1.1
OUR HAIRS:
Our hairs are symbols of self expression. Person’s
hairs speak about his social, cultural, professional and religious affiliations.
Hairs are rarely concealed by clothing. Baldness and hair loss have
been a problem of mankind since daw of time. Cosmetic surgeon can do
lot to restore condition closure to cure. It is most popular and commonly
done surgery. It is relatively safe and moderate procedure. Previously
it was of high cost. Now, it is affordable.
Our hairs are not only great ornaments of human beings but also essential
structure of the body.
Structure
of hair:
Hair
is made of keratin. Hair has multiple layers. In outer layers of hair,
there are overlapping layers of cuticle which cover and protect inner
layers. So, these layers appear like fish scales. These scales are flat
and are called cuticle. These scales point outwards and so are easily
susceptible to damage. Cuticle is tough and dense keratin protein that
is found in the skin and nails. Cuticle protects inner and softer tissue
of the cortex. Growth of hair occurs in the cortex. Damage to cuticle
hampers work of cortex and affects the growth of hair.
Cuticle proteinaceous dense material of cortical cells of cortex constitute
the bulk of hair and it is called as ‘body’. This body decides
shape, and resistance of the hair fiber. Cortical cells and fibers run
from roots of hair to the tip. So, it appears like electrical cable
having closely packed hundreds of small wires. When cuticle is damaged
then, cuticle scales become jagged and break off.
Follicular
unit:
Intact individual follicular unit is sacred. It includes
1 to 4 terminal follicles, one or rarely two vellus follicles. It should
have perifolliculum (i.e. circumtential band of fine adventitial collagen),
perifollicular neural net, perifollicular vascular plexus, sebaceous
gland and insertion of arrector pili muscles.
Major function of human hair is enhancing the look of the person. Scalp
hair protects head from injury and sun. Eye lashes protect eyes.
Growth
of hairs:
Everyday hair grows by 0.35 mm. We have one lac hairs
on our scalp. So, everyday, total length of newly grown length of hairs
is about 33 meters. Growth of hairs is good in young age and in good
health. There is considerable variation from person to person and from
time to time (even in the same individual).
Everybody
loses some hairs:

Everyday our hair grow and also every day we lose some
of our hairs. Everyone loses 50 to 150 resting hair per day during bath
and hair combing. These hair grow again.
When next cycle starts, in first phase, hair sheds off and new hair
shaft begins to grow.
Level of Androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) in the body affect
the development of male and female pattern of hair loss. Due to the
presence of androgens, hairs in beard, axillary and pubic area develop.
Three phases of hair growth cycle: Hairs grow in non continuous cyclic
pattern of growth (anagen phase). Period of growth (anagen phase) is
about two to eight years. Then, phase of degradation of tissue (catagen)
lasts for two to four weeks. In this phase, hair follicle is almost
totally degraded. After degradation phase, resting phase (telogen phase)
begins and lasts of two to four months. Generally about 10 % of hairs
are in resting phase.
We
have three types of hairs:
1. Terminal hairs: These are longer, coarser and darker
hairs. These are present on head, under arm and pubic areas.
2. Vellus hairs: These are short, soft, fine and non pigmented hairs
present all over the body except palms and soles.
3. Intermediate hairs: These hairs are in wide range from vellus hair
to terminal hairs. Due to stimulus, vellus and intermediate hairs become
terminal hairs.
Loss of hairs:
Loss of hair is called alopecia. It is due to variety
of factors like certain medicine, hormonal factor, nutritional factor,
exposure to chemicals, chemotherapy, radiation, stress, skin disease
(local and general), thyroid disease, anaemia etc.
During sickness, emotional stress, after child birth, certain drug consumption,
number of hairs in resting phase increase and so number of hair falling
also increases.
Weathering
of hairs:
Exposure of hairs in sunlight and salt water leads to
structural damage of hairs and bleaching of hairs. Structural proteins
of hair shaft gets damaged gradually. Such hairs are called ‘surfer’s
hairs.’ So, cosmetic appearance of hairs degrades. Such hairs
are frazzled. Their shaggier appearance increases. Person appears older
than of actual age. These hairs are hard to manage.
Are you a friend or foe of your hairs? Just think twice or more!!
Yes,
we damage our own hairs !!! How? Read below:
Everybody wants that his hair should remain in order.
So, some people do vigorous or hard combing or brushing. Braiding or
tangling hairs of which damage hair. So, traction hair loss or alopecia
develops.
Use of degreasing shampoos, bleaching or dyeing cause chemical damage
to hair.
Our actions to improve cosmetic appearance of hairs often damages our
hairs. Half knowledge is dangerous.
Hair curling, hair straightening, and long term permanent waving causes
physical damage. Hard scratching with finger nails also damages hair.
We
are unaware of our injustice to our own hairs:
If outer layer is damaged, inner layer is easily gets
damaged. Root of hair is inside the skin. Except at the root, hair is
non sensitive. We do not feel damage or trauma on the hair. So, most
of us are unaware when such damage occurs due to various factors mentioned
above. We continue to do injustice to our hairs. So, we continue to
neglect protection of hair from damaging environmental and cosmetic
factors due to lack of awareness. Due to damage inner layers lose structure
and forms fissures, ridges and nodule. So, hair become ‘frizzy’
and hard to manage. Many males are not concerned about their hair loss
but other males are too much concerned with their hair loss.
Types
of ethnic hairs:
There are three ethnic types of hair.
? Asian,
? African,
? Caucasian
Asian
hair are circular in shape and longer in diameter. African hair are
oval or elliptical in shape. Degree of shape is variable. Caucasian
hair tend to be of intermediate shape between these earlier two type.
Asian hair are straight with no irregularities. African hair have irregular
curling and twisting. Caucasian hair are straight but there are few
irregularities of the shape. Due to curliness even less number of African
hairs can easily cover the scalp and so less number of hairs are required
in Africans to achieve full coverage during hair transplantation.
East Asians (Japanese, Chinese, Korean) have thicker individual hair
but fewer hair per square centimeter of the scalp as compared to Caucasians.
So, larger donor area is required to obtain number of hair needed for
hair transplant. East Asian women have more incidence of diffuse alopecia
(diffusely thinning hairs)as compared to Caucasian women. East Asian
women have more failure to grow pubic hair and they tend to lose pubic
hair. So, more East Asian female demand transplant of pubic hair.
Diagnosis
of loss of hair:
a)
Hair pull diagnostic test:
To assess problem in hair growth cycle and hair loss
few hair are pulled out. If more than 25 to 50 hair are removed from
the scalp by a single hair pulls it is pathological.
b)
Phototrichogram:
In this test, hair of the scalp shaved on that area of
the scalp. In next 3 to 5 days, consecutive photographs are taken to
determine the pattern of hair growth.
c)
Hair window test:
Hairs are shaved or clipped in specific area of the scalp.
Then hair growth assessed over the next 1 to 4 weeks. Both of these
two tests help to assess abnormalities of hair growth cycle.
d)
Scalp biopsy: It is less commonly done. It evaluates
mechanism of hair loss inside the hair follicle
It assesses abnormalities of hair shaft & local infection.
e)
Hair analysis: Hair analysis is done to determine cause
and mechanism of hair shaft abnormality. It helps to assess altered
hair protein profile and drug causing hair loss. This test does not
diagnose systemic disease and nutritional state.
80%
of male and female patients who want to do hair restoration surgery
have male and female pattern of hair loss respectively. So, they do
not need extensive diagnostic evaluation.
Medical treatment:
If the hair follicles are undamaged but inactive medical
treatment restores their activities. Process of reduced number of hair
is called as thinning of hairs. If an individual has a problem of thinning
of hair, propecia and Rogain can be used. Protein block 5 alpha reductase
enzyme that creates dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which leads to thinning
of hairs and male pattern baldness. Propecia is once in a day oral pill
therapy. Propecia is one of the safest medicine. Only 2% have side effects.
Propecia can be prescribed to women who are not planning to have children.
It is costly drug. Rarely it can cause telogen effluvium where there
is excess temporary shedding of hair which return completely. Propecia
is the best medical treatment for androgenic alopecia. Sometimes it
is difficult to predict response due to individual variations. If patient
stops the course of propecia before completion of full course, results
may be reversed.
Rogain is topical lotion used in males and females. It is available
in regular and extra strength versions. Dutasteride (Avodart) and nizoral
are other effective medicines. Monoxidil 5% is also used and gives better
results. In women better results are obtained by 5% strength. Both above
drugs i.e. minoxidil and propecia used simultaneously for better results.
Omega fatty acid may play role in preventing hair loss.
All above treatment must be taken under medical supervision.
Use of 5% minoxidil in females is approved by FDA. Hair conditioners
do not cause any hair loss. hair because they work on stem of hairs
and not on roots of hairs.
