Chennai: While there have been advertisements aplenty promising hair growth without side-effects, there are also cases with severe complications due to the treatment. However, doctors at Stanley Government College and Hospital in Washermanpet, say there are no side-effects.
“We receive close to 20 patients every Monday at Stanley for treating baldness and at least two undergo transplantation,” Stanley Medical College and Hospital Professor and Head – Cosmetology, Dr Mani Megalai, said.
The numbers certainly indicate that it is a growing concern among people. “A person is prone to baldness if it is caused due to problems with hormone secretion or is genetic. Another significant contributing factor is work stress because of which the condition has become common among youngsters ageing 23 and above,” explains Dr Mani Megalai.
The institution provides hair growth boosting medicine, platelet-rich plasma therapy and the final resort of treatment is transplant. While patients with grade-3 or grade-4 baldness are advised grafting, tropical solution is suggested for people in the initial stages.
About hair transplantation, she explained, “Hair from occipital region where it has high density, is transplanted to the frontal portion. Since the hind side is not resistant to androgen, it promotes hair regrowth. It is a time-consuming procedure as it has to be grafted follicle by follicle, in minuscule range.”
She further stated that many patients undergo PRP therapy where the platelets from the same patient is injected to boost growth. “The treatment is a pre-operative procedure and hair growth is observed for about six months. Depending on the result, the treatment is taken forward. Patients with minimal hair loss are suggested PRP,” Dr Mani Megalai said.
The doctor maintained that no patient has suffered any side-effects so far due to the treatment.
There have been several incidences of patients experiencing grim consequences in the recent past owing to hair transplantation.
SAFETY IN NUMBERS
A dermatologist in the city said, “Complications may arise due to use of anaesthesia. It is safe if around 3,000-6,000 units of hair are transplanted; however, in a few cases, doctors go for 9,000 units, which increases the time-frame for completing the procedure. The patient will be exposed to analgesics that react with the body.”
He said chances of side-effects are less if limits are adhered to. “To carry out the procedure safely, ultra precise instruments are used,” he added.