FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD I CONTACT REJOICE HAIR TRANSPLANT CLINIC?
A photo consultation on WhatsApp by sending pictures in different angles on +919945386496 or by filling up enquiry form on the website for outstation or NRI patients, for in-station patients we advise an in-person consultation by appointment. We always recommend in-person consultation at the clinic (we have clinics in Mumbai and Bangalore both centrally located and easy to visit) as complete evaluation is possible like trichoscopy.
DO I NEED TO MENTION ABOUT MY PAST AND PRESENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS?
Yes, definitely this is most important. Patients are advised to reveal their past and present medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart, liver, kidney problems or any disease, the medications they are taking, any medicine allergy (penicillin allergy or NSAID or local anesthetic lignocaine-methylparaben drugs allergy), mental illness, prior surgery details so that you will be in fit condition to go for surgery.
IS THE CLINIC EQUIPPED WITH LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT?
Yes, we are equipped with crash cart i.e. with a defibrillator, 5 parameters continuous monitor, airway management kit, oxygen cylinders and emergency medicines. For us, patient safety is highly important.
HOW MUCH IS THE DOCTOR CONSULTATION FEE? WHY DO YOU CHARGE FOR A CONSULTATION?
Our consultation fee is 400 INR. Consultation is very important for a successful outcome as it allows a complete evaluation of the patient and allows all queries of the patient to be answered before hair transplant. We provide each patient with an in-depth consultation done by DOCTORS. This personal consultation includes a throughout evaluation of the patient’s hair loss situation, live trichoscopy, an assessment of all surgical and medicine options considering future hair loss.
WHAT IS THIS FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT TECHNIQUE AND WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS TECHNIQUE?
FUE stands for follicular unit extraction. FUE Hair transplant is a surgical procedure done under local anaesthesia and it involves 2 steps
1. Extraction of hair graft (FUs) from safe donor areas usually back and side of the scalp using a special sharp punch.
2. Creation of recipient incisions at balding areas following natural pattern and direction of that area and safe implantation of hair grafts into these slits.
The main advantages of FUE are:
No visible scarring (allows patients to wear short hairstyle less than 2 mm after surgery.)
Comfortable healing process with less post-surgery pain and a patient can resume activities early.
IS FUE HAIR TRANSPLANTATION POSSIBLE IN FEMALES?
With modern techniques like non shave/direct FUE, many women with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are now candidates for the procedure. Hair transplants with this technique don’t require any hair to shave in donor and recipient regions, so after transplant, the areas of transplant are not so visible and results are so natural and undetectable.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO HAVE AN FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY?
Ideal age to have a transplant is above 25 years. Male pattern baldness is genetic and of progressive nature which keeps shifting from NW class 1 to 7 over a period of time. Some patients present with early hair loss with significant thinning of hair. They are generally below age 25 and their pattern of baldness is not set/stable so ideal is to start with medicine and PRP therapy. We always recommend at least one year use of medicines (topical minoxidil and oral 1mg finasteride) and PRP to patients below 25 years of age so that the condition is more favourable for transplant. However, in some cases, there is no need to wait until hair loss has progressed to such an advanced degree that it causes emotional distress and anxiety to the patient. We will give a genuine opinion based on your current condition and future hair loss.
DO YOU CHARGE GRAFT WISE OR FOLLICLE WISE?
We charge graft wise, as in principal the hair follicle occurs in groups called follicular unit or graft; in FUE these grafts are individually extracted one by one. There may be 1,2,3,4,5,6 follicles in an extracted follicular unit or graft. Work done to extract one graft containing 4 follicles is one-time penetration in the skin by the surgeon so we charge for one graft, not for 4 follicles it contains. To our patient, we give a detailed report by using a graft calculator software to maintain transparency.
HOW MANY HAIRS GRAFTS DO YOU ESTIMATE THAT I NEED?
