Top 10 myths that may scare you from hair transplant

Dec, 06 2019 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

Knowledge is power – it enables you to cut through the myths and make informed decisions. For those seeking hair transplant solutions – knowledge is key. This becomes all the more important because there are so many myths about hair transplants that are floating around, online as well as offline. And not all without a reason. Over the years, the number of people seeking expert advice has increased exponentially. And with it, ‘black market pirate clinics’ have also cropped up. Cases of fraudulent clinics and botched hair transplant procedures have also increased leading to the creation of myths and half-truths. This practice has increasingly deterred patients from seeking expert advice. Our endeavour here is to set the record straight and dispel the top myths surrounding hair transplant procedures.



Hair transplant is not for everybody
This is a popular myth. Hair transplant is not exactly age or gender sensitive. Over the years, we have seen both men and women – as early as in their late twenties opting for hair transplant procedures. This myth is sustained because of a certain mind-set and a preconceived notion that only older men go for a transplant. This is absolutely incorrect and not grounded in facts. Hair transplant is meant for anyone who needs it - irrespective of their age or gender. However, surgeons usually advise people to wait at least until their mid-twenties to get one so that their hair fall pattern can be determined correctly. While it is true that men suffering from androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness are right candidates for hair loss, there are some women who can get it as well, depending on the kind of hair loss and whether they have enough donor hair.

Any, or all experts are well equipped and trained to do it
A recent study by the International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery has warned patients against ‘black market pirate clinics’ where people claiming to be expert surgeons, operate with little or no training. In the past years, fraudulent practices have plagued the profession leading to a lot of falsification being spread about the genuine practice. It must be said with all clarity that not all surgeons claiming to be experts are equipped or trained to carry out the procedure. It is therefore the responsibility of the patient to do the required due diligence before going ahead with the hair transplant procedure.

Hair Transplant will cost you a bomb
If you were to add up the cost of episodic or periodic hair treatments that you have undergone, you might get the shock of your life. As compared to that, a hair transplant procedure is much more cost effective. Yes, it does have an initial one time cost, but that evens out if you consider the fact that it will last you a lifetime and saves you periodic hair treatment expenditure.

Hair transplant is a painful procedure
Those who create or share this myth have no idea about the advances in medical science and new-age surgical procedures. Hair transplants cause no pain or discomfort. A local numbing agent is used and most patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure. In fact, patients can resume their day-to-day within a few days or in some cases, within hours after the procedure.

Hair transplant method is unsafe and leads to complications
Along with the myth that the procedure is painful, this one too needs dispelling. The modern techniques used today for hair transplant are extremely safe. They in no way damage the brain or eyes or for that matter any part of the body. In fact, they enable you to look the way you want to. Moreover, chances of a post transplant complication are as high or low as in any transplant procedure. The fact remains that modern hair transplant procedures are extremely safe and experts take great care to avoid any complications.

Hair transplants are not permanent
Contrary to what a lot of people think – hair transplants are permanent and because the grafts have been extracted from parts of the head with permanent hair – they are likely to stay permanent when transplanted.

Hair transplant does not give a natural look
There is consensus among practitioners and experts from across the world that hair transplants give you a natural look, to the extent that it delivers on what you actually want. It is the patient who decides, in consultation with the expert, on the kind of look they want. Surgeons take into account your age, the shape of your head and your face, the direction of hair growth, and all such factors into consideration when they design your hairline, and keep these in mind while placing the grafts as well. The results are in keeping with what is required and in most cases surgeons will re-create the patient’s natural look.

Hair from someone else will be used in the surgery
This is completely wrong. Someone else’s hair cannot be used for a transplant surgery. For the surgery to be successful, follicles from the back and sides of the patient's head are used. If anyone spreads this myth - either they are ill-informed or have some other reason to make up a false story. But you be assured that it’s your hair that will be used for the transplant.

Post transplant care is not important
Wrong, post transplant care is very important. Maintaining a healthy diet, moderate exercise, keeping the scalp clean, avoiding smoking and drinking, and periodic consultations with the expert are all necessary to get the best results.

The Internet said otherwise
Apart from other myths that float around - one of the things we often hear is that ‘the internet said otherwise’. What it means is that there is so much information available online that it is both good and bad for a patient seeking help. Patients often substitute the expert with the Internet. And that can be a big mistake. You should read up as much as you can but remember that the expert knows best and can personalise their advice, which the Internet cannot. Therefore, always consult an expert before you make decisions on your health and well being.