Why is India an emerging hair transplant hot spot?

When it came to getting a hair transplant for himself, Harjit Singh Lodwal, 40, an NRI based in Chicago, USA, chose India after a lot of meticulous research. Lodwal says he chose a state-of-the-art clinic in Jaipur for two reasons: the expertise of its surgeons and, just as importantly, the high standards of hygiene practiced there. “I did a lot of research on the hair transplant treatment options available in the US and Europe. Hygiene was a key factor for me. What I found was that not only were the procedures very expensive, but the standards of hygiene in the clinics that offered them were very low in these countries,” says Lodwal.

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While Turkey continues to be the ‘hair transplant capital of the world’, India is emerging as a preferred choice, of late, being ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for the same. Dr Nitin Soni, Chief Consultant at Medispa Hair Transplant Centre, Delhi and Jaipur, cites a few reasons for this. “Hair transplantation is both medical and artistic work. It is a cosmetic procedure where the primary goal is to draw the hairline and give a natural look to the client. And in India today, we have more professional and skilled surgeons who are capable of doing it compared to other countries.” Also, while it may not be a major surgery, Soni says clinics in India take care of every tiny detail.

“We make sure that the operating theater has every medical equipment, including a defibrillator for any emergency. There is no room for carelessness,” he says. Surgical instruments from scalpels to forceps undergo strict sterilization to eliminate potential pathogens. In addition, the application of disposable materials such as disposable gowns, drapes, and equipment covers further help maintain aseptic conditions. “This dual commitment to sterilization and instrument use not only minimizes the risk of cross-contamination during the procedure, but also aligns with the highest standards of surgical hygiene, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients undergoing hair transplant surgery,” he observes. Soni.

All over the world, hair fall is increasing due to factors like stress, pollution, family history, hard water, lifestyle changes and so on. Needless to say, the proliferation of the problem has led to the emergence of numerous hair growth products and procedures. Dr. Santpal Sangwan, hair transplant surgeon at Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic, Gurgaon, says, “You have a range of products available today to help hair growth, but unfortunately, none of them are effective in the long run. Therefore, people irrespective of their age opt for hair transplantation. Sangwan further notes that while earlier, the age of hair transplant clients ranged between 20 and 30 years old, today there are also senior citizens signing up for the treatment.

“I recently performed a hair transplant on a 62-year-old woman. It just goes to show you how awareness and accessibility to the process has transformed people’s mindsets.” Sangwan attributes this behavior to the normalization of cosmetic interventions. “The prevailing narrative has shifted from viewing such interventions as mere vanity to recognizing them as valid tools for boosting self-confidence and well-being,” he explains.

Whether you’re an NRI like Lodwal or a 60-year-old who wants to look good, the other factor that makes India a viable option is how wallet-friendly the treatment is. Dr. Divyasree, dermatologist, trichologist and co-founder of Dermiq Skin Clinic in Hyderabad, points out that in India the cost of hair transplant is comparatively affordable than in the US.

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She explains, “The cost of each transplant in India is around Rs. 20-30 while in US, it is $5-10 (which is around Rs. 400-800 considering the conversion rate). So, the average cost for a hair transplant surgery in India ranges from Rs. 90,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh, while in the US, it falls in the range of Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh for a similar number of transplants. “The cost difference serves as a major factor for people to travel to India for the procedure,” he says.

Inventive Marketing
The Indian hair transplant market, valued at approximately $180 million in 2021, is poised for significant growth and is expected to reach approximately $560 million by 2030. This projected expansion reflects a strong CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of approximately 12% which spanning the years 2022 to 2030. The substantial growth of the industry is largely attributed to effective marketing strategies implemented by clinical and leading industry experts. The campaigns, highlighting the technological advancements in the processes, succeeded in instilling confidence in potential customers in India and abroad.

Dr Aarushi Mittal from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Bhangagarh, agrees that over the years “the recognition of the idea that hair transplantation is a healthy option” has made a huge difference. He says, “Marketing has been instrumental in the growth of the hair transplant industry by creating awareness about the procedure, highlighting its benefits and reducing the stigma.” Advertising, online campaigns and testimonials, says Mittal, have made it more accessible to a wider audience.

Hair transplant methods
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the scalp, known as the donor area) to a bald or thinning area (the recipient area). The primary purpose of hair transplantation is to treat androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. There are two main methods of hair transplantation:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which involves removing a strip of scalp and extracting the hair follicles.
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), where individual follicles are collected directly from the donor area. Both methods aim to transplant healthy hair follicles into areas with hair loss.

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Reasons for hair transplant
Dr Anand Vaggu, dermatologist at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, lists the main reasons why people opt for the treatment:

1. Androgenetic alopecia: The most common reason for a hair transplant is a genetic predisposition to hair loss. This condition causes hair follicles to become sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to shrinking of hair follicles and eventually hair loss. Hair transplantation helps relocate DHT-resistant follicles to areas affected by baldness.

2. Permanent solution: Transplanted hair is usually resistant to the effects of DHT and tends to grow naturally for life, thus offering a more permanent solution compared to non-surgical options such as drugs or topical treatments.

3. Improved appearance: A successful hair transplant can restore a natural and fuller head of hair, enhancing a person’s overall appearance and self-confidence.

4. Physical results: Skilled surgeons carefully design the hairline and strategically transplant individual follicles, ensuring a natural result that matches the patient’s original hair pattern.

5. Non-response to drugs: In cases where hair loss is not effectively controlled with drugs such as minoxidil or finasteride, hair transplantation may be a viable option.

6. Repairing scars or bald spots: A hair transplant can be used to fill in scars from previous surgeries or injuries, as well as to address specific areas of baldness or thinning.

7. Stabilization of hair loss: Hair transplantation can help stabilize the progression of hair loss, especially when combined with other treatments, providing a long-term solution.

“It is important to emphasize that not everyone is a suitable candidate for a hair transplant. The decision to undergo such a procedure should be made after thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon. Additionally, it is important to maintain realistic expectations as individual results may vary,” advises Vaggu.

Tanisha Saxena is a freelance journalist based in Delhi. He writes stories that lie at the intersection of art, culture and lifestyle.

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