Surgical treatment: Hair transplant is main surgical treatment. If natural
hairs are not available, then, hair implants can be advised. Details
of these procedures is given in next chapters.
After hair transplant minoxidil is advised after one month to prevent
further hair loss. because baldness is continuous process. Minoxidil
should be stopped one month prior to hair transplant .
Gray
hair
It is consider as sign of aging. Graying is due to reduction
of melanocyte. Beard and mousthache are affected prior to scalp and
body hairs. p-aminobenzoic acid may be used for gray hairs.
Have
you asked a question to yourself like, “How much is my hair worth?”
1.2
HAIR TRANSPLANT
‘Hair
is richest ornament of a women’- Church reformer Martin Luther.
Natural hairs can be transferred in bald area of the
head. Less number of hairs in eyebrows, eyelid and moustache can be
increased. Hair transplant is well accepted procedure all over the world.
It has high success rate and produces reliable aesthetic results.
Hair transplant is a procedure of implanting natural hairs of one place
to another place. It is generally done in anterior (frontal) part of
scalp area. New hairline can be created in more front part with the
help of this procedure and thus broad or high fore head can be reduced.
In some patients, in addition they require more extensive hair replacement
to cover diffused hair loss. Some may need to add more density of hair
in existing hairs or transplanted hair. Sometimes earlier hair transplant
needs more boosting of new hair transplant to improve more cosmetic
appearance.
Thinning look of hairs is not acceptable in females. So, due to over
expectation, women are not always happy after the transplant. Hair transplants
in female need full thickness.
Longitudinal and cross sectional shape of hair is decided by the lower
half of the hair follicle. So, new transplanted hair appear like hair
at donor site.
In males although the transplanted hairs remain permanent, the other
natural hairs may fall due to aging.
In certain patients, who want to undergo hair transplant and are expected
to develop considerable hair loss in future, then, hair transplant is
done only in front 1/3rd part and patient should keep proper follow
up to assess progression of hair loss. In some patients, hair loss is
too extensive. In these patients, although it is difficult to get good
results, even increase a small number of hairs placed properly can dramatically
change an appearance of personality.
Most of the patients have enough hair for transplant. Patient should
keep proper expectation.
Discussing
during consultation:
During consultation, patient should tell history of how
onset of hair loss occurred and progressed. Inform about history of
hair loss or baldness in other family members. So, also inform about
any skin disease, blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems. Doctor will
note down pattern of hair loss, type of baldness, hair density, donor
area, and patient’s expectation. Doctor assesses your scalp, body
health, medical and family history. He tries to find out what might
be probable causes of hair loss.
Donor tells about area to be treated, position of hairline, number and
type of grafts you required and limitations in the particular case.
He will note down quality, texture, elasticity, strength, density and
possible future hairline.
If patient is in phase of early hair loss, his expectation is taken
into account. He should also accept the natural tendency of hair loss
in future. Transitional zone of potential future hair loss is also taken
into account.
Routinely blood test, CBC, haemoglobin, blood sugar level, bleeding
time, clotting time, routine urine analysis is advised. Sometimes additional
tests are required.
Procedure
of hair transplant:
Nowadays, lot of advances have developed in hair transplant.
One hair per graft (each follicular unit per graft) can be transplanted.
So distribution of density of hairs remains uniform. It looks more natural.
Hair transplant is done under local anaesthesia and so patient is fully
conscious. From posterior surface of head a donor strip of hair is removed.
The hair for transplant is obtained from the area having most dense
hairs i.e. from the back and side of the head under local anaesthesia.
Then, this wound is stitched. This wound heals without visible scar.
The hairs near the scar hide the scar. Speed and quality of healing
depends upon how nicely our body heals the wound and skill of the surgeon.
The strip of the donor skin is divided into small units to prepare one,
two and three hair follicular units. In each micrograft, there are 2-3
follicular unit grafts. In follicular unit graft, there are 1 or 2 or
3 hairs. During trimming of follicular units, the excess skin around
the follicle is removed under high magnification. So there is no excess
skin in transplanted units. Hairline created by transplant of such hairs
is useful.
A hole is created by needle of same usual thickness, which is routinely
used to draw blood from the arm for examination. Each follicular unit
is carefully put into each recipient site in the small hole. After 3-4
months transplanted hairs grow half inch per month.
Single haired grafts create perfect frontal hairline. In front view,
single hair follicular unit is kept, behind them, two follicular hair
grafts and behind them, three hair grafts are kept. Thus, attempts are
made to duplicate a subtle feathered look of natural hairline. With
special technique and miniaturized vacuum technique minimum trauma is
done in handling hair follicular grafts.
Pain of hair transplant procedure is felt only in initial period of
injecting local anesthetic solution. As some sedation is given initially
so pain is experienced less severe. With special technique of use of
30 gauze needles for injecting local anaesthesia, pain is minimum. Post
operatively, minimum painkillers are required.
After hair transplant, some of the existing hair may fall out temporarily
because these are weak hairs and have entered in anagen growth phase.
Transplanted hairs are placed properly in order to have natural appearance.
Anterior hair line is created artistically. One problem of hair transplant
is body’s continued loss of natural hairs. If earlier process
of hair loss continues thinning of the natural hairs continues in that
area.
Hair growth takes time. After hair transplant most of the hairs fall
out and enter the resting phase before regrowing in their new place.
So, 3 to 6 months are required to regrow the hairs and few months are
required to to obtain the full results.
‘Graft cyte’ is treatment after the hair transplant. It
consists of many soaked dressing which keep area transplanted hair more
safe and wet for wound healing. These are replaced after few hours.
This treatment prevents falling out of hairs and preventing them from
going into resting phase.
50% of skin in non-hair bearing skin is bare because follicular units
are arranged relatively compact way.
Those who do not get good results should understand that beauty is in
the eye of beholder. Use various styling techniques or accesses which
being focus to the central face.
Women should keep same specific hairstyle. Considering her constant
hairstyle, it is decided which area needs more hair transplant. The
hairs transplanted in anterior area can cover bald area. Hairs can be
coloured to decrease contrast between the hairs and the scalp. Increase
in curl of hairs adds volume.
Hair loss in females is more diffuse as compared to discrete hair loss
in males. So, transformation in women is more challenging. Usually 800
to 1000 grafts are transplanted. Some times upto 1400 grafts are transplanted.
Beyond this figure is quite strainful for surgeon.
Some patients need two or three sessions. Generally, grafts do not last
or rarely fail to survive. If grafts are lost, these can be replaced.
Precautions
patient should take before surgery and on the day of surgery:
a) Do not use following medicines two weeks before surgery:
Propesia, finopapacia, minoxidil, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines
that contain aspirin. One week before surgery, avoid vitamin E, Ginkobiloba,
Ginseng and other herbal supplement. One day before surgery, avoid alcohol
and tobacco products. Before surgery, arrange for your travel to and
from the surgical center.
b) On day of the surgery, wash your hair in morning, using regular shampoo.
Have breakfast two hours prior to time of procedure. Do not have tight
hats or caps.
On
the day of hair transplant:
Typically
patient will have activities as follows:
Patient
signs the consent form for surgery. To reduce anxiety and pain appropriate
premedication is used. He receives sedatives and antibiotics. With consultation
of patient, the area of transplantation is confirmed. The new hairline
is drawn onto the scalp. It is shown to the patient. Photo documentation
is done. Patient is either in sitting or lying position. He relaxes
and listens music or radio programme. His heart, blood pressure and
oxygen saturation are carefully monitored. Each one receives full attention
of staff. When one undergoes transplant of 1000 to 1200 graft, 3 to
5 hours are required and for about 2000 grafts 4 to 7 hours are required.
Rest of procedure is explained above.
Bandage is removed next day morning. Patient is fit to travel out of
the town. He is encouraged to contact doctor at any time.
There are no complications in hair transplant. Undergoing this procedure
is like visiting dentist. Rarely at donor site, slight numbness may
be felt for few days.
After
hair transplant, patient can resume his light work from third day onwards.
Stitches are almost invisible after three weeks. One should avoid any
activity which creates pressure in transplanted area. For three weeks,
active exercises should be avoided. Bath may be taken from 4th day onwards.
In next four weeks, cabs, crusts and effluvium falls off. Initially
hair falls off from newly transplanted follicles. Time lag between temporary
thinning of pre-existing hairs and regrowth of new hairs is called Telogen
Effluvia. Then, hairs start growing after 3 months and they continue
to grow for rest of the life.
After a week grafts appear pink and skin around the grafts is shiny.
After two week, no sign of grafting remains. Only 15% available hairs
can be transplanted.
Hair
transplant in eye brow and eye lashes for cosmetic reason:
Eyebrows and eyelashes are important for beauty of face.
One needs symmetry of these areas for beautiful face. Sometimes in certain
persons, the hairs of this area are lost due to physical trauma like
accident, injury, thermal burns, chemical burns and electrical burns.
