Alex – Hend Hassan:
The field of hair transplantation has witnessed significant development in recent years, with the emergence of advanced techniques that have helped reduce surgical intervention and expand the options available to patients, alongside advances in diagnostic and pre-transplant treatment methods.At a time when techniques such as FUE, Nano FUE, and DHI have become among the most prominent options for those seeking to restore their hair, specialists emphasize that identifying the underlying cause of hair loss and reaching a stable stage remain among the most important factors in determining whether hair transplantation is necessary in the first place.
In an interview with the “Emirati Media Agency,” Dr. Ahmed El-Shamy, a hair transplantation specialist at Pioneer Hair Transplant Center, discusses the most common causes of hair loss among men and women, when hair transplantation becomes an appropriate option, the differences between modern techniques, the reasons behind variations in results, and the key criteria patients should consider when choosing the right doctor and medical center.
The interview also addresses the development of hair transplantation in Egypt, the volume of international patients, the factors determining the cost of the procedure, Egypt’s ability to compete in the field of medical tourism, and the psychological impact of hereditary baldness on patients.
When does hair loss become a warning sign that requires medical intervention? How can normal hair shedding be distinguished from pathological hair loss?
Hair shedding is a natural process that occurs in everyone. The normal rate is approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, the problem begins when hair loss becomes noticeably greater than usual, accompanied by changes in hair density and the appearance of previously nonexistent gaps or thinning areas that can be visibly detected. These are among the most important indicators distinguishing normal shedding from pathological hair loss.
What are the most common causes of hair loss? Do they differ between men and women?
There are multiple causes, but genetic factors account for the majority of hair loss cases among men, which is what we commonly refer to as male-pattern or hereditary baldness.
Other causes include psychological stress, certain scalp diseases, and nutritional problems.
Among women, genetic factors are also present, but they account for a smaller proportion compared with men. Other factors tend to play a larger role, particularly hormonal changes. Anemia, vitamin D deficiency, general vitamin deficiencies, and poor nutrition can also significantly affect hair health.
If a patient suffers from continuous hair loss, is hair transplantation the immediate solution?
No. This is a very important point. A hair transplant should not be considered while the patient is still experiencing active hair loss, because the condition has not yet reached a stable stage.
We recommend hair transplantation once the patient reaches what is known as the “stabilization stage,” meaning that hair loss has stopped or stabilized and there is a clear, fixed area of hair loss that remains unchanged over a period of time that may extend to one year.During the active hair-loss stage, other treatment options can be used first.
What treatment options are available before reaching the transplantation stage?
There are oral medications prescribed according to the patient’s condition, as well as vitamins when deficiencies are present, topical treatments, and various sprays. These options can help many patients reduce hair loss, improve the quality of existing hair, and increase hair density.
There are also therapeutic sessions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesotherapy, during which various substances are injected into the scalp with the aim of improving follicle health and, consequently, the quality of existing hair.
Can a doctor determine from the outset whether a patient will respond to PRP or mesotherapy sessions?
No. The response varies from one person to another. Some patients respond well to treatment and experience improvement, while others do not achieve the same results.The body’s individual response to treatment varies, and genetic factors in men can have a significant impact, particularly when the effect of the hormone DHT on the hair follicles is strong. In such cases, sessions alone may not be sufficient to counteract this effect.
With the emergence of treatments such as exosomes, do patients now have new alternatives to traditional sessions?
Exosomes are among the treatment options that have emerged as part of therapeutic sessions. They are not a hair transplantation technique.There are other types of therapeutic sessions as well, all of which primarily aim to preserve existing hair, strengthen the follicles, and improve hair quality.
How have hair transplantation techniques evolved in recent years?
The field has undergone major development. In the past, FUT, or the strip technique, was widely used.
It involved removing an entire strip of scalp, extracting the follicles from it, and then transplanting them, while closing the donor area with sutures.Later, the field shifted toward extracting individual follicles rather than removing an entire strip. This led to the emergence and development of FUE, followed by advances in the tools used to extract follicles, eventually leading to techniques such as Nano FUE.
What distinguishes Nano FUE from FUE?
The basic concept of both techniques is the same: extracting individual hair follicles.
The main difference lies in the size of the extraction tool.The smaller the diameter of the tool, the smaller the amount of skin surrounding the follicle that is removed, which consequently reduces the visible effects of the extraction process.In the past, larger tools were used, while today it is possible to use tools with smaller diameters, helping reduce the marks left by follicle extraction.
What about DHI, which has attracted considerable attention?
One of the main advantages of DHI is that it allows the hair to retain its length during the extraction and transplantation process. Therefore, it can be used in certain cases without the need to completely shave the hair.However, the fact that a technique is newer does not necessarily mean it is the most suitable for every patient. The choice of technique should depend on the nature of the case, the donor area, and the area requiring transplantation.
Does hair length during transplantation affect the success rate of the procedure?
The way the follicle is handled during the procedure affects its ability to survive and grow.In FUE, the follicle is extracted and transplanted in a way that helps it become established and receive adequate blood supply.
When the hair is kept at its original length, however, there are different requirements during the initial period following transplantation.The first 10 days in particular are extremely important because the follicle needs adequate blood supply to become established and continue its growth cycle. After approximately 10 days, the shaft of the transplanted hair may shed. This is normal, and the hair subsequently begins to grow again from the follicle.Some patients worry when transplanted hair falls out after the procedure.
Does this mean the transplant has failed?
