Question 1

What is FUE hair transplant and how does it work at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a surgical hair restoration procedure that individually extracts follicular units from the donor area of the scalp and implants them into areas of hair loss. At HairMD, Dr. Sachin Pawar performs all FUE procedures using precision micro-punch tools. Each follicular unit, containing 1 to 4 hair strands, is extracted one at a time, stored in a temperature-controlled saline solution, and implanted at the correct angle and direction to recreate a natural hairline. The procedure takes 6 to 8 hours under local anaesthesia. Graft survival rate at HairMD is 95 to 98 percent.

Question 2

What is the difference between FUE and FUT hair transplant? Which does HairMD recommend?

Accepted Answer

FUE removes individual follicles one at a time, leaving no linear scar, with shorter recovery, and suits patients who wear their hair short. FUT removes a strip of scalp skin from the donor area, yielding more grafts per session, and is better suited to advanced baldness (Norwood 6 to 7) requiring 4,000 or more grafts. HairMD recommends FUE for most patients due to its minimal scarring, faster recovery and versatility. The right method depends on hair loss stage, donor density and lifestyle, assessed during the free consultation.

Question 3

How many grafts do I need for a hair transplant?

Accepted Answer

Graft count at HairMD is determined by the Norwood Scale stage: Norwood 2 to 3 requires 1,000 to 2,000 grafts; Norwood 4 requires 2,000 to 3,000 grafts; Norwood 5 to 6 requires 3,000 to 4,500 grafts; Norwood 7 may require 4,500 or more grafts or staged procedures. Dr. Sachin Pawar performs a trichoscopy and scalp analysis during the consultation to give a precise, personalised graft estimate based on donor density and recipient area size.

Question 4

What is the recovery time after FUE hair transplant at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

Most HairMD patients return to desk work within 3 to 5 days of FUE surgery. Transplanted hair sheds between weeks 2 and 4 (shock loss), which is normal and does not indicate failure. New growth begins from week 12. Noticeable density improvement is visible at months 6 to 9. Full results, including final hairline shape and texture match, are established at 12 to 18 months. Patients are advised to avoid direct sun exposure, heavy exercise and swimming for 2 to 4 weeks post-procedure.

Question 5

Can women get a hair transplant at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HairMD has a dedicated female hair transplant programme. Female hair loss patterns differ from male pattern baldness: women typically experience diffuse thinning rather than receding hairlines, and donor area assessment requires specialist evaluation. HairMD's dermatologists are experienced in female hair restoration including hairline lowering and crown density restoration. A trichoscopy is performed to confirm suitability before any procedure is planned.

Question 6

Why do some hair transplants fail, and how does HairMD prevent this?

Accepted Answer

Hair transplant failure is most commonly caused by poor graft handling, incorrect follicle angulation, inadequate donor assessment, or post-operative infection. HairMD prevents this through strict graft survival protocols (grafts kept in chilled saline and implanted within 4 to 6 hours of extraction), experienced surgeons with dedicated hair transplant focus, detailed pre-surgery scalp analysis, and comprehensive post-operative care with scheduled follow-up consultations.

Question 7

How many PRP sessions are needed for hair loss at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

PRP therapy at HairMD typically requires 4 to 6 initial sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. Results are usually visible from the third session onward, with peak results at 6 to 9 months. PRP is most effective for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia (Norwood 1 to 4 in men, Ludwig 1 to 2 in women). HairMD's dermatologists assess hair loss stage before recommending PRP as a standalone or combination treatment.

Question 8

What is the difference between PRP and GFC treatment for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Both PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) use the patient's own blood to extract growth factors that stimulate hair follicles. The difference is concentration and precision: GFC isolates specific growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF and FGF) at a higher concentration than standard PRP, making it more targeted and potent. GFC also has lower platelet activation risk and more predictable outcomes session to session. HairMD offers both and recommends GFC for patients who have not responded adequately to PRP, or who want faster results from the initial course.

Question 9

What is scalp mesotherapy for hair loss and how does it work at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

Scalp mesotherapy involves micro-injections of a customised solution, containing vitamins (Biotin, B12, B6), minerals (Zinc, Selenium), amino acids and DHT blockers, directly into the mesoderm layer of the scalp. This bypasses the digestive system and delivers nutrients directly to hair follicles, improving scalp circulation, reducing DHT-induced follicle miniaturisation and strengthening existing hair. At HairMD, the mesotherapy solution is customised based on the patient's hair loss pattern, scalp condition and blood test results. The standard protocol is 6 to 8 sessions spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart.