Due to congenital problems and local or systemic disease, hairs may
not grow in this area. Plucking of hairs for reshaping or due to disease
like trichotillomania may cause hair loss. Sometimes medical and surgical
treatment like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery cause hair loss
in this area. Detail history of hair loss informed by patient helps
to assess possible causes of hair loss in particular individual.
They need enhancement of hair density with the help of hair transplant
surgery. Before hair transplant in this area, systemic and local disease
must be under control. The scar tissue trauma, burns, surgery needs
excision before eyebrow or eye lashes restoration surgery.
Reconstruction
or restoration of eyebrows:
If eyebrow is scarred or lost due to injury or disease,
it can be reformed by hair transplant in that area or haired skin grafting.
Partially, missing eyebrow can also be restored as cosmetically acceptable
eyebrow.
Procedure
of creating eyebrows:
A strip of hair bearing skin is removed from donor area
of the scalp and is grafted at the site of eyebrow. To hide incision
marks hairs are grafted into incisions also.
Rarely a pedicle flap from temple area just in front of ear with its
affected blood supply is prepared, raised and transplanted to prepare
size of eyebrow through subcutaneous tunnel. Then, it is stitched. The
hairs from such transplanted graft needs training with gel or wax to
make them flat to the skin like a natural eyebrow. These hairs may need
trimming occasionally.
To create eyebrow with natural contour patient and physician work together
to outline the area on patients face symmetrically. Finer hairs from
donor site are transplanted as micrografts of one or two hairs. Use
of single hair graft gives good cosmetic results. As mentioned above,
these transplanted hairs sometimes need trimming and conditioning.
Restoration
of eyelashes:
Fine hairs are selected from donor site and are transplanted.
Generally, six hairs per lid may be adequate to create a natural look.
HAIR
IMPLANT: -
Artificial hair transplant: When unsolvable baldness
is present, artificial hairs or Biofibres ® are used. These can
also be transplanted as integration of other surgical techniques and
when patient wants immediate aesthetic results. For all types of baldness
and for ‘trauma free donor area surgery’ Biofibres ®
can be used.
These hairs are tested in compliance with ISO 10993 norms.
High hair line / over sized fore head: Hair line lowering for women.
Hair line should be to the point on her forehead when the skull starts
to slope downwards. Some women have receding hair line and oversized
fore head. So, even mild thinning of hairs is noticed earlier. Such
women are in search of solution but often they do not realize what is
wrong. They often feel it is balding. Actually, it is thinning of women’s
hair. As such, hairs are crowning glory with the face. Patients get
tired of hiding her forehead under long bangs. They spend lot of time
in camouflaging that unwanted features.
To
reduce forehead, there are two techniques:
1. excised about an inch of hairless skin and pull the hair line down
or
2. transplant the hairs in bare skin
Hair
transplant is costly procedures. Two or three day long procedures are
required. For full growth of hairs, 2-4 years may require. Hairs rarely
have the same texture as that of original hairs. In case of hair advancement,
results are immediate. But dealing with the scar is tricky. Surgeon
makes zig zag incision across the forehead while suturing surgeon buries
the hair edge when he sutures the two edges together so that hairs grow
in and just in front of the scar. It requires critical care because
surgeon works near the vital blood vessels.
Use of tissue expanders: When hair line needs to be advanced for more
than an inch, tissue expander is put under the skin. Tissue expander
is a balloon that is inflated over six weeks period to stretch the scalp.
Due to placement of tissue immediate improvement in appearance is seen.
Scarred
area of scalp:
It is unsuitable hair transplantation. So, reconstructive
procedures like scalp reduction or scalp flap may be used. Use Minoxidil
2 months prior to hair surgery & 1 month prior to hair transplant.
Along with that use Iron, folic acid, omega-3 antioxidant combinely.
Frequently
asked Questions: FAQs
Q.
Who is an ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery:
Ans: A person who has
a. Age above eighteen years,
b. No active scalp infection,
c. Adequate hairs on back and sides of head,
d. Stabilized hair loss,
e. Medical treatment tried without success,
Patient should not have a habit of consumption of any tobacco product
and alcohol. He/she should not have diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism,
keloid tendency, systemic disease, bleeding disorder. If reader feels
that he fits in this category, he should consult cosmetic surgeon.
Q.
Can hairs be transplanted in eyebrows, eyelashes, moustaches, pubic
area, side burns?
Ans: Yes, in these areas hairs can be transplanted.
Q.
When baldness runs in family? What are the possibilities?
Ans: Although male baldness is known to have hereditary
factor in families with many bald males inheritance pattern is unpredictable.
It is also uncertain to say about onset time of male pattern baldness.
Environmental factors also affects baldness process.
Q.
Some young people ask this question, “My father had baldness.
Will I lose hairs like his pattern of hair loss?”
Ans: It is usually difficult to say about how fast baldness
will increase. Generally, 25% men develop baldness by the age of 30
years and 40% develop by age of 40 years and 50% male develop baldness
by the age of 50 years. If baldness begins earlier, it will likely to
continue with aging. Sometimes occasionally pauses may be seen.
Q.
In what manner male lose hairs?
Ans: Male pattern hair loss generally starts at frontal
lines above the forehead and moves back in ‘M’ like pattern.
Simultaneously or later on hairs over the vertex (crown) of the scalp
are reduced. Frontal and vertex pattern may enlarge and merge into each
other. Areas of temple over the ears and back of the head persist even
if all hairs from other parts of scalp are lost. Even if one has not
developed baldness upto age of 40, it does not mean that he will not
develop. In many males, minimal and gradual hair loss is not recognized
by themselves.
Q.
When should I decide to undergo hair transplant?
Ans: If you have noticed your hair loss very early and
hair loss is mild to moderate, have trial of medical treatment with
hair restoration drug like minoxidil (Roga and finasterial). These agents
slow or reverse hair loss. Thus, by taking preventive treatment at proper
time, you may delay the need of hair transplant for many years by the
use of these medications.
Q.
How the hairs regrow and how much time is required?
Ans: Good regrowth of transplanted hairs takes place
after three to four months. Initially, these hairs are thinner and softer.
Soon they become thicker, coarser and darker. Sometimes, initially hairs
are curlier. Exposure to sun makes the colour of hair lighter.
Q.
How long transplanted hairs continue to grow?
Ans: Usually, transplanted hairs have same life span
as that of hairs of donor site. Normally hair sheds off from hair follicle
after every three to six years and grow again from the same root of
hair follicle.
Q.
Are the other natural hairs are affected after transplant of the hairs?
Ans: Natural hairs are not at all affected by transplant
of the hairs. Natural hairs are very tough. These can tolerate surgery
and irritation of the scalp. With the experience of hair removal, we
know that usually it is difficult to remove unwanted hairs. Even if
hair is plucked hundred times it regrows again.
Q.
Does one need additional session of surgery?
Ans: Those who have completely bald area may need two
or three surgeries at the gap of six month. If the area is partially
covered with hairs, one usually needs only one sitting. Twenty five
per cent density of hairs is restored in comparison to original donor
site. After 2nd sitting, 50% density is restored. Response of takeover
graft varies from person to person and status of health.
Q.
Can the hairs from other relatives and friend transplanted?
Ans: No, such hair transplant is not done.
Q.
Can fallen hairs or hairs from other parts of body be transplanted?
Ans: No, because these have not active and alive hair
roots.
Q.
Are hair transplanted lasts for whole life?
Ans: Hair retains its genetic characteristic even after
transplant. Hairs for transplantation are taken from donor area, which
is not sensitive to baldness. So, these hairs continue to grow for rest
of life.
Q.
Why only few doctors perform this surgery?
Ans: This procedure is more labour intensive, it takes
longer time. It needs special training.
Q.
How many hairs transplants one needs?
Ans: Number of hair transplant, one need varies from
person to person. It depends upon how much hair loss. one has, how much
is area of baldness, how much density of hairs are required, what are
goals and expectation of the patient etc. Usually one needs 500 to 1000
grafts. But one may need even more than two thousands follicular grafts.
Q.
How far medical treatment is effective in preventing hair loss?
Ans: Medicines like propecia and rogaine are not effective
in frontal and temple area where usually one sees hair loss. These medicine
slow down the hair falls.
Q.
What about cloning of hairs?
Ans: Although cloning of hairs will be boon for those
who have more baldness. This procedure is still in early experimental
phase.
Q.
What are side effects of hair transplant surgery?
Ans: Bleeding: Sometimes one may see slight temporary
bleeding which stops after some local pressure for few minutes.
Pain: Pain is minimum. 50% patients do not require pain reliever. Pain
killer like Tylenol may be required for few days. Some patients develop
numbness on the site, which lasts for three to eighteen weeks.
Itching: Some patients do feel itching due to crusts. Medicines and
shampooing helps to relieve itching.
