Hair Transplant and Medical Tourism

 

Dr Saroj Poudel

Hair transplant tourism, particularly to countries like Turkey, India and Nepal is on the rise. Currently, it is likely that more people will be exploring the option of having their hair transplants abroad. It is important to acknowledge that there are many good clinics around the globe offering hair transplant surgery. Unfortunately, in certain countries, these are heavily outnumbered by other clinics popping up to cash in on the trend promising low prices and guaranteed results. Concerningly, these clinics exist in countries where regulation is limited and are reported to have non-medical professionals will little to no experience performing the actual surgery.

Hair transplants are generally a safe and effective solution for hair loss when performed by a suitably trained doctor, but despite these complications can occur. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) highlights how some complications like skin necrosis (skin death), unsightly scarring and over-harvesting are often seen as a result of poorly performed surgery. These can cause unsatisfactory outcomes or ongoing issues for the patient which in some cases can be irreparable.

Should a complication arise, being able to see the surgeon or their team is very important as only they will know what happened in the operation. Furthermore, that person needs to be suitably qualified to manage the complication effectively. In some cases, patients who have had surgery abroad are left without support from their clinic once they have returned. It is therefore important to look out for clinics who have the patient’s best interests.

Here are some tips for your convenience while making step-by-step plans for hair transplant medical tourism:

Step 1: Selecting the appropriate clinic: 

The first thing to do is to carefully select your clinic. Before choosing a certain clinic, a number of criteria must be evaluated.  Making notes and selecting the best clinic that meets your list of requirements is preferable.

In terms of services, the “Nirvana Skin Clinic and Hair Transplant Centre” in Kathmandu, Nepal has excelled and has been at the top of the list when it comes to choosing the best option.  Finding the best surgeon in the visiting nation at a price that fits their budget is the first consideration. 

Step 2: Online consultation: 

After selecting the clinic, it’s important to schedule a free online consultation to see whether a hair transplant is practical for you. It’s likely that you are not a good candidate for a hair transplant because of a few important aspects to take into account before making a decision. Hence, it is best to confirm your eligibility for a hair transplant beforehand in order to prevent disappointment. The list of prerequisites for the online consultation is as follows:

1. A recent photo of your balding region
2. Medical and personal history to determine the reason behind hair loss
3. A local dermatologist’s diagnosis of hair loss
4. Blood test: To identify vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune illnesses, and hormone imbalances.
5. Hair analysis: To evaluate infection and structural damage to your hair.
6. Densitometry analysis: To evaluate how your hair has been miniaturized.

Prior to your treatment, these tests can also be completed; but, in the event that your candidacy is denied owing to the existence of a potential cause, you will incur difficulty. Therefore, visiting local dermatologists for the procedure is always recommended.

Step 3: Booking for your trip: 

You can proceed to the following stage once your hair transplant appointment has been scheduled and your candidacy has been verified. The exhilaration of making travel plans to your ideal location, “Nepal,” which will transform your life when you return home with your most valued possession—your lost confidence and hair—comes next.

Step 4: In-person Appointment: After you have arrived at your hotels in luxury, go to the clinic of your choice and attend the consultation. The evaluation of the scalp is carried out during the consultation in order to look at the donor and recipient region, as well as the quantity and methodology of graft harvesting (FUE, Bio-FUE or DHT technique). The patient is then given a detailed explanation of the selected technique to help with comprehension and to dispel any uncertainties.

Step 5: Hair transplant operation: The much-anticipated day finally arrives after all the paperwork required for the treatment is completed. The procedure session, which starts in the morning, entails graft harvesting, graft segregation, and finally graft implantation at the recipient location. Following the procedure, formalities and post-operative instructions are followed.

Why is Nepal the upcoming popular country for hair transplants?

Hair transplant surgery has become a sought-after procedure globally, offering a solution to hair loss and balding. The rise of medical tourism has opened doors to high-quality, cost-effective hair restoration treatments worldwide. Here we will explore the hair transplant surgery, considering factors like the quality of medical care, technological advancements, affordability, and patient satisfaction.

• Quality of Medical Care in Hair Transplant Surgery

Quality medical care is paramount in hair transplant procedures. Countries that rank high in this field typically have stringent medical regulations, highly trained surgeons, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. These aspects ensure that patients receive the best possible care, minimizing risks and maximizing successful outcomes.

• Technological Advancements in Hair Restoration

Technology plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of hair transplant surgeries. Countries leading in this sector often have access to advanced hair restoration technologies like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Bio-FUE (Bio-enhanced FUE) and DHT (Direct Hair Transplant), ensuring precise and natural-looking results.

• Cost-Effectiveness of Hair Transplant Procedures

Cost is a significant factor for many considering hair transplant surgery. Some countries offer these procedures at a fraction of the cost found in others, without compromising on quality. This affordability, coupled with high standards of care, makes these destinations popular among medical tourists.

Important Tips for safeguarding yourself if you are considering surgery:

1. Ask if you will meet your hair transplant surgeon prior to the day of surgery and prior to any exchange of payment. 
2. Find out who the surgeon is, what their qualifications and experience are and where you can verify this.
3. Ask who will be in charge of the procedure and make sure you know which parts of the surgery will be done by a doctor and which by a non-doctor.
4. Is the clinic registered with a health care authority?
5. What language will the doctors, nurses and other health workers involved in your care use and what language will your medical notes be in?
6. If a holiday ‘package’ is included in the price are there any hidden costs associated with this?
7. How would the clinic deal with an emergency if serious complications were to arise during the procedure?
8. How long will you need to stay abroad before you are well enough to travel back?
9. Who can you contact for advice once you are back and will follow up checks be offered

The advantages of Hair Transplant at Nirvana Skin Clinic

Nirvana Skin Clinic in Kathmandu has emerged as a premier destination for hair transplant surgery and is considered one of the best clinics in Nepal for hair transplantation. Known for its combination of experienced surgeons, cutting-edge technology, and affordable prices, the clinic attracts patients from all over the world and is renowned for expertise in FUE, Bio-FUE and DHT techniques. The medical facilities are equipped with the latest in hair restoration technology offering a blend of high-quality care and cost-effectiveness.

Dr Bipin Bhattachan and Dr Saroj Poudel, the Co-founder and Director of the clinic, both are trained hair transplant surgeons and have well experience in the field before they started their own. Both the specialists in hair transplants are board-certified medical professionals with a focus on dermatology and cosmetic medicine and have completed extra training in hair restoration and trichology. Both of them constantly attend further medical trainings and offer their patients the highest standards at all times.

The pricing at Nirvana Skin Clinic is also clear. There are so-called all-inclusive packages which includes not only the hair transplant, but also the hotel accommodation, the transfer service, the medication and various aids. Only the flights have to be booked by the patient getting to Nepal for the hair transplant. 

Summary:

To minimize risks, individuals considering medical tourism for hair transplant surgery should thoroughly research potential clinics, understand the risks involved, communicate effectively, and weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. Seeking advice from qualified medical professionals in their home country before making decisions is also recommended.