Your personalized graft estimate depends on your head shape, density needs, and the amount of hair already present. Complete donor area evaluation in terms of calibre, thickness and no of follicular units available to harvest from safe donor areas will give no of grafts available to extract. Successful outcomes depend on coverage values. A good coverage value means good donor reserves to meet bald recipient area demands and hence good outcomes.
IS A LARGE AREA OF BALDNESS CAN BE COVERED IN ONE SURGERY BY MEGA SESSIONS? AND WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF GRAFTS THAT CAN BE DONE IN ONE SESSION?
Yes, Mega sessions provide excellent density, coverage and naturally undetectable results without compromising the growth. We advise the patients not to make demands to cover all baldness in one go as it is not an option for every patient because it depends on many variables like good donor area reserves, hair calibre, no of hair per graft and recipient area size & its density needs. For ideal cases it is possible, for other cases it is better to do in multiple sessions.
Up to 7000 graft in one session over 2 consecutive days by FUE is possible with successful outcomes; we have done many cases of mega sessions with successful outcomes in favourable cases.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BETWEEN HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCEDURES IF MORE THAN ONE SURGERY IS REQUIRED TO COVER MY ENTIRE BALD AREA?
A gap of at least 6 to 7 month is ideal. By this time almost all growth of the first transplant is completed and one can have the second transplant for remaining bald areas.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
All cards accepted. For surgery date bookings you need to pay 10% advance and balance on the day of surgery. All card payments have to pay additional GST.
DO YOU OFFER ANY FINANCES OR PAYMENT PLANS?
We don’t offer any payment plans or finances. U can opt EMI by credit card, u need to speak to your bank as interests depend on the bank, from our end no interest.
DO I NEED TO STAY OVERNIGHT BEFORE AND/OR AFTER MY SURGERY? DO YOU RECOMMEND SOME NEARBY HOTELS?
For outstation patients, we advise staying overnight for one night prior and at least one night after the surgery. We generally provide nearby hotel names/contact details but it is up to you to decide based on your budget and nowadays it is very easy through OYO app by searching hotels near to clinic location. 2 days after surgery patients can travel back to their place by bus/train/flight/personal taxi.
Patients who live in the same city of our clinic addresses can come and go by taxi, it is not recommended to drive immediately after the surgery due to the sedation so it is best to go by taxi. One day after the surgery, it is not a problem to drive.
WHAT ALL THE MEDICINES I NEED TO AVOID BEFORE SURGERY?
Yes, u need to stop vitamins, minoxidil. After your detailed drug history and medical history doctor will advise you which one to stop and when.
DO I NEED TO STOP TAKING ORAL 1MG FINASTERIDE BEFORE SURGERY?
Finasteride (1 mg tablet) is an important medicine to prevent hair thinning and therefore, you may continue taking it. Post-surgery stop taking it for a week as u will be on other post-surgery medicines; this is in order to reduce gastric problems, thereafter resume.
DO I NEED TO STOP USING TOPICAL MINOXIDIL APPLICATIONS TO SCALP BEFORE SURGERY?
Stop minoxidil 1 week prior to the date of surgery and resume 2 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid irritation to scalp if used immediately post-surgery.
WHEN DO I NEED TO STOP TAKING ASPIRIN ( ECOSPRIN ) BEFORE SURGERY?
It is very important to not take any medication that contains acetylsalicylic acid at least 7 days before and 3 days after surgery. Acetylsalicylic acid liquefies blood and could cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Consult a cardio physician for the same
CAN I CONSUME ALCOHOL BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY?
NO, Three days before the treatment you are advised not to drink alcohol. Alcohol stimulates blood circulation and increases sensitivity to anaesthetics. Post-transplant avoid alcohol for at least 3 weeks
WHEN DO I NEED TO STOP SMOKING BEFORE SURGERY? IS THERE WILL BE A PROBLEM IF I CONTINUE TO SMOKE?
Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before surgery, because Smoking causes decreased blood flow to the scalp contributing to poor wound healing and high risk of infection post-surgery.