Swelling: Swelling develops due to transplant. This swelling may last
for 4 days after surgery. It develops in local area. Medicine helps
to reduce the swelling.
Infection: It is rare complication. It can be controlled with appropriate
antibiotic.
Some patients develop hiccups temporarily. Its cause is unknown. It
can be controlled with medicine.
Scarring: Keloid and scarring may rarely develop in patients who have
such tendency in past.
Cyst: Some patients develop small cyst of size of pimple in the recipient
area, which usually disappears after few weeks.
Neuralgia: Due to traumatic irritation or inflammation of the nerves,
some patient may feel pain, numbness, tingling or pins and needles sensation
or very rarely shooting pain, which is relieved in one to four weeks.
Q.
Is hair transplant painful? How much pain is felt after surgery?
Ans: Such pain or discomfort is minimal like dental surgery.
It can be easily controlled by painkiller. As surgery is done after
injecting local anaesthetic, so there is no pain during surgery.
Q.
Does transplanted hairs need special maintenance care after surgery?
Ans: Once these hairs grow, they require same maintenance
care as one’s original or natural hairs on head. These hairs can
be washed, trimmed and even coloured.
Q.
Can the hairs from other areas of body like chest, back, stomach can
be used for transplant?
Ans: Yes. These hairs can be used.
Patient’s
OPD sheet:
1. When hair loss started?
2. How hair loss has occurred & progressed?
3. Does any family members have hair loss of premature age?
4. Do you have general diseases like any skin disease, high blood pressure,
heart disease? Do you have any skin disease?
5. What are expectations of the patient?
Examinations:
1. Pattern of hair loss
2. Type of baldness
3. Hair density
4. Extent of donor area
5. Quality of hairs: Thickness / thinness texture, strength, elasticity
and density of hair in various area
Plan
of treatment:
1. Medical line of treatment
2. Planned new anterior hair line
3. Types and number of grafts required
4. Limitations in particular case
Investigations advised: Hb%, CBC, BT, CT, Blood sugar level, urine routine
examination.
1.3
HAIR IMPLANT BIOFIBRES ®
A
process of implantation of artificial hair on the scalp and boby is
called hair implant. Biofibres are used as hair implant material.
Aesthetic advantages of biofibres ®
These are biocompatible. These are fine, flexible, elastic,
soft and highly resistant. So, rapid cicatrisation and pleasant appearance
is seen. These are non-recognizable after implant. These can be washed
and dried. They have resistance to traction. There is no capillary and
bacterial adhesion. These are safe for patient’s health. Results
are instant. There are no incisions. There is no scar. Fibers have continuity
to stay. These are available in standard thirteen colours and standard
length of 15-cm. Upon request other colours and extra length of these
biofibres are available. Diameter is 0.08 mm. Upon request, different
thickness is available. These are straight. Three types of permanent
wave or curl are available.
These biofebers ® can be used as new added hairs. Results are immediate.
They appear like real natural hairs. Hair density is maintained. They
do not fall out all at once. Occasionally shedding occurs.
Procedure
of implantation:
Initially, 100 test fibers are implanted and watched
for any allergic reaction for one month.
Later on 500 to 1000 biofibres are transplanted under local anaesthesia
after every 2-3 weeks. Regular check up after 1-2 months may be necessary
by surgeon.
10% of hair loss of implanted hairs is possible every year. Lost hairs
can be replaced without any scarring.
1% of patients have intolerance. 11% patients have mild inflammation
or infection which can be controlled.
Questions
asked by patients:
Q.
What is hair implant?
Ans: It is implantation of artificial hairs on the scalp.
Q.
What is difference between hair transplant and hair implant?
Ans: Hair implant are artificial and non-living thing.
So, no scar of removal of hairs at donor site is present. Hair transplant
are natural and slight scar develops at the site of removal of hair
from donor site. Implants have fixed length and cannot grow. Transplanted
hairs have live base and so grow upto usual length.
Q.
Who can undergo hair implant surgery?
Ans: Patient should have good health; controlled weight,
healthy scalp area, normal laboratory investigations, and commitment
to follow post implant protocol strictly. Thinning of hairs affects
both sexes and all ages. Without having any scar all of them can be
benefited by artificial hair transplant.
Q.
Who should avoid biofibre?
Ans: Those who have history of allergy to synthetic material
disease of Immune system, dismetabolic disease, on going scalp disease,
psychological disease, people working in unsuitable climatic conditions
should avoid biofibres.
Q.
What are advantages of hair transplant over hair implant?
Ans: These are natural and growing.
Q.
What are advantages of hair implant of biofibres ® ?
Ans: These can be implanted upto 8000 in spite of no
natural hair at donor site. No scar develops. Results are immediate.
There are only 1% chances of rejection.
Q.
How many hairs are required per square cm?
Ans: Above 25 hairs are required to cover 1 sq.cm area.
Q.
What maintenance care is required?
Ans: Wash hairs twice in a week with gentle massage.
If dandruff develops, use medical shampoo. Have hair cut from the barber
that knows maintenance care. Comb the hair gently with metal comb with
wide teeth.
Q.
What type of shampoo should be used?
Ans: Any commercially made shampoo having pH 7 above
can be used. For very scaly scalp used shampoo prescribed by the doctor.
1.4
REMOVAL OF HAIRS FOR COSMETIC REASONS
When
hair on the body are at proper place, these are great gift of nature.
But when these hair are on unwanted or undesired place, disturbing beauty
of the person, we call it unwanted hair. Since ancient times mankind
has fighted with these unwanted hair with the help of pumice stone,
plucking, threading, waxing, shaving etc. But man could not succeed.
Human being always try to show hair in desired place & try to avoid
hair at undesired place. As man become more and more culturised &
social, undesired hair on the body reduced in size & colour. Hair
of enough length, thickness & at proper place on the body improve
our personality. These express our specific personality in social, cultural,
professional & religious fields. An individual desires to remove
unwanted hair prior to important cultural or social programmes. Women
have strong desire to do so.
Everybody has certain undesirable hairs. Every lovely woman is tired
of plucking and waxing to become free from hairs. So, recently the trend
of Laser hair removal for hairs of face and neck has become more common.
Everybody likes smooth face and neck. Everybody of you can have hairless
skin.
For a man or woman having excess hair or unwanted hair anywhere on the
skin treatment of choice is Laser hair removal.
Hairless skin is a reality due to Nd YAG LASER and INTENSE PULSE LIGHT
(IPL).
Unwanted hair or excess hair is a problem in many women. Depending on
fashions, age, sex, age, season etc. site of undesirable hairs vary.
If hairs are more than cultural norms, it is socially distressing. These
hairs cause embarrassment to ladies of all age group. These hair many
a times lead to unnecessary inferiority complex, stress, anxiety, social
isolation, loneliness feeling, conscious feeling, reduction in self
confidence and depression. Hair are for protection when these are on
the scalp. Although we have more than total number of hair on the body
of Chimpanzee / Gorilla. Now, hair are more for beauty rather than protection.
We have few lakhs of hair on our body but most of these are very thin
small and colourless so we do not notice them. Hairs grow 1 2/3 mm everyday.
So, everyday, growth of total length of all hairs on the body is 33
meter.
So, every where in the world, some degree of hair removal is done. Women
remove unwanted hairs of upper lip, chin, forehead, pinna of ear, face,
neck, area between and around the eye brows, fore arms, legs, underarms
(axilla), bikini line, belly, back, inner thighs, breasts etc. Everyday,
men shave their facial hairs. Nasal and hairs of ear pinna are occasionally
shaved. If these hairs are of dark colour, these are more embarrassing
to that lady.
In past, women used to tweeze, shave, electrolysis (trying with electric
needle), slitter with strong depilatory creams and pluckers. Now women
have best choice i.e. LASER which is least troublesome and gives better
results than all these procedure. The treatment of choice is the use
of LASERs. It is the most popular approach. Increased number of hairs
and unwanted hairs are due to multiple reasons as follows:

Hypertrichosis:
In some people, due to some disease, excess hairs (hypertrichosis)
develop on the body. When number of hairs increase due to non androgen
cause & in non androgen dependet area of the body, it is called
hypertrichosis. It may be due to certain disease like thyroid disorders,
malnutrition, anorexia nervosa: porphyria cutanea tarda. Certain medicine
also cause hypertrichosis e.g. cortisone, phenytoin, cyclosporidin,
penicillin. dilantin, anabolic steroid, minoxidil, high doses of cortisone,
cyclosporine, diazoxide.

Hirsutism:
When excess male sexual pattern hairs grows in women,
it is called as hirsutism. It is due to disease of endocrine gland or
virilizing tumours of adrenal, pituitary and ovary glands.
