Hair transplant surgery is considered one of the best treatment options for severe hair loss. Most commonly used to treat male pattern baldness, it’s a notoriously expensive treatment; one which many people cannot afford. However, hope has been provided to the people of India as Osmania General Hospital (OGH) becomes the first Government hospital to offer free hair transplant surgery.
A saving of 50,000 rupees
While 50,000 rupees may only be equivalent to around 499 Great British Pounds, in India it’s a lot of money. It would be the equivalent of receiving a free hair transplant in the UK, when the cost varies from £6,000 to £30,000, depending upon how many grafts you need and which method is used.
The free transplant was performed on a 27-year-old male and it took around six hours to complete. There were 22 doctors involved in the hair transplant, split into two teams. One team was responsible for removing hair from the donor site at the rear of the head, while the other inserted it into the affected area.
It’s the first time a hair transplant has been carried out in a government based hospital. So it does produce hope that other countries may follow suit. However, it’s unlikely something that will be offered anytime soon.
Alternative, cheaper options
As free hair transplants aren’t likely to be offered in the UK anytime soon, what alternative, cheaper treatments are available to those who can’t afford the procedure?
Well, for mild baldness and thinning, Minoxidil and other medications could work. A topical treatment, it works to stop hair loss from getting worse, but won’t regrow the hair. Laser treatments can also be effective at stimulating the scalp and encouraging healthy regrowth.
If the problem is more severe, SMP could be the way to go. This is largely suitable for those happy to sport a shaved look. It tattoos pigments into the scalp, creating a shaved look with a realistic hair follicle design. It will fade over time, but it’s results are long-lasting and it’s much cheaper than a hair transplant.
Overall there are many treatments out there and the one that’s right for you will depend upon the severity of the problem and the cause behind it. Always seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist before undergoing any treatment for hair loss.
