Baldness is often thought as a sign of old age, unattractiveness, and infertility in men. Although none of these may be true, this can be a cause of low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Permanent hair loss comes from hair follicles that become thinner and weaker. Male patterned baldness is scientifically called Androgenetic Alopecia, and is caused by genes, hormones, and age.
Hair Transplant is the only permanent and proved solution for baldness. Hair in the front and top of head are genetically hormone susceptible, and are thus lost. Whereas hair on the sides and lower back of scalp are genetically immune to hormone sensitivity and are destined to grow a lifetime.
Follicular Unit Hair Transplant is the only method by which one can grow permanently growing, natural looking hair in the bald or thin area.The hair thus transplanted grow naturally for a lifetime. Follicular units are bundles of 1-4 hairs, growing together as a physiological unit. It needs to be both extracted and transplanted as an intact unit. This is a fundamental concept of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. This surgery is also applicable for eyebrow, eyelash, beard, moustache etc.
Hair extraction from the scalp is done by 2 methods:
1. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): The surgeon removes hair as individual follicular units. This is a STICHLESS surgery, with no residual scars
2. Strip harvesting: The surgeon removes a strip of hair from the back of scalp and then divides it into individual follicular units under magnification.
The follicular units(having 1,2,3 or 4 hair) are then implanted into the bald areas- one by one.
CAUSE OF HAIR LOSS - Male Hormone "Testosterone" is converted, by an enzyme called “5-alpha reductase”, to a different androgen called “dihydrotestosterone (DHT).” DHT, which causes genetically sensitive hair to be lost.
There are two medications that have been proven to slow down Androgenetic Alopecia. 1. Finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) Finax 1.0 mg (tablet of Finasteride) , 1 tablet daily. blocks a type of five alpha reductase to decrease the amount of DHT.Cost is around 4 Rs per tablet.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine) Mintop 2 % (Minoxidil lotion) seems to work directly on the hair cells and prolongs the growing phase.(cost is around 150 rs)
Using both will decrease hair fall after 4-5 months of use