It is excess growth of thick hairs on the body parts where usually there
are no hairs or minimum hairs in women e.g. Growth of hairs on face,
upper lip, chin, chest and areola. It is due to male hormone or androgen
hormone stimulation in women. Thus, in hirsutism excess coarse hair
growth in women is pattern similar to that develop in adult men. Cushing
syndrome, obesity, hyper insulinemia, hyper prolactinaemia and excess
growth hormone may also lead to hirsutism. When such changes are associated
with musculinizing signs and symptoms the women may likely to have ovarian
or adrenal neoplasm. If hair grow rapidly, it indicates such tumour.
If women shows, severe or rapidly progressive hirsutism or signs of
virilism (e.g. infrequent or absent menses, deepening of voice, male
pattern baldness acne, increased muscle mass, increased libido clitorial
hypertrophy). In such cases, having ovarian or adrenal neoplasm, serum
androstenedione level is more than 100 ng/dl. Polycystic ovary disease
causes hirsutism So, such cases are severe. Investigate the case promptly
for hormonal levels like testosterone and dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate
(DHEA-S) to rule out any androgen secreting neoplasm.
In idiopathic hirsutism cases, there is excessive genetic sensitivity
of hair follicles to normal androgen level or hyper secretion of ovarian
or adrenal hormone. In post menopausal age of women, work of unopposed
androgen stimulates hair growth on the face. One out of six women, have
hirsutism. Hirsutism indicates some androgenic problem.
Due to excess of androgen, hairs grow on upper lip, chin and chest.
So, also acne, androgenic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans develop.
Excess hairs may grow on unusual birth marks like hairy nevi, faun tail
nevi, Becker’s nevi.
Limitations of LASER hair removal: White hairs and fine velour hairs
are not removed successfully by LASERs but other hairs can be removed
successfully. Blonde, red and gray haired people do not respond to the
treatment satisfactorily. These can be removed with CO2 laser or Radiofrequency.
Dark skin persons pose more problems. So, again this laser method may
be used. Those who have normal endocrine status, thick dark hairs, light
skin lines and realistic expectation get maximum satisfaction of hair
removal procedure.
Does your facial hairs and hair on other parts of the body worries you?
Do you feel uncomfortable due to these hairs when you meet people? Consult
Laser surgeon.
Methods
of hair removal:
Methods mentioned below are invasive or abrasive. They
produce temporary benefit.
1) Shaving: Although shaving can be done anytime quickly, it is not
acceptable for hairs of face in women. It needs to be done frequently.
It may produce side effects like irritation, and pseudofolliculitis.
Ingrown beard hair are difficult to shave. It produces folliculitis.
2) Waxing, plucking and threading: These methods are commonly available
in most of the beauty parlour. Although these methods of hair removal
are quick and easy, these methods may cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation,
folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis and even scarring. Waxing causes greater
discomfort and expense. All these methods need repetitive treatment
for life time. So, considering life span of the individual indirectly
there is more waste of money, time and personal energy.
3) Chemical depilators: Chemical depilator creams are quite often advertised
for hair removal. Their actions are temporary. They may cause irritant
dermatitis. Thioglycolates, barium sulfide etc are used as chemical
depilators. Certain drugs like eflornithine hydrochloride, anti androgens,
etc are not safe for health.
4) Radiation: Use of radiation for hair removal is not selective treatment.
It has potential hazards. It cannot be repeated due to its dangers.
5) Electrolysis: In hair removal method of electrolysis, electric current
is delievered by probe to the unwanted hairs. Each type of electrolysis
machine has different standards. Enough practice is required to undergo
this method. This method may cause pain, scarring, pus, inflammatory
pigmentation changes (hyper or hypo). This method takes long time and
more sittings as compared to LASERs.
LASER
HAIR REMOVAL:


Now a days LASERs are used everywhere from pointer to
printer. It has its own quality of precision. Use of LASER for hair
removal gives permanent result. It is most advanced, easy and cost effective
methods of hair removal. It is the most advanced & the most accepted
method all over the world. Laser instruments are costly. Person may
feel that laser treatment is a costly treatment. Actually, a person
removes hair by other method every month for his whole life. total cost
of these procedures in terms of money, time & energy.
Nd: YAG Laser is most suitable for Indian skin and more effective for
them. Ratio of temperature of epidermis to the temperature of hair bulb
is more with increasing wavelength. So, epidermis is less affected.
Thus, Nd: YAG laser is better than other modalities of lasers. So, Nd:
YAG is safer for even darker skin. Nd: YAG, IPL and diode Laser is effective
only in anagen phase. Laser hair removal saves your time wasted in non
laser procedures at intervals throughout the life. It is a loss of huge
time over whole life period.
Pretreatment
Precautions:
i) Avoid direct exposure of that part to sunlight for
four weeks prior to the treatment. Use sunscreen lotion if area is sun-exposed.
Patient with sun tanned skin should avoid treatment until tan has faded.
A patient with darker skin type or those who have recent sun exposure
may use bleaching cream (e.g. 3% hydroquinone, 0.025% hydrocortisone)
two weeks prior to the treatment.
ii) Avoid plucking or waxing or electrolysis removal method for four
to six weeks. One can shave the area.
iii) Avoid bleaching, waxing/ plucking of hairs chemicals depilation
of the hairs for 3-6 weeks prior to treatment. Stop using tanning creams.
Patient having darker skin or tanned skin should use hydroquinone to
reduce tan. Do not undergo bleaching treatment prior to 4 weeks.
Unbalanced hormone are often the cause of undesirable hairs on the body.
This cause should be controlled before undergoing LASER hair removal.
If patient has suffered from viral infection, one may start antiviral
treatment. If hair undergo any infection in last 3-6 weeks, inform the
therapist.
On
the day of LASER treatment:
After
examination by treating surgeon, shave the area to be treated or use
depilatory cream. In certain cases, prophylactic antiviral agents like
valaciclovir, famciclovir, aciclovir may be started.
On the day of treatment, the area is cleaned and made free of cosmetics
& make up. Remove lubricants anaesthetic creams before laser session.
In certain cases, topical anaesthetic one hour before the treatment
with a cover of plastic wrap. Trim or shave the hairs if they are longer
upto 0.5 mm stump. Do not use cosmetic lubricant on the day of treatment.
If there is some discomfort or some pains. It gives feed back information
to the therapist to know whether sufficient energy is given for effective
hair removal. This helps to avoid side effects of laser. If patient
does not want to have such discomfort or pain then from 2nd or next
sitting local anaesthesia drug is used to prevent pain or discomfort.
Instructions after hair removal laser sessions: - Avoid exposure to
sunlight directly. Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) for a week. Immediately&
on next day, in some person, one may notice oedema and redness. Very
rarely, crusting is seen. No special treatment is required to use cold
compress for sometime to keep temperature of skin low.
Use of hydroquinone is advised when patient may likely to develop hyper
pigmentation. Hydroquinone 4% cream is also advised from the next day
if patient was on its pretreatment.
One may use make up & moisturizer later on. In period of treatment
do not use other methods of hair removal except shaving.
Terminologies
in hair removal:
Temporary
hair reduction:
Temporary hair reduction is defined as a delay in hair
growth for 1-3 months. It is consistent with hair cycle.
Permanent
hair reduction:
When hairs are removed and do not grow even after complete
growth cycle of hair follicle at a given site. Complete hair loss means
loss of regrowth and hairs. It can be temporary or permanent in type.
One laser treatment produces complete but temporary hair loss for about
one to three months. It is followed by partial but permanent hair loss.
Limitations:
Results of laser hair removal depend upon hair colour,
hair type, hair density, hair diameter, skin condition, skin colour,
hormonal factors and anatomic locations. also affects.
Patient should note that thick hairs can be easily eradicated. Thin
hairs are resident to treatment & are not visible & do not need
removal of such true permanent hair removal is unknown and removal of
all hair is unlikely. In some patients maintenance treatment is needed
at the gap of 3-4 months to maintain temporary hair loss. In dark skinned
patients with fine hairs have poor response as compared to fair skinned
persons and persons with thicker hairs. The area which is not exposed
to sun has least post procedural complications e.g. arm pit plucking.
Patient should note that true permanent hair removal is unknown and
removal of all hair is unlikely. In some patients maintenance treatment
is needed at the gap of 3-4 months to maintain temporary hair loss.
From patient to patient there is variation in response to laser therapy.
Laser
Hair removal & women:
Woman’s hairs are her crowning glory.
Every woman wants smooth skin without any hairs on her face, chin, upper
lip, neck, legs, under arms and at the bikini line. So, she does not
like any hair in these areas. She also wants the hairs of eye brows
in good shape. Practically, all women have some unwanted hair on some
parts of the body. So, they go through all the labour of Hercules over
hairs removal. When hairs grow in wrong places the attack over these
hairs is relentless.
Unwanted and excess hairs are affected by age, medicines we take, hormonal
level, ethnicity and genetics. All these factors also affect their coarseness,
length and colour of hairs.
