Investigations Required

Before undergoing hair transplant surgery or PRP therapy, a series of tests and evaluations are necessary:

• Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the scalp and overall health to determine the best treatment approach.
• Blood Tests: To assess the patient's overall health and check for any underlying conditions that may affect hair growth or healing.
• Scalp Analysis: Involves examining the scalp to determine hair density, quality of follicles, and the extent of hair loss.
• Hair Pull Test: To gauge how much hair is falling out and if the hair loss is reversible.
• Photography: Before and after photographs to document progress and set realistic expectations for results.

Procedure: How Hair Transplant and PRP Treatments are Done

1. Hair Transplant Procedure

• Preparation: Local anesthesia is applied to the scalp to numb the area, ensuring the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
• FUE Procedure: Individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area using a tiny circular punch. These follicles are then implanted in the thinning or bald areas.
• FUT Procedure: A strip of skin is removed from the donor area, and individual hair follicles are dissected and transplanted into the recipient area.
• Recovery: The patient may experience some swelling, redness, or discomfort for a few days, but recovery time is generally quick.

2. PRP Therapy for Hair Growth

• Preparation: A small amount of the patient's blood is drawn (about 10-60 mL).
• Processing: The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
• Injection: The PRP is injected into specific areas of the scalp where hair loss is occurring. Multiple injections may be required in a single session.
• Recovery: PRP therapy has minimal downtime, and patients can return to normal activities right after the procedure. Some mild tenderness or swelling may occur at the injection sites.

Length of Stay in Hospital

Hair Transplant Surgery: Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning there is no need for an overnight stay in the hospital. The patient can return home the same day.

• FUE and FUT: The procedure usually lasts between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.
• Post-Op Care: The patient will need to follow specific instructions regarding scalp care and hair washing. Swelling, discomfort, and scabbing are common during the first few days, but most patients can return to work in 1-2 days.

PRP Therapy: This is a non-invasive procedure with no hospital stay. It typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

Post-Operative Care

After hair transplant surgery and PRP therapy, patients must follow specific post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal results:

Hair Transplant Post-Op Care:

• Avoid Touching the Scalp: Refrain from touching, scratching, or rubbing the treated area for a few days.
• Hair Washing: Gently wash your hair after the first 3-4 days, following the doctor's instructions.
• Medications: Patients may be prescribed pain relievers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications to minimize discomfort and prevent infection.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Direct sun exposure should be avoided for several weeks to prevent irritation and damage to the healing follicles.

PRP Post-Op Care:

• Massage the Scalp: Gently massaging the scalp after treatment helps improve blood circulation.
• Avoid Washing the Hair for 24 Hours: To allow the PRP to settle into the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
• Hair Care: Follow the doctor’s instructions on shampooing and avoiding harsh treatments for the first few days.

Risks of Hair Transplant and PRP Treatment

Although hair transplant surgery and PRP therapy are generally safe, they do come with some risks:

Hair Transplant Risks:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites.
• Scarring: There may be visible scars, especially with FUT, although they can be minimized with proper technique.
• Poor Growth: Not all transplanted follicles will grow, and some people may not achieve the expected density.
• Shock Loss: Temporary shedding of existing hair after the procedure is common, but it typically grows back within a few months.

PRP Risks:

• Mild Swelling or Redness: Temporary swelling or redness at the injection sites may occur.
• Infection at Injection Sites: As PRP involves injections, there is a risk of infection.
• Minimal Results: PRP may not be as effective for patients with severe hair loss or genetic baldness.

Cost of Hair Transplant and PRP Treatment

The cost of hair transplant surgery and PRP therapy varies depending on the procedure, location, and clinic. Here is an estimated cost breakdown:

Success Rate of Hair Transplant and PRP Treatment

Hair Transplant Success Rate:

• 
  FUE/FUT: Around 85-95% of transplanted hair follicles are expected to grow successfully, resulting in natural-looking hair restoration. Full results may take 6-12 months.
• 
  Long-Term Success: Most patients achieve permanent results as transplanted hair is resistant to future hair loss. However, surrounding non-transplanted hair may continue to thin over time.

PRP Therapy Success Rate:

• 
  Effectiveness: Success rates vary, but around 60-70% of patients see noticeable improvements in hair thickness and regrowth after 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Results may not be as dramatic as hair transplant