Question 10

What are the side effects of scalp mesotherapy at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

Mesotherapy is minimally invasive with low risk of side effects. The most common are mild redness, tenderness and small bumps at injection sites, which resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Bruising is rare. At HairMD, the procedure is performed by trained dermatologists using sterile, single-use needles. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the session.

Question 11

Is LLLT effective for androgenetic alopecia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Low Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) is clinically validated for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Multiple peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials demonstrate statistically significant improvements in hair count and density with LLLT. It works by stimulating mitochondrial activity in hair follicle cells, increasing ATP production and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. At HairMD, LLLT is used as a standalone treatment for early-stage hair loss and as a complementary therapy alongside PRP, GFC or post-transplant care to accelerate regrowth.

Question 12

Is Excimer laser treatment available for alopecia areata in Pune?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HairMD offers Excimer laser treatment for alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) at its Pune branches. Excimer laser delivers targeted narrow-band UV-B light at 308 nm directly to affected patches, stimulating immune modulation and hair follicle reactivation without affecting surrounding healthy skin. It is one of the most effective treatments for alopecia areata, particularly for patches that have not responded to topical steroids or minoxidil. HairMD is one of the few clinics in Pune offering this treatment under dermatologist supervision.

Question 13

What are the criteria for hair transplant candidacy at HairMD?

Accepted Answer

HairMD's dermatologists assess: stable hair loss (pattern should not have significantly changed in the past 12 months); adequate donor density (minimum 40 to 80 follicular units per square cm in the donor zone); age (typically 25 and above, as younger patients may have unstable loss patterns); hair type (coarser, curlier hair common in Indian patients provides better coverage per graft); and general health (no active scalp infections, no uncontrolled diabetes, no blood clotting disorders). Patients on blood thinners may need to pause medication before surgery.

Question 14

Am I too young for a hair transplant at 25 to 28 years old?

Accepted Answer

Age alone does not disqualify a patient, but early-stage hair loss in younger patients requires careful evaluation. The primary concern is that hair loss may continue progressing after a transplant, requiring future procedures. At HairMD, surgeons assess progression pattern, family history and donor density before recommending surgery for patients under 30. For patients whose hair loss is still actively progressing, HairMD typically recommends stabilising it with PRP, GFC or medical therapy first before proceeding to transplant.

Question 15

What is the difference between FUE hair transplant and PRP therapy for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

FUE and PRP address hair loss at different stages. FUE is a surgical procedure that permanently relocates healthy follicles to areas of baldness; it is the right option when follicles in the recipient area are already permanently lost. PRP is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates existing but weakened follicles to produce stronger, thicker hair; it works best when follicles are still present but miniaturised. PRP cannot restore hair where follicles are completely absent. At HairMD, PRP is recommended for Norwood 1 to 4, while FUE is recommended for Norwood 3 to 7 where medical treatments alone are insufficient.

Question 16

What is the difference between PRP and mesotherapy for hair regrowth?

Accepted Answer

PRP delivers concentrated growth factors from the patient's own blood to stimulate follicle regeneration; it is most effective for androgenetic alopecia where follicle miniaturisation from DHT is the primary issue. Mesotherapy delivers a customised cocktail of vitamins, minerals, DHT blockers and amino acids directly into the scalp; it is particularly effective for nutritional deficiency-related hair loss and scalp health improvement. At HairMD, both treatments are often combined: mesotherapy addresses the scalp environment and nutrition while PRP directly stimulates follicle activity.

Question 17

What is the difference between LLLT and red light therapy for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Clinical-grade LLLT uses coherent, monochromatic laser light at a precise wavelength (630 to 670 nm) to penetrate the scalp and stimulate follicles at a cellular level. Consumer red light therapy devices use non-coherent LED light at similar wavelengths; the light is less focused and delivers less consistent energy doses. At HairMD, LLLT is administered using medical-grade equipment calibrated for optimal scalp penetration. For patients with androgenetic alopecia, clinic-based LLLT typically shows faster and more reliable results than home red light devices.