Lucknow: Baldness, or alopecia, affects many men and women due to factors such as genetics and stress. While hair transplants offer an effective solution, experts caution that the procedure carries risks—some potentially fatal.
A recent tragic case in Kanpur highlights these dangers. Vineet, an assistant engineer, underwent a hair transplant that led to severe complications. According to his wife Jaya, immediately after the procedure, Vineet’s face and eyes became swollen beyond recognition. Despite treatment efforts, he passed away days later. Following this, police registered a formal complaint against the clinic and doctor involved, nearly two months after the incident.
Dr. Vijay Kumar, a plastic surgeon at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), emphasized the importance of having hair transplants performed only by qualified medical professionals. “Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that should not be conducted in parlours, salons, or unregulated clinics,” he said. “While the surgery itself is generally safe, improper techniques by untrained technicians can pose serious health risks.”
According to Dr. Kumar, hair transplantation boasts a 99% success rate when carried out correctly. The procedure typically uses Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which involves implanting hair follicles into the scalp. He noted that the Kanpur case lacked oversight from a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, a factor that likely contributed to the fatal outcome.
Explaining the biology behind male pattern baldness, Dr. Kumar stated that testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) after a certain age, affecting hair roots and causing thinning, especially at the front of the scalp. This condition predominantly affects men, accounting for around 95% of cases.
To maintain healthy hair, Dr. Kumar recommends a diet rich in vitamins, biotin, minerals, and proteins—found in foods such as almonds, peanuts, cashews, cabbage, and flaxseed. Deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to hair loss.
He also highlighted lifestyle factors, including stress and frequent use of chemical hair products, which exacerbate hair fall. “Changing shampoos and oils too often, along with a dry scalp, can weaken hair roots,” he added.
In women, hormonal imbalances linked to thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), nutritional deficiencies, and blood disorders can trigger hair loss.
Dr. Kumar further warned that individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic disorders should avoid hair transplants due to the risks posed by anesthesia and prolonged surgery times. “The patient remains unconscious for six to seven hours during grafting, which can be dangerous for those with certain health issues,” he explained.
He also cautioned patients on allergy medications and those with heart problems to refrain from the procedure, as postoperative medicines and anesthesia could provoke adverse reactions.
Highlighting regulatory concerns, Dr. Kumar noted that the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued guidelines in 2022 governing cosmetic surgeries including hair transplants. These guidelines address facility standards and specialist qualifications. “Unfortunately, compliance across the country remains inconsistent,” he said.
Dr. Kumar urged prospective patients to verify the credentials of their surgeons and ensure that clinics have proper operation theatre facilities and emergency protocols. “It is crucial to confirm that qualified dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform the transplant, as they are skilled in critical steps like creating hairline designs and transplant direction,” he concluded.
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