Immediately post-surgery, graft re-vascularization starts with oxygen & nutrients diffusion, smoking alter this which result in poor growth of transplanted hair. Ideally, it is recommended to stop smoking for 2 weeks prior and 4 weeks after your surgery growth
Immediately post-surgery, graft re-vascularization starts with oxygen & nutrients diffusion, smoking alter this which result in poor growth of transplanted hair. Ideally, it is recommended to stop smoking for 2 weeks prior and 4 weeks after your surgery growth
I HAVE GREY HAIR; WHEN CAN I DYE THEM BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY?
U can dye your grey hair to black before undergoing a hair transplant surgery, it doesn’t cause any harm to the transplants. Post-transplant, it is possible to dye your hair again from 7 weeks postoperative onwards. Use ammonia-free dye.
DO I NEED TO CUT/TRIM/SHAVE MY HAIR BEFORE SURGERY?
No…. your hair will be trimmed by us to 1mm short as that is the requirement for FUE hair transplant; in some cases, micro-or macro strips were trimmed to 1mm or no shave in non-shave FUE.
SHOULD I EAT BREAKFAST ON MY SURGERY DAY?
It is recommended to eat a light breakfast on your surgery day, we provide our patients with lunch during the break of the surgery.
AM I ALLOWED TO BRING SOMEONE WITH ME DURING MY SURGERY DAY?
Yes, We recommend our patients to be accompanied with either spouse/friends/parents on their surgery day. Patients can come alone too but they must tell their family members about their procedure for better care.
IS THE FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY PERFORMED UNDER LOCAL OR GENERAL ANAESTHESIA?
Entire FUE hair transplant surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. If you have any history of allergies to local anaesthetics like lignocaine or its preservative methylparaben let us know.
IS A FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY PAINFUL?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Once the skin is anaesthetized, no other pain or discomfort is experienced during the procedure. We use VAD i.e. vibration anaesthesia device to make injections more comfortable.
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
The procedure takes about 6-9 hours in total (pre-surgery workup like consent, surgery area plan and hairline markings, photography, hair trim and antimicrobial shampoo, baseline vitals, local anesthesia, FUE extraction phase, lunch break, creation of the micro-incisions to receive hair grafts, graft implantation, dressings, meds and aftercare instructions) and about 4-6 hours on the second surgery day in case of a 2 consecutive days session.
AM I ALLOWED TO DRIVE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY?
NO, Due to the sedation, it is not recommended to drive immediately after the surgery, it is best to come accompanied and let your companion drive or hire a taxi. On the day after it is not a problem to drive.
Also one needs to keep in mind while getting in and out of car always be careful and you should not bump your head as it may dislodge planted grafts if such happens to contact us; also avoid direct air blow to the head while sitting in the car with door glass open. Avoid close neck tee-shirts or monkey cap or any tight clothing which has to worn overhead. Use only provided cap, other tight things over transplant area like helmets or cloth wrapping overhead must be avoided. Bike driving with helmet must be avoided until 3 weeks post-surgery.
Also one needs to keep in mind while getting in and out of car always be careful and you should not bump your head as it may dislodge planted grafts if such happens to contact us; also avoid direct air blow to the head while sitting in the car with door glass open. Avoid close neck tee-shirts or monkey cap or any tight clothing which has to worn overhead. Use only provided cap, other tight things over transplant area like helmets or cloth wrapping overhead must be avoided. Bike driving with helmet must be avoided until 3 weeks post-surgery.
WHAT IS RECOMMENDED SLEEPING POSITION?
Post-surgery night, sleep in supine position i.e. on your back with one or two pillows below head; avoid prone i.e. face down sleeping position as it may dislodge grafts. Avoid blankets overhead.
WHAT DIET DO I NEED TO FOLLOW?
You can have all types of diet post-surgery only avoid too spicy as it might cause gastric problems. Food rich in proteins, salads, fruits & vegetables is highly recommended.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO BE OFF FROM WORK POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY? FOR HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT BE VISIBLE THAT I UNDERWENT A HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY?