What
is LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
It
is the most modern non invasive specific procedure of hair removal by
using lasers.
Q.
How does Laser work?
Laser or light of specific wavelength is absorbed by
melanin present in hair of follicle and so its temperature increases
to destroy the follicular cells permanently.
Q.
Why laser hair is chosen over other alternative methods?
When one wants to remove hairs of larger area, electrolysis,
waxing, tweezing, threading are more painful, time consuming and less
safe procedures. Their results are lasting for short period. Often these
procedures tend to stimulate more hair growth later on. But laser hair
removal process offer better and longer lasting results. It is fastest
and safest among all the methods of permanent hair removal.
Q.
What are the advantages of laser over electrolysis?
Laser in non invasive, safer, fast methods. Electrolysis
is invasive, some what unsafe (as compared to electrolysis) and more
time consuming method.
Q. In laser hair removal what risks are involved?
In some patients, having sometimes skin, temporary
slight reddening of skin, and some temporary swelling may develop. Those
who do not follow post treatment precautions may develop temporary hyperpigmentation
due to direct sunlight exposure. If sunlight is avoided, this risk can
be prevented.
Q.
What are advantages of methods of laser hair removal in comparison to
other methods?
Laser hair removal does not have risk of making hair
grow back thicker, darker or quicker. It will certainly reduce thickness
of hair and hair count. This advantages are absent in other methods
including electrolysis.
Q.
Is it painful procedure?
One may feel tingling and snapping sensation like a rubber
band. It is the most often a feeling of discomfort rather than pain.
It is quite less as compared to other methods of hair removal.
Q.
How much is discomfort during LASER hair removal?
Ans: Discomfort is like a rubber band snapping against
the skin and tends to create some discomfort. People with light skin
tend to have less discomfort. This discomfort indicates maximum energy
that can be used in particular case without any side effect. But if
patient does not want even this much discomfort, then, in first sitting,
maximum tolerance of energy in particular person is assessed. Later
on from second sitting, this dose is delivered under topical local anaesthesia
locally. Topical anaesthetic cream is applied one hour before the treatment.
Ice can also be used. After the treatment skin becomes slightly pink.
Patient may feel slight sunburn. Patient can attend her usual work after
some time.
Q.
Is hair laser removal permanent?
Laser removes all active hair follicles on the
body. There are very small vellus which are not easily visible to naked
eye. Due to variety of factors like age, hormone, certain medicines.
If these hair become active & grow then the person may wrongly feel
as if hair are recurred. To destroy dormant hair follicles sittings
are given at intervals. So, in few sittings 70% to 90% of hairs are
destroyed. In some patients due to some medicine, ovary tumor or hormonal
imbalance, the dormant hair follicle becomes active. In such case, one
may need to repeat another session. Scientifically permanent hair removal
means destroying the active hair follicle permanently and so results
last for many years.
Q.
How to get best results from laser treatment?
To get best early and permanent results follow post treatment
instructions and schedule of suggested session.
Q.
Which area of the body can be treated?
Laser can treat all part of body where we do not want
hair e.g. in women, upper lip, chin, bikini line, arms, legs, underarms,
unwanted hairs of eye, brows for reshaping, eye lashes etc. In men,
beard area, shoulders, back, ear pinna etc.
Q.
How safe is laser treatment?
As it is non invasive and faster treatment, there are
no chances of infection, much pain, mutation etc. Laser hair removal
method which we follow and machine we used is approved by Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) of America.
At some centre, there are mobile laser machines and of old generation
laser machines which are less safe in comparison to non mobile heavy
machines of recent generations.
Q.
Does laser cause cancerous changes?
No, laser is non ionizing, light which does not cause
any mutation in cell. So, laser is safe and does not cause cancer.
Q.
Why laser hair removal is done in multiple sittings? OR Why there is
need of treatment at certain interval?
Laser is effective against all hairs which are in active
phase and destroys them forever. Laser do not destroy hairs which are
in inactive phase at the time of laser exposure session. At present,
no method is available to destroy hairs which are in inactive phase.
After certain time, these inactive hairs become active and so, to destroy
hairs which have entered in these active phase, one need another sitting.
So, depending on hair growth cycle and pattern of hair growth, one may
generally need 4-8 methods. The laser expert can have idea of need of
more sessions only after second treatment i.e. after observing the individual
response. Those who have hormonal problem, who develop this problem
later on, may need maintenance sitting later on. Those who have undergone
frequent plucking, threading & waxing methods of hair removal may
need more sessions.
Every hair of the body passes through three cycles of hair growth. The
active growing phase (Anagen), the regression phase (catagen phase)
and the resting phase (telogen phase). At any given time, all hairs
anywhere on the body are not in one phase of cycle. LASER destroys hairs
which are in the active growing phase. So, a single sitting permanently
destroys the hair which are in active phase (anagen phase). Those which
are not in these phase need more sittings till all of them pass through
this anagen phase. So, single sitting is not enough for any available
LASER SYSTEM.
LASER acts on hairs, which are in active phase (anagen phase). Hairs
grow differently depending upon hormones, ethnicity, weight, age, metabolism,
medicines consumed etc. So, more than 2-3 sittings are required for
hair removal. Those who have excess hairs which do not respond, need
to undergo investigation for hormonal imbalance and its causes.
Q.
What is difference between other methods of hair removal and laser hair
removal?
Laser treatment definitely destroys active hair follicles
permanently. But such permanent results are not seen in other methods.
So, after some sessions of laser treatment, skin is almost free from
hairs.
Q.
After laser hair removal, does one need to take rest?
No, one can directly go to work after the treatment.
But one should avoid direct sunlight.
Q.
Is laser treatment economical?
By using other methods of hair removal, one
spends small amount of money every 3-4 weeks for about 20 years. So,
indirectly on summation one spends more money. Thus, indirectly much
money is wasted. Summation of time and energy which patients spend is
multiple times much more. So, also the summation of risk to which an
individual is exposed everytime is non acceptable. Due to these valid
reason, one should choose method of laser hair removal.
After laser treatment, one gets 80-90% response in 3 sessions. With
few more sessions, almost most of the hairs are removed.
Few patients who have hormonal imbalance or some silent medical disease
have a tendency of hair growth irrespective of any method one uses for
hair removal. In such patients, one may need repeat treatment of laser
at interval & maintenance treatment with Lasers and results are
scientifically better than other methods. Thus, laser is highly effective.
Q.
How many treatments are required?
Ans: All hairs are not in active phase. So,
to remove rest of the hairs at least 4 sittings are required. Most of
the hairs are removed in 4 sittings. With each sitting, results go on
improving. Rarely hair having fine texture may regrow. People who have
hormonal imbalance or who have waxed or plucked hairs need more sittings.
Q.
How much time is required for each exposure per sitting?
Ans: LASER removes hair with high speed and
without causing pain as compared to electrolysis: For removing hairs
of back, LASER method which requires one hour and for electrolysis method
requires 125 hours for some extent of area.
Q.
What is done at the time of evaluation?
Ans: Your skin type and hair type is decided.
What you expect is taken into consideration. Some test spots may be
given.
Q.
What precautions should be taken before taking treatment?
Ans: Patient of darker skin should use bleaching regimen
at least two weeks prior to the first sitting. Stop bleaching or plucking
hairs two weeks before treatment. It is better to shave 2 days earlier
so that residual hairs will be very small. Shaving reduces treatment
time.
Do not take Laser treatment when you have suntan or sun burn.
Q.
What post treatment precautions one should follow?
Ans: After hair removal treatment that part of the skin
may appear slightly red and may have bumps. Cold compression helps to
reduce it. Use moisturizer. Make up may be used. Use sun block of SPF
25 or more for 2 weeks.
After 2-3 weeks hairs from hair follicle will fall out. It may seem
as if there is new hair growth. With the help of wash cloth these can
be removed. One can shave hairs in this period.
If one notices cold sore or genital herpes, start antiviral Tab. Zavirax
(Acyclovir).
Q.
What is the mechanism of removal of hair by Laser?
LASER energy is attracted by colouring pigment in hair
follicles. When Laser rays are absorbed by the cells of hair follicles,
light energy is converted into heat energy and so these cells are destroyed.
Such hair follicle destruction also destroys the secretary sac. In other
procedures of hair removal secretory sac continues to send out new hair
even if hair is repeatedly destroyed and even if it is ripped out by
the roots. But this does not happern in case of LASER hair removal.
Laser can destroy hair follicle by photothermolysis of pigmented cells
containing melanin. Laser is absorbed by these cells and not by other
cells in the skin and thus destroys only the cells of root of hair.
Some laser is absorbed by upper layer (epidermis) of the skin.
Q.
How the skin is protected during laser hair removal?
This layer is protected by keeping it cool. Upper layer is
saved by laser energy by using laser having long wavelength (e.g. Nd:
YAG). To protect skin, the laser exposure is given only for few millisec.
