In Conversation with the Medical Director, DHI International
Today with modern techniques like DHI Direct Technique TM, hair transplant is a very safe, minimalistic procedure which can be finished in a few hours, giving lifetime permanent results. But it is important that it is performed by trained doctorsfollowing strict protocols such as pre-screening, medical tests so that we choose the right patient for hair transplant.
Today, Homeopathic doctors, Dentists, Ayurvedic doctors and even gynaecologists are performing hair transplant procedures without proper training. At DHI, all procedures are performed end-to-end by Dermatologist (MCI Registered) doctors.
Hair Transplant is not taught in any medical college world-wide. Doctors learn it from other doctors on the job, without proper training, assessment or certification, thereby compromising on safety. At DHI, each doctor is extensively trained on DHI Total Care System and certified by London Hair Restoration Academy.
Research shows that on n average, only 1 out of 2 implanted follicles grow at clinics without verifiable results. DHI guarantees 100% growth of the implanted hair using international quality protocols and instruments. One third of DHI patients come for repair after their case has been spoilt by other clinics.
The key factors to keep in mind are – who will perform the procedure(doctor 100% or technician merely using the name of the doctor), where was the doctor trained in hair transplant, does the clinic follow any safety protocols & are they on display in clinics. What instruments are used & is there any evidence of instruments being destroyed after every procedure. Does the clinic have credible results of it’s own & can you talk to at least 10 patients about their experience with this clinic. Price is an important factor but cannot lead to compromise with safety & natural results.
All About Hair
Hair is made up of Keratin – a fibrous structural protein. Hair also contains natural oils (lipids) and water. These hair “ingredients” are arranged in 3 primary structures: the cuticle (which is the outermost, shingle-like layer); the cortex (the inside of the hair consisting of bundles of protein filaments); and the medulla (a soft spongy-like core in the center of the cortex).
On an average, there are over 100,000 hairs on a human scalp.
The growth cycle of hair consists of 3 stages:
- Anagen – It is the growing period of a hair follicle that typically lasts about 3 to 5 years.
- Catagen – At the end of the growth period, hair follicles prepare themselves for the resting phase. This stage of the hair growth cycle usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Telogen – This is the resting period of a hair follicle. It is usually 3 to 4 months in length and at the end of this period older hairs that have finished their life will fall out and newer hairs will begin to grow.
By far the most common cause of hair loss in men is “Androgenetic Alopecia” also referred to as “male pattern hair loss” or “common” baldness. Androgenic Alopecia is due to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acting on genetically-susceptible scalp hair follicles that causes them to become progressively smaller and eventually disappear. This process is called “miniaturization.” The other causes can be Stress, scalp bacteria, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, injury and high fever.
Alopecia is classified into 2 major groups: Non-Scarring Alopecia & Scarring Alopecia
Types of Non-Scarring Alopecia:
AGA, Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Anagen Effluvium, Trichotillomania
Types of Scarring Alopecia:
Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal fibrosing alopecia, Pseudopaladae of Brocq, Folliculitis decalvans, tufted folliculitis, dissecting cellulitis, folliculitiskeloidalis, central centrifugal alopecia, alopecia muconosis, keratosis pilaris atrophicans
The most common form of hair loss in women, Chronic Telogen Effluvium (long term diffuse hair loss), is an increase in hair loss and a decrease in hair thickness over a long period of time.
About DHI Procedure and Results
One week prior to procedure the client needs to avoid vitamins, aspirin, consumption of alcohol and smoking. Also, the TCC (Total Care Consultant) needs to advise the client in case he’s diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure, on cardiac-related medication or prescribed any medication by a psychiatrist. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics for 3 days after the procedure. Heavy exercise, weight lifting, swimming and scalp exposure to direct sunlight has to be avoided for 15 days after the procedure. The client can resume light exercise and brisk walks 7 days after the procedure.
The client is prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory course which needs to be followed for 3 days post-procedure.
There’s no requirement of any medication, as the implanted hair will not fall.
However, Minoxidil applications are required to prevent thinning and falling of the existing hair.
Proper care must be taken of the implanted and donor area after the procedure. If not, there could be complications such as folliculitis infection, bacterial infection etc. in such an unforeseen situation, proper and immediate medical attention should be availed.