We advise you to take at least 4 full days off from work after the surgery. After that point, it is a matter of personal choice. To avoid direct sun use cap provided by us. It is important to note that there will be some swelling and scabbing. Swelling can be avoided by intermittent ice pack applications to the forehead. The transplanted area will have scabbing and may look slightly red for 4 to 5 days post-transplant. The scabs fall while daily shampoo in 10 to 12 days and the area looks normal by 2 weeks.
POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY I SUFFER FROM SWELLING ON MY FACE, SHOULD I WORRY?
Due to the local anaesthetic and the liquid (normal saline) injected into thDue to the local anaesthetic and the liquid (normal saline) injected into the scalp during the treatment, the swelling will occur on the forehead after the treatment. This is completely normal and will disappear after a couple of days. This swelling will occur at its worst on the face from the 2nd until the 4th day after the operation. If the area around the eyes is swollen, it can seriously restrict your vision. After that, the swelling will gradually subside and decrease. The moisture will be eliminated from the body via the lymph glands. A few tips to restrict the swelling:
- Try to keep your head straight and try to avoid bending forward
- Intermittent ice pack application after the treatment eases the swelling. Only cool the forehead/eyes, never the transplantation area.
- Drink a lot of water/ fruit juices.
I SUFFER FROM A BURNING FEELING AT THE BACK OF MY SCALP. DO I SUFFER FROM HYPERESTHESIA?
Yes, you are unfortunately suffering from hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia of the scalp, i.e. an enhanced sensibility of the scalp/an irritation of the nerve tissue, is a rather common side effect caused by the extraction of the follicular units. The medication Diclofenac 100mg (against pain and anti-inflammatory effect) should lessen the uncomfortable feeling already after 2-3 days.
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DO GYM/YOGA/SPORTS ACTIVITIES AGAIN?
In case of an FUE procedure, it is recommended to start exercising (gym/yoga) again at 2 weeks postoperative, in case of intensive or contact sports (soccer, combat sports, etc.) we advise at least 4 weeks of rest. Even after 4 weeks postoperative it is recommended to avoid any bumps to the head. Swimming avoid for 7 weeks.
WHEN CAN I START ORAL FINASTERIDE (1MG/DAY) & TOPICAL MINOXIDIL APPLICATIONS AGAIN?
Start both 2 weeks post-transplant as these are important medicines.
WHAT IS POSTOPERATIVE HAIR LOSS/SHOCK LOSS?
This is mostly a temporary condition where native hairs are “shocked” due to the trauma of the scalp during hair transplantation surgery, creating an additional but mostly temporary hair loss condition. Shock loss occurs when the native hair is weak and isn’t strong enough to resist the surgical trauma that is going on around it. More often than not the hair that has gone into shock will grow back but after 3/4 months – after the resting phase.
Shock loss can occur both in the recipient area, the areas surrounding the recipient area or even in the donor area a few weeks to a few months after having hair transplantation surgery. Postoperative shock loss, of course, does occur in women. In those that are having hair transplants, there is a risk of shock loss in women as well as men, but the hair seems to always return in women, not the case in men who have progressive hair loss with considerable miniaturized hairs. If you suffer from postoperative shock loss, it is recommended to start using topical minoxidil as it could fasten the growing process.
HOW DO I USE THE POSTOPERATIVE KIT?
Post-surgery medicines- the medicines prescribed by doctor consists of antibiotics, pain killers, antacids etc… that u need to start on the same day after surgery i.e. after dinner start medicines. Doctors will explain each medicine.
The post-surgery antibiotic ointment: should be applied on the donor area from the 1st postoperative day onwards until the 7th postoperative day.
Day 1 to day 2 post surgery….The normal saline spray: needs to be started from the first postoperative day and to be sprayed 3 times a day over the transplant area for the next 2 days. This minimizes crusting.