Q. Which is the best painless method and permanent method to remove
hairs? What about other methods?
Ans: LASER hair removal is the most modern, the most effective, painless,
best and permanent method of hair removal approved by Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), USA. This is non-invasive procedure. Many hairs
are targeted in a single light flash. Hairs, which respond to laser
treatment, do not recur or grow again forever.
Some people use uncomfortable and unsuitable techniques like abrasive
live pumice stone, depilatories threading, plucking, and waxing. These
are painful and messy methods. These methods give temporary results.
Electrolysis is available since few years to remove hairs permanently
but it is invasive painful procedure. It involves insertion of needle
into each root of the hair and delivering electrical charge. So, it
has higher rate of complications. It needs repetition after a few months
and sometimes years. As one individual hair is electrolysed at a time,
it is time consuming method.
Q.
Who should undergo Laser hair removal?
Ans: 1. If you are intelligent woman who no longer wants to be wishing
in the four walls of home and if you want to mix with people without
embarrassment due to your unwanted hair, you need to undergo LASER hair
removal. If you are working in public offices or daily if you coming
in contact with many people for business or profession or service then,
it is better to undergo laser hair removal. Young girls of marriageable
age should undergo laser hair removal. 2. Those who want to look smart
and dress well must think of unnecessary hairs on the face and rest
of the body. 3. Those who have unnecessary hairs on the area above lips,
eyebrows, area between eyebrows, cheeks, pinna, neck, axilla (including
arm area), arms, legs, chest area (including mammary area), bikini line
should be thought of. 4. Many men want to be free from shaving everyday.
Some are tired of dense beard hairs, thick hair and rapid growth of
hairs. So, to reduce the number of hairs, or to eradicate hairs on chin
and cheek, male may undergo laser hair removal. Common areas of unwanted
body hair of women vary from unwanted body hairs on men. For everybody
more than acceptable number of hairs on the body is embarrassing.
Q.
Why Nd-YAG is used and preferred over the other LASER SYSTEMS?
Ans: It is absolutely best LASER currently available for any
skin type. It suits most to most of Indian skin type. We also use intense
light pulse for better results of hair removal. These are safe, reliable,
painless and permanent methods. We have chosen it because of its proven
results and unmatched track records of the experts all over the world.
The long wavelength system of Nd: YAG LASERs helps to work in both light
and dark skinned persons with least risk. It is approved by Food and
Drug Administration of America. Now all over the world majority of people
have preference to undergo Nd YAG Laser hair removal.
Q.
Why Nd: YAG is preferred over diode laser?
Nd YAG laser has a longer wave length than diode laser. So, when Nd:
YAG is used, less energy is absorbed at epidermis level and more energy
is absorbed at deeper dermis level where route of hair is present. As
wall of hair follicle has cells containing melanin and other surrounding
tissue does not contain melanin, by Nd YAG laser damage to the hair
follicle is more & deeper and damage to surrounding tissue is lesser.
So, also, effect of Nd: YAG Laser, sub ablative rather than destructive,
in comparison to diode laser. As Indian skin has less contrast with
hair, laser longer wave length like Nd YAG is preferable to protect
dermis.
As diode laser rays are absorbed more by melanin which is at superficial
level as compared to melanin of the wall of hair follicle, so, less
energy reaches at greater depth of hair bulb follicle. So, effective
fluence of diode laser is the richest in lesser quantity as compared
to effective fluence of Nd YAG. Nd: YAG laser rays are less absorbed
by melanin of basement layer in epidermis and more energy reaches at
greater depth where follicle is present. So, hair follicles are destroyed
in better way by Nd: YAG laser as compared to diode laser energy.
Q.
How Nd: YAG LASER and Intense Light pulse works?
Ans: Flashes of LASER Light pass through the skin. These rays are absorbed
by the pigment melanin which is present at the bulb of hair root. Such
absorption destroys the root of the hair. 4-8 sittings are required
at interval of 4-6 weeks for permanent hair removal.
Q.
Why cost differs from clinic to clinic?
Ans: Cost differs from location to location, depending on type of LASERs.
Generation of LASER SYSTEM used and facility of use of other LASER SYSTEM
as adjuvant treatment for better results.
Q.
How does hair grow?
Ans: Hair follicle is a punch like depressed tunnel in the
skin. Hair follicle occupies a space in superficial part of skin (epidermis)
and deeper part of the skin (dermis). Hairs are in 3 phases: a) Active
growth phase (called anagen phase): It lasts for several years. At any
given time about 85% of our hairs are in this phase. In this phase,
hairs have abundant melanin, b) Regressive or catagen phase: In this
phase, hairs stop growing but these hairs do not shed. About 3-4% body
hairs are in this phase at a given time. This phase lasts for two weeks.
Resting phase (telogen phase): In this phase, hairs fall out and new
hairs begin to grow. This phase lasts 5-6 weeks. Approximately 10-13
per cent of our body hairs are in this phase at any given time.
Q.
Describe structure of hair?
Ans: We see hair shaft outside the skin. It is keratinized hardened
tissue. Hair shaft, which grows from the base of pouch like structures
below the skin, is called as hair follicle. Thicker pigmented hairs
are terminal hairs. These are thicker and pigmented. We consider these
as real hairs. These are present on the scalp, eyebrows, legs, and backs.
Most of our hairs are fine and pale hairs (vellus hairs), so, even though
we have more hairs than chimpanzees and gorillas per square inch of
the skin, we do not appear hairy.
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Beauty is for presentation, confidence and social acceptability.
Beauty is for better confidence, better job, better efficiency, better
success and best life.
What
is indeed patient’s view? What is our view? What is technically
feasible? We always think three dimensionally by considering all these
three questions and answers.
Excess
hairs on the back and on the chest:
Hairs on back and excess hairs on the chest is disgusting in men. To
apply depilatory creams and to shave is not possible for one. Waxing
and electrolysis is costly in this area. It takes a lot of time. Laser
hair removal is cost effective and requires less time. Hairs on chest
can be a sign of masculinity but excess hairs are embarrassing. Patient
may use shaving, depilatory cream, waxing or electrolysis but LASER
hair removal is ideal and effective treatment. Since recent few years,
LASER hair removal is becoming popular amendment. Other hair removal
methods are thought as costly, time consuming, tedious and painful.
Leg
hair removal:
Although
hair removal methods like shaving, depilatory creams, waxing and electrolysis
are used, these are tedious methods. Waxing and electrolysis are not
cost effective. Waxing needs frequent repetition after every six weeks.
Electrolysis takes longer time and costs more than treatment by Laser.
Hair removal Laser hair removal from legs 1 to
1 ½ hours is required and results are permanent.
Genital
or pubic hairs:
To remove hairs by non-LASER method, from bikini and pubic and genital
area has its unique problem. This area is prone for itching, irritation,
ingrowth of hairs. Shaving causes micro injuries in this area and this
area is less prone for healing (due to sweating and closed space) as
compared to face (which is more exposed to dryness). Hair removal creams
or depilatory creams are if left for longer period may cause chemical
burns and their results are temporary. Ooouch bikini waxing and Brazilian
bikini waxing hurts after sometime. Electrolyisis requires some outgrowth
and procedure takes longer time. All these methods can exacerbate feeling
of itching, irritation and ingrowth of hairs. Rarely laser may induce
hypertrichosis in non treated areas.
After Laser treatment, sometimes, regrowth of other hairs is seen. But
these hairs are thinner and lighter in colour. So, these are less noticeable
or not noticeable.
Therapist takes history of patients expectations, medications, history
of scarring, previous hair removal strategies, local infection, endocrine
status, recent sun exposure, patients habits and medications. History
of use of minoxidil hampers hair removal. Patients on hormonal therapy
and patients with endocrine abnormalities of those who have past attempt
of hair removal or patient with skin diseases may likely to have poor
results. Let therapist know hobbies and habits.
Hair
loss in females:
There are 3 inter dependent factors that participate in common type
of baldness. These are hormones, genetics and father time. Follicles
are continuously exposed to DHT. So miniaturization of hair takes place.
Due to thinning of hair balding develops. The individual begins to see
larger number of hairs on the comb, the towel, the pillow cover and
in bathroom drains. For a youth, it is traumatic experience. Beginning
of baldness is seen in 3% women at an age of 20 years. In 25% women
at an age of 50 years and 30% women at an age of 80 years. Baldness
in women is often underestimated because women try hard to hide baldness.
In women, there is no recession of hairline. I.e. they retain anterior
hairline. Women have baldness in the form of diffuse thinning due to
diffuse hair loss throughout the mid scalp. Females lose hair in the
late thirties and it reaches its peak at the age of fifty years when
testosterone level falls.
Sometimes female has baldness like standard pattern of baldness in males.
