to cover the head with thick, black hair. THE PROCEDURE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A REDISTRIBUTION OF EXISTING HAIR, AND NOT THE PLANTING OF NEW HAIR.

Pain is a consistent feature, but analgesics are given to reduce the pain. The follicle goes into a resting phase after being grafted, so that the result may not be apparent for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. More than 1 procedure may be necessary to give a good result, as the grafts cannot be placed too close to each other for fear of losing them.

Pleasing and confidence inspiring, if the expectations have been realistic to begin with.

Before