STANDARD GUIDELINES OF CARE -HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

                    STANDARD GUIDELINES OF CARE

                           HAIR TRANSPLANTATION

Hair Transplantation is a surgical method of hair restoration. While undergoing transplant surgery , some of the points need to be taken into the consideration. These are the some of the basic steps:- 

1. PHYSICIAN QUALIFICATION- The physician performing hair transplantation should have completed post graduation training. He should obtain specific hair transplantation training under the supervision of an appropriately trained and experienced hair transplant surgeon. In addition to the surgical technique, training should include instruction in local anesthesia and emergency care.

2. FACILITY - Hair transplantation can be performed safely in an outpatient day case . The day case theater should be equipped with facilities for monitoring and handling emergencies.

3. PREOPERATIVE COUNSELING AND INFORMED CONSENT- Detailed consent form listing details about the procedure and possible complications should be signed by the patient.Patient should be provided with adequate opportunity to seek information through brochures and personal discussions. Need for concomitant medical therapy should be emphasized. Patients should understand that proper hair growth can be expected within 9 - 12 months. Preoperative laboratory studies should be conducted well.

4. PATIENT SELECTION- Hair transplantation can be performed in any person with pattern hair loss, with good donor area , in good general health and reasonable expectations. Caution should be exercised in , very young patients whose early alopecia is still evolving, patients with unrealistic expectations and patients with significant health problems.

5. MEDICAL THERAPY- Most of the patients will need concurrent medical treatment since the process of pattern hair loss is progressive and may affect the remaining hairs.

6. MANPOWER- Hair transplantation is a team effort. Particularly , performing large sessions, needs a well trained team of trained assistants.

7. ANESTHESIA- 2% lignocaine with adrenaline is generally used for anesthesia , tumescent technique is preferred.

8. DENSITY- Minimum density of 30-35 units per sq cm is recommended. Results depend on donor characteristics, technique used and individual skills of the surgeon.

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