It can be exacerbated by androgen (testosterone) hormone therapy. Such
women have recession of hairline. They have loss of hairs at temples
and crown area. If such patient has elevated level of androgenic hormone,
they cannot be benefited by propecia.
5% Rogan halts further hair loss and some regrowth of hairs takes place.
2% Rogan is used in female but for effective results, 5% concentration
may be used under medical care. Individual may develop side effects
like itching and redness on the scalp. Heart medication like spironolactone
(Aldactome) block activity of androgens. Women on this medication may
develop irregular menses, mood swings and breast tenderness. Both of
these medicines may be used indefinitely.
Male
pattern of baldness:
Male pattern of baldness starts due to high level of testosterone (Androgens).
It begins in the late twenties. It begins with recession of the anterior
hairline and generally all hairs are lost in front of recessing hair
line. Hair loss is felt as surprise once it is developed. Pattern of
hair loss may be different in men and women. Androgenic alopecia or
male pattern hair loss is most common. Baldness in males is ‘male
thing’. It may be inherited. So, also female androgenic alopecia
for female pattern baldness is common type of hair loss in 20% women.
It may be inherited. Thinning of hair is acceptable only in women of
very old age. Pattern of hair loss is not easily recognizable as those
in men.

Pattern
of hair loss in female androgenic alopecia:
1) diffused thinning of entire scalp with
a) More hair loss in front part of the scalp not involving frontal hair
line or involving frontal hair line.
b) Diffuse hair loss with thinning towards the back of the scalp.
c) Alopecia areata: Hair loss in patches. So, islands of retained hair
develop. It is a recurrent disease in scalp and eye brow area. Hairs
usually grow back in 6 months to one year but hair loss in some area
may recur in future. It may be autoimmune disorders. Anxiety and stress
aggravates. Use corticosteroids locally, topically or by injection.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) may help. If disease is old, results are poor. When
hair loss affects whole scalp it is called alopecia totalis.
d) Triangular alopecia: hair are lost in temporal areas. It can be treated
surgically or medically.
e) Scarring alopecia: It is due to scar in that area. Disease can also
cause scarring e.g. autoimmune condition like lupus erythematous. Scleroderma,
bacterial infection (folliculitis), fungal infection and viral infection
(Herpes zoster).
f) Trichotillomania: Due to psychological and emotional reasons patient
has compulsion for pulling hairs in selected areas. Psychological cause
should be treated.
g) Traction alopecia: Some women do tight braiding or corn row hair
styles. So, she loses hair at hair line. Some men attach hair pins to
some hairs over a long period of time and so these hairs are lost.

When
baldness is in progress, hairs gradually reduce in diameter and length.
Slowly most of baldness areas are affected. Gradual hair become fine
(vellus) and lighter in colour. Inheritance of baldness may be from
father’s side or mother’s side.
Daily trauma of combing and washing affects hair in resting phase (telogen)
and so hair in resting phase are susceptible to hair loss.
Incidence of androgenic alopecia is more during and after menopause.
There
are 3 patterns of hair loss:
• Grade I: Thinning of hair on the central scalp (top of the head)
• Grade II: Thinning of hair and patches of greater scalp of hair
loss
• Grade III: Male pattern of hair loss at the front of the scalp
to mid scalp.
Temporary
hair loss is not treated with hair transplant.
Hair loss can be first sign of medical condition. It should be treated
fully before considering hair transplant. Note hair colour, hair texture,
degree of hair curl, skin to scalp hair colour contrast during hair
assessment. Surgeon creatively uses colour, texture and curl of transplanted
hairs to complement existing hairs and recreate an appearance of density
in area of diffuse hair loss.
Telogen
effluvium:
Hormonal imbalance, deficiencies of nutrients, stress and certain drug
may cause it. Large percentage of hairs are shifted in shedding phase
and so hair loss develops.
Loose
anagen syndrome:
In fair haired person, scalp hairs become loose in hair follicles and
so they lose hair by pulling or combing. It is seen in childhood. As
person ages it improves.
Due
to normal cyclic activities of hair growth everyone loses hair from
infancy to old age. Hair follicle goes through complete hair growth
cycle 10-20 times over a normal human life time. On an overage about
100 hairs may be lost daily in full head of hair. When person realizes,
hair loss or growing baldness, different questions and doubts arise
in his mind like “Will I lose hair permanently? Will I be really
bald? How much baldness may develop? Can it be prevented? Person’s
stress increases due to such questions in his mind and his efforts to
find real answers. When a person realizes hair loss or thinning of hairs
on the scalp, he should start medical line of treatment for hair restoration
at earliest. After pregnancy, hair loss may develop due to decreased
levels of estrogen and more hairs shift into catagen phase. In pregnancy,
catagen phase of hairs is arrested. Post fever and post traumatic hair
loss can also develop.
It is difficult to predict who will have baldness at early stage. If
father has baldness at early stage, son may develop it at his early
stage also. There is always inherent tendency of untainted progress
of baldness. All men and women produce ‘male hormones’ but
in different concentration. In certain cells of hair follicle and sebaceous
glands, there is a high level of S-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts
testosterone into dihydrotestesterone. Propecia (finasteride) limits
activities of 5-alpha reductase enzyme.
When woman consults for aesthetic purpose in hair loss, she should let
the doctor know what she feels about her appearance and how she wants
others to perceive her. What hair style she is using to reduce appearance
of thinning hair, which hair style she would use after hair restoration,
will she change her hair style, curl, colour after the hair restoration.
Does she want a luxurious head of hairs which may require procedures
like hair wearing and hair extenders.
Patients, with hirsutism, may have acne, seborrhea, obesity, acanthesis
nigericans, ovarian tumours, hypothyroidism. So, ask to do USG of abdomen
and T3, T4 estimation, 20% of them may have tubo ovarian mass. Idiopathic
hirsutism is the most common. But hormonal assessment is done for medicolegal
reason.
Cryptoteron
acetate:
It can be given for 3 years with a gap of 2-3 months at 6 months interval.
80-100 mg cryptoferon acetated for 10 days prior to menstruation lie
from 15 to 25th day) low dosage of CPA (2 mg to 35 mg with ethenyl estradiol
for 21 days of each menstrual cycle can also be given. Side effects:
Weight gain, fatigue, loss of libido.
Spironolactones: 100-300 mg /day, side effects: abnormal menstrual cycle,
tenderness and engorgement of breast.
Fenosteride 5 mg daily, oral contraceptives, metformin – a biguanide.
Gently pull some hair & if you get 4-8 hairs at a time, it is significant
telogen effluvium.
Shave area & see after 48 hours how many hairs have grown.
1.6 DANDRUFF BALDNESS:
Two in every three men go bald and one in four women
suffer from hair loss. For women, hair loss is cosmetic death. In females,
hair loss results in severe thinning of mid scalp. Hair on the top and
back of the head becomes sparse. In women lion’s share of hair
loss is by androgenic alopecia.
Dandruff:
Dandruff, seborrhea (excessive oiliness), seborrhoeic dermatitis (oily
crusts adhering to inflamed itchy moist scalp skin) are common conditions
of the scalp. Dandruff is mild form of most common scalp disease. It
is due to little more than normal shedding of dead skin cells from the
scalp. White flakes accumulate and adhere to the scalp. These fall on
clothing, bedding, furniture. In excess oily scalp, flakes accumulate
in more quantity and adhere to hair in whitish globs. When oil secretion
increases e.g. in puberty or when androgenic (male) hormone are out
of balance excessive oiliness crusting and itching may lead to development
of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is without medical consequence. Mild
dandruff can be effectively managed by regular use of mild anti dandruff
shampoo once or twice in a week over the counter shampoos contain ketoconazole,
zinc pyrithione tar and selenium oxide. Use of minoxidil can cause or
worsen dandruff in some patients. So, scalp irritation, dryness and
itching increases and scalp may be broken and bleeding may develop.
It develops more in winter when air is dry. Stop minoxidil or reduce
its dose.
Scaly
scalp:
Scale full on the collar & other parts. Dry scale can be seen in
psoriasis. Systemic methotrexate is given.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes greasy scaly scalp.
Topical steroid with oral flucanazole, kencornazole, iatraconazole can
be given.
How
long shampoo should be continued?
How frequently it is used?
Are the shampoos with conditioner should be used? In shampoo conditioners,
antidandruffs are added. For normal scalp baby shampoo is better. Particles
of Ayurvedic shampoo like Shikakai can become negus for bacteria or
fungus. Shampoo should not be kept for longer period.
Steroid in foam form can spread properly & can reach to the roots
of the hairs. Part of ointment preparation on hairs may make hair more
weak.
1.7 CASE PAPER FOR HAIR REMOVAL
H/O
plucking, threading, waxing, electrolysis
H/O bleaching
Frequency of sunlight exposure, frequent / usual. History of menstrual
cycle – regular / irregular.
H/O deliveries / Infertility
Oral steroid/ contraception/ scarring/ keloid