By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Hair loss – often brushed aside as a superficial concern, it can strike a profound blow to an individual’s self-perception and emotional equilibrium. Dr. Arvind Sobarun, a dedicated specialist in hair transplant surgery at the Centre de Chirurgie Esthétique de l’Océan Indien, offers a crucial counterpoint. With over a decade immersed in the intricacies of hair restoration medicine, his perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of both the medical and personal dimensions of this condition.
“While hair loss might seem like a cosmetic issue on the surface, its impact on a person’s confidence and overall quality of life can be significant,” Dr. Sobarun states. He emphasises that thinning hair can frequently be a red flag for underlying health issues, ranging from hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies to the pervasive effects of psychological stress. “This is why a thorough medical evaluation is paramount. It’s not just about identifying the cause; it’s about charting a course towards safe, effective, and truly personalised solutions for each patient.”
Drawing upon his rigorous training at the esteemed Faculty of Medicine in Lyon, France, and a wealth of experience encompassing thousands of successful procedures, Dr. Sobarun seamlessly integrates both cutting-edge surgical and evidence-based non-surgical approaches in his practice. His expertise encompasses advanced hair grafting techniques, including the minimally invasive FUE Sapphire method, alongside innovative regenerative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and mesotherapy. “Our treatment protocols are firmly grounded in scientific evidence and are always meticulously tailored to the individual needs of the patient,” he notes. “Beyond the technical skill, truly listening to our patients and providing unwavering long-term support are the cornerstones of achieving successful and lasting outcomes.”
Dr. Sobarun outlines a comprehensive three-stage approach to treatment:
- Stabilisation: The initial phase focuses on arresting the progression of hair loss through proven medical therapies, often enhanced by regenerative treatments such as PRP.
- Restoration: For individuals experiencing more advanced hair loss, surgical options like the precise FUE Sapphire hair transplantation technique may be considered for suitable candidates.
- Maintenance: Long-term follow-up care is critical for sustained success. “Ongoing monitoring allows us to preserve the achieved results, adapt treatments as necessary, and provide continuous support to our patients,” explains Dr. Sobarun.
A key message Dr. Sobarun consistently conveys is the vital importance of seeking early consultation. “The donor area – the region from which hair for transplantation is harvested – is a finite resource. As hair loss advances, the quality and extent of this area can become compromised,” he cautions. “Timely medical assessment is crucial to preserve the full spectrum of therapeutic options, and in many instances, early intervention can even help patients avoid the need for surgery altogether.”
For Dr. Sobarun, the field of hair medicine transcends mere aesthetic enhancement; it represents a holistic approach to well-being. “Ultimately, this work is about much more than just restoring hair. It’s about empowering individuals to feel complete again – physically, emotionally, and psychologically. True hair restoration is a transformative journey towards renewed self-confidence and an enhanced sense of well-being.”
The emotional landscape of hair loss:
Dr. Sobarun underscores the significant emotional toll hair loss can take. “The impact on self-image and confidence is profound. Many of my patients share feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and even sadness, particularly when hair loss occurs rapidly or prematurely. It’s not uncommon for them to withdraw socially, feel prematurely aged, or grapple with increased anxiety. Witnessing their renewed confidence and uplifted mood as treatment progresses is truly rewarding. The transformation extends far beyond physical appearance, often reigniting their sense of identity and overall well-being.”
Harnessing the power of PRP and mesotherapy:
Dr. Sobarun sheds light on the mechanisms of regenerative therapies. “PRP therapy leverages the body’s own healing capabilities. We draw a small blood sample, process it to concentrate the platelets, and then strategically inject this platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. The concentrated growth factors released by these platelets stimulate dormant hair follicles and contribute to improved hair density.”
He further explains mesotherapy: “This technique involves delivering microinjections of a customised blend of essential vitamins, amino acids, and other vital nutrients directly into the scalp. This nourishes the hair follicles at their root, enhances blood circulation in the scalp, and promotes the growth of healthier, stronger hair. Both PRP and mesotherapy are frequently integrated with medical therapies to effectively stabilise hair loss and encourage robust regrowth.”
The precision advantage of FUE Sapphire:
Dr. Sobarun highlights the advancements in surgical techniques. “The FUE Sapphire technique represents a significant evolution in Follicular Unit Extraction. Instead of traditional steel blades, we utilize blades crafted from sapphire. This allows for the creation of recipient sites with exceptional precision, resulting in less trauma to the scalp, accelerated healing, and remarkably natural-looking outcomes. The fine control afforded by sapphire blades allows us to meticulously manage the angle and direction of each graft placement. Compared to older, more invasive strip techniques, FUE Sapphire is minimally invasive, leaves no linear scarring, and facilitates a quicker recovery with reduced discomfort for the patient.”
Unravelling the common causes and types of hair loss:
“The most prevalent type of hair loss I encounter is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness, which has a strong genetic predisposition,” Dr. Sobarun clarifies. “However, we also see numerous cases triggered by factors such as chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations (including thyroid disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), nutritional deficiencies (like iron or vitamin D), and temporary shedding following illness (telogen effluvium). Accurate diagnosis is absolutely crucial, as each distinct type of hair loss necessitates a tailored treatment strategy. What proves effective for one condition may not be suitable for another.”
The undeniable role of lifestyle factors:
Dr. Sobarun emphasises the interconnectedness of lifestyle and hair health. “Lifestyle choices exert a considerable influence on hair health. Chronic stress, restrictive crash diets, insufficient sleep, and the use of harsh hair treatments can all contribute to hair thinning and loss. I consistently advise my patients to prioritise a well-balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins, implement effective stress management techniques, and avoid excessive heat or harsh chemical treatments on their hair. Making even small, positive lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve scalp health and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.”
Navigating long-term expectations and maintenance:
“It’s essential for patients to understand that hair restoration is typically a long-term journey, rather than a single, quick fix,” Dr. Sobarun advises. “While significant improvements can be achieved with a well-designed treatment plan, sustaining these results often requires ongoing care. This may involve regular PRP sessions, the use of topical or oral medications, and consistent follow-up assessments. Our realistic goals are to halt further hair loss, improve overall hair density, and ultimately restore the patient’s confidence. Given that hair loss is often a progressive condition, long-term monitoring and necessary treatment adjustments are key to achieving lasting success.”
