Hair transplant — The truth and the myth

Observer

6 days ago

Believe it or not, there has been a gradual increase in the number of bald people getting their hairline repaired with their own scalp strands, changing the way they look. Depending on their budget, customers opt for treatments within Oman or fly outside to get it done.
Doctors say that hair fall and baldness are major concerns. By age 30, about 25 per cent of men start losing their hair, and by the age of 50, this number increases to 50 per cent. 40 per cent of females start losing hair by the age of 40, and it increases with age. However, those who may seem like simpletons wanting to look different also have a valid point - it is all about boosting their confidence.
"I got my hair done in Muscat while my friend became 'hairy' from India. The amount spent is more or less the same except for the flights, and we feel more confident than before because we are more accepted to be young ever," a CEO of a private hospital and an airline executive told the Observer.
However, with the rise in demand and the increase in the number of such centres, so did the number of low-quality services offered by some. Some people in the field say that there are fake clinics operating without a proper licence.
Dr Neema M Ali, MD (PG Dip Cosmetic Medicine), Specialist Dermatologist at Al Manasir Skin Clinic in Al Seeb, says that although a hair transplant is generally considered a safe procedure when done by a qualified and experienced surgeon in a sterile medical setting, the risks associated with it cannot be ruled out if it is done by an inexperienced professional.
"Like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, but with proper technique, careful planning, and post-procedure care, it is a highly successful and low-complication treatment for hair loss. The overall complication rate is quite low - well under 5 per cent when done by trained professionals. Most side effects, if any, are mild and temporary. Serious complications are rare, especially with modern techniques like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). Proper patient selection and adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions play a big role in minimising risks," she said.
Dr Sanjay Dalal, known to be the longest-serving Family Physician in Muscat who presently works for Lama Polyclinic, says that as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications.
"Proper patient selection, surgical technique, and wound care can help minimise risks and maximise success rates. The potential risks and complications are severe pain during the transplant, bleeding and infection, scarring, nerve damage, allergic reaction to anaesthesia, and poor graft survival. Individual health and healing abilities can influence the outcome of a hair transplant," Dr Dalal said.
The most widely used method today is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) due to multiple reasons, including its minimal scarring, faster recovery time, natural-looking results, less post-operative discomfort. For some patients with more extensive hair loss or specific scalp conditions, FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is considered.
Dr Dilip Kumar Singvi, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Burjeel Hospital, refutes many myths regarding hair transplants, such as the belief that hair transplant stops further hair loss.
"The fact is, although transplanted hair is resistant to the hormone DHT, which is responsible for hair loss, hair loss can still occur. However, the procedure cannot affect the brain because it only touches the scalp skin, not the brain, so it is safe," Dr Dilip said.
Dr Vijay George, Dermatologist at NMC Hospital Al Ghubra, says that it is a wrong belief that hair transplants are a one-time fix and the transplanted hair will never fall out.
"Although transplanted hair requires no more maintenance than natural hair, this transplanted hair can still thin or fall out over time due to natural ageing or other factors," said Dr George, adding that like in any surgical procedure, there are risk elements and it should be done under experienced supervision and at a reliable place.
BLURB
Doctors say that hair fall and baldness are major concerns. By age 30, about 25 per cent of men start losing their hair, and by the age of 50, this number increases to 50 per cent. 40 per cent of females start losing hair by the age of 40, and it increases with age.