Day 3 to day 12 post surgery….. The post-surgery baby shampoo: use lukewarm water and container for the shampoo…no direct overhead shower as it may dislodge grafts…shampooing should be started 48 hours after surgery i.e. on 3rd post surgery day. It needs to be done every other day until the 7th day postoperative by dabbing the shampoo gently on the scalp; thereafter for next 5 days daily shampoo with a mild circular motion so at end of 12 days there will be no scabs and everything looks normal. Do not scratch the transplant area with nails or towels. U can visit the clinic, staff will show how to do it, for those who are unable to come full shampoo instruction videos will be provided. At 12 post surgery, a day either visit the clinic or send transplant and donor area pictures for follow-up.
DO THE SCABS COME OFF BY THEMSELVES POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY?
Scab is a dry, crust that forms over a transplanted graft. At 7 days postoperative it is recommended to start gently removing the scabs while washing your hair. The scabs might not all come off during the first wash but they should all be removed by the 10-12 postoperative day. If not all scabs are removed after the 12th postoperative day it is recommended to apply a moisturizing lotion on your scalp and let it soak for at least half an hour then have shampoo in a mild circular motion. U can always take our help by calling us we can guide u.
I HAVE LOST SOME TRANSPLANTED HAIRS TOGETHER WITH THE SCABS, SHOULD I WORRY?
No…during shampoo there might be transplanted hairs that could come off together with the scabs but that is completely normal and inevitable. The roots of fallen transplanted hairs are fixed into the dermis, only hair shafts are lost and roots will start to produce new hairs by 3-4 months post-transplant so don’t worry at all.
I SUFFER FROM PIMPLES ON MY SCALP. IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO?
If you suffer from a few pimples, there is no need to do anything. If you suffer from too many painful pimples, contact us or our doctors but never squeeze the pimples with your bare hands, this might cause an infection
I AM NOW 3 MONTHS POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY, WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THIS STAGE?
As hair shedding occurs in first 2 to 3 months post-surgery due to cyclic nature of hair which is normal; at this stage, it is often very difficult for the patient because nothing much happens and a lot of patience is necessary. Patients often start to worry because there is no hair growth visible and the hair situation might even look worse at this stage than prior to the surgery. Only in few cases (fast growers) the transplanted hairs did not fall out after surgery and just continue to grow but is rather rare than common.
I AM NOW 6 MONTHS POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY, WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THIS STAGE?
You will see good changes at this time. New hair growth is visible at 6 months postoperative but mostly the hairs are still sparse and thin at this stage and will grow thicker and denser in the following months.
I AM NOW 9 MONTHS POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THIS STAGE?
At 9 months postoperative there should be quite some hair growth visible, but the maximum hair density has normally not been attained yet. In the following months, hair density should still increase.
AT WHAT TIME POST FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY WILL THE FINAL RESULT BE PERCEPTIBLE?
The final result is visible between 12 and 18 months after surgery. Fast growers will have their final result attained at 10-12 months postoperatively but generally, it takes rather 12 to even 18 months before the final result shows. Enjoy redefined you
IS MY HAIR TRANSPLANT EASILY IDENTIFIED BY OTHERS ONCE I GET A RESULT?
No, as we employ many strategies like micro and macro irregularities in hairline so nobody can detect weather u have undergone surgery or not, results are so natural looking and totally undetectable.
WHO IS THE BEST HAIR TRANSPLANT DOCTOR IN BANGLORE?
Dr. Shankar Sawant is the best hair transplant doctor in Bangalore.
WHO CAN GET A HAIR TRANSPLANT done?
Based on their age, medical history, and other considerations, our hair transplant surgeon at Rejoice hair transplant recommends hair transplantation to patients who have baldness.
IS IT MANDATORY TO SHAVE THE SCALP FOR HAIR TRANSPLANTION?
Hair transplantation is usually done after the hairs have been trimmed to zero length. However, a small percentage of patients, such as celebrities and businessmen, choose non-shave treatments, which are only performed by Dr. Shankar Sawant, a hair transplant surgeon at Rejoice hair transplant clinic.