No. Hair shedding after the procedure does not necessarily mean that the follicle has been lost.
The transplanted hair may shed during the initial period while the follicle remains in place and subsequently begins producing a new hair.
During the early recovery period, it is important to protect the follicles from anything that could cause them to become dislodged or interfere with their blood supply.
Are there cases in which the procedure may produce unsatisfactory results?
It is difficult to use the word “failure” in absolute terms when discussing hair transplantation, because it is normal for not all transplanted follicles to grow at a 100% rate.
We look at the percentage of follicles that actually grow. For example, if 1,000 follicles are transplanted but less than 50% grow, this would be considered an unsatisfactory cosmetic result, although it would not mean that the procedure had failed completely.
What are the main factors that can lead to a lower success rate?
There are several factors. One of the most important is the competence of the medical team assisting the doctor.Hair transplantation is a lengthy and delicate procedure that requires careful handling of the follicles from extraction through transplantation. Therefore, the training and experience of the medical team are critical to preserving the follicles.Another factor is the patient’s failure to follow post-operative instructions.
During the first 10 days in particular, patients need to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding washing, sleeping positions, physical activity, and direct exposure to sunlight.If a patient returns to work the following day, engages in strenuous physical activity, or fails to follow proper aftercare instructions, some follicles may become displaced from their positions, affecting their blood supply and ability to grow.
What about smokers?
Does smoking prevent a patient from undergoing a hair transplant?Smokers can undergo the procedure, but they should significantly reduce their smoking and strictly follow their doctor’s instructions during the post-operative period, particularly during the first few months.Smoking can affect recovery and blood flow to tissues and hair follicles
With the growing number of hair transplantation centers, how can patients ensure that a center and doctor are trustworthy?
The first thing a patient should verify is whether the center is properly licensed. Patients have the right to request to see the center’s license.They should also ask about the doctor performing the procedure, including the doctor’s academic qualifications and specialty.
In Egypt, patients can verify a doctor’s professional information through the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, including academic qualifications, registration status, and specialty. This service is available to the public, and every patient has the right to verify such information before undergoing the procedure.
Do you receive patients who have undergone hair transplantation at unqualified centers and did not achieve the desired results?
Yes. This happens frequently.Some patients choose centers because their prices are low, only to discover later that the results were not satisfactory.
They then turn to other centers seeking treatment or corrective procedures.Patients should understand that price should not be the only factor determining their choice, particularly because hair transplantation is a delicate procedure that requires a specialized doctor, a trained medical team, and appropriate facilities.
How do you assess Egypt’s position on the hair transplantation map? Has Egypt become a destination for patients from abroad?
Egypt now has considerable expertise in hair transplantation, both among doctors and medical teams, particularly because the procedure requires time, effort, and a highly trained professional team.
There are numerous centers in Cairo and Alexandria, and it has become possible to attract patients from abroad who follow the results shared on social media and then come to Egypt to undergo the procedure themselves.
Do you have figures indicating the volume of international demand?
It is difficult to determine an overall figure for the number of hair transplantation procedures performed in Egypt.
However, at our center, approximately 50% of our clients over the past three months have been from outside Egypt. This percentage reflects the level of demand among international patients.
In my view, this demand reflects confidence in the quality of Egyptian doctors, medical teams, and services in the field of hair transplantation. It also confirms that Egypt has become a leading destination with a notable presence in this field.Hair transplantation costs vary from one center to another and from one country to another.
What factors determine the price of the procedure?
The cost of hair transplantation varies according to several factors, including the doctor’s experience, the technique used, the number of follicles required, and the geographical location of the center.In Egypt, there are various price ranges.
In Alexandria, prices generally range from EGP 15,000 to EGP 30,000 depending on the patient’s condition, while prices in Cairo generally start at higher levels.Some doctors with international experience also charge higher fees due to their years of expertise and academic positions.Ultimately, success rates tend to be comparable among specialized centers that adhere to sound medical standards and use modern techniques.
What explains the significant differences in prices among doctors and centers?
The difference is not related solely to the procedure itself. It also reflects the doctor’s academic and practical experience, international certifications, participation in research, and membership in specialized international societies.This is why some of the most prominent names in hair transplantation charge higher fees. This is generally related to their experience and professional reputation rather than a fundamental difference in the steps of the procedure itself.
How do you view Egypt’s current position in medical tourism and hair transplantation?
Egypt has become a strong competitor in the field of medical tourism in recent years and has received increasing support and attention from the state.
At the private-sector level, hair transplantation has developed significantly thanks to the modernization of techniques and the growing level of expertise among Egyptian medical professionals.
Confidence among Arab and foreign clients in Egyptian doctors has also increased, while the results achieved by Egyptian centers have become an important factor attracting patients from abroad.
Has Egypt become a genuine competitor to Turkey in hair transplantation?
Yes. There is a growing trend among patients, particularly from the Gulf countries, toward Egypt.This is due to several factors, most notably competitive pricing compared with the services provided, quality results, ease of communication in Arabic, and patients’ ability to view actual results of previous cases through social media platforms.All of these factors have made Egypt a preferred destination for an increasingly large segment of people seeking hair transplantation.
What are the main advantages encouraging foreign patients to choose Egypt?
The advantages include combining quality with affordable costs, qualified medical expertise, ease of cultural and linguistic communication, and the nature of Egyptian hospitality, which provides patients with a sense of comfort and confidence throughout their treatment journey.