Right Age for Hair Transplant

A question frequently asked by many of my hair loss patients is, " Am I right age for transplant?"


I wish, I had an easy answer to that one. Alas, the real answer is so convoluted that even doctors will find it difficult to grasp. Let us first consider the reasons or indications for hair transplant. You should plan a transplant if,

      You have Androgenetic alopecia stage III to stage VII.

      Your hairline is not appropriate for age or you wish to achieve younger looking hair line

      You have burn alopecia or traction alopecia.

      You have eyebrow, eyelash or facial hair loss.

Now, for each of the above mentioned indications, there is a stronger underlying indication. That is the first question you should ask yourself. And that question is, " How bothered am I with my hair loss?" If you are fine with a bald pate; do not let others bully you into a transplant, whatever be your age.

But if this hair loss affecting your work, your social life etc; you should consult a good plastic surgeon. Generally, men achieve their adult hairline in late twenties to early thirties. And so, transplant after this age is considered appropriate. However, this does not mean that every patient in his mid twenties should be denied a transplant, even if he is stage V or VI Norwood. 
Confused. 
Well, let me put it this way. Age is not the only deciding factor for a transplant. Present hair loss status, donor hair reserve, ongoing miniaturisation, family history and physical condition are also equally important determinants for a persons suitability for hair transplant. 

All said, as a rule of thumb you should wait if,

You are in your teens with unstable hair line.

If you have rare genetic conditions like DUPA, extensive alopecia areata etc.

If you are medically unfit for surgery (uncontrolled blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, heart failure etc)

Even in these conditions, it is best to consult a qualified plastic and cosmetic surgeon; because he can help you chalk out a plan for future and may offer you alternative therapies. An honest expert advice can save you lot of grief and money.

Hair and Diet

Before I start telling you about foods that help you build healthy hair, I want to tell you that food is not magic. It's not even medicine, so do not expect miracles with the food items listed below. They will help you get good hair if you take them adequately over a long period. 

As a general rule, all the food articles that are good for your body are good for your hair. That means a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Also remember to follow a healthy lifestyle. And yes, exercise is good for your hair also.

Protein 

Well, 99.9% of hair is protein. If you have low protein intake your hair will be thin, dull and unevenly pigmented. These kind of changes in hair (called " band sign") actually form a part of diagnosis in chronic protein deficiency. 

Eat Sufficient amount of good protein everyday from both plant and animal sources.

What to Eat: Pulses and legumes especially soybean is good for hair. Also, white meat like fish and chicken, eggs and dairy products. 

Iron 

Anaemia and low iron levels are a major cause of hair loss in females. This kind of hair loss is totally reversible with appropriate iron replacement therapy. But, more importantly you can avoid it altogether by including following in your dirt.

What to Eat:  Nuts like peanuts, almonds and walnuts, jaggery, green leafy vegetables like spinach. Also red meat, dried fruit and whole grains.

Vitamins

Two vitamins namely Vitamin C and Biotin are very important for hair growth. Vitamin C helps in collagen production which is the building block of hair while biotin is important for keratin production. Deficiency of either may lead to poor quality hair.

What to Eat: Citrus fruits like oranges, limes and tangerines. Whole grains, eggs and dairy products.

Trace Minerals 

It may sound strange but trace elements like Zinc and Selenium are very important for hair health. Studies show these minerals can affect levels of androgens, hormones associated with hair loss. 

What to Eat: Sea food like oysters and fish, sprout beans, beef and nuts, flaxseeds etc. 

Of Virender Sehwag, Transplants and Advertisements.

Early in the morning, when I open the news paper with my first cup of coffee, I am sure to find one cricketer or another trying to sell me something. From soft drinks to real estate, everything that can be sold is being marketed. Latest in this series is the endorsements for hair transplant surgery and medical procedures. 




In this era of consumerism, hair mills with deep pockets are enticing people with celebrity endorsements and full page advertisements. During a day's work, some patient in my clinic would surely ask me for the inside scoop on Sehwag's or Harsha Bhogle's hair transplant. All I can tell them is that they are not my patients. And of course, every one has an opinion on that. What is it about cricketers and hair transplants that has had the whole country buzzing?

First of all is the exposure that the hair transplant procedure has got. Plastic surgery procedures  in India are like sex. You may have it as much as you want, just don't talk about it. And God save you if you happen to say anything nice about it. When people are twisting their tongues over politically correct "au naturel" statements, this kind of celebrity endorsement for hair transplant comes as a surprise. It is like taking the procedure out of closet and saying; Yes! I got it done and it feels good. Such acceptance by a public figure speaks volumes about the inherent advantage of hair transplant procedure. It also helps to allay the fears and misconceptions of those who may be skeptic of the procedure and the results.

However, there is also a commercial aspect to such endorsements. With all the marketing and advertisement the hair transplant procedure is reduced to a commodity. Now, there is more emphasis on adverts and marketing rather than patient selection and good techniques. And patients, on their part, are now more worried about price per graft. In this fierce competition, somehow, the priority is getting a good deal rather than getting a good surgeon and good results. With scientific approach thrown in background and business approach reigning, the ultimate sufferer in this hair war is the naive patient and perhaps an honest surgeon.