1. We have now added follicular unit extraction (suture less hair transplantation) by a new method called using SAFE system. This makes the method faster with less transection of hairs .As explained in FAQ section, FUT is a method of extracting individual units with a small 0-8-1mm instrument. The advantages claimed are that this does not need suture on the back of the head and the scars are minute. It is thus suitable for those who are scared of a suture such as women. This method also is suitable for body hair transplantation, for those without sufficient donor area.

However, there are major limitations with this method:

a) It is suitable only for certain patients who have easily extractable units
b) It is much slower and the number of grafts transplanted in each session is much less.
c) Many hair follicles are damaged during the process of extraction
d) Because it is slower, the cost of transplantation per graft is more and the technique is hence more expensive.

Dr. Venkataram underwent a workshop in the international conference at Sydney (see below). The consensus of opinion on this issue is that while the new techniques and instruments for FUT address some of these limitations partially and have taken the technique forward, the method still has limitations and at present can be offered only to a selected category of patients and for people with small areas of hair loss. There is much internet hype about this technique, with many unsubstantiated claims. Hence patients are advised to seek proper information and understand the limitations while seeking this treatment.

2. New method of donor closure: One of the main concerns with the strip method has been that many patients are worried about the donor scar. A new method called trichophytic closure was discussed in 2005 Sydney Conference of International Society for Hair Restoration. This method consists of a special way of strip closure, in such a way that the hairs grow through the scar and hence the scar is not apparent. This method has been adopted in our centre successfully. We now use it in all our patients.

3. New method for making hairline more natural by using laser for hair line

4. Body hair transplantation: Body hair transplantation is a new technique for people without sufficient donor area. The body hair follicles are extracted individually by a special technique and then transplanted in to the donor area. This technique has opened up a new area for those patients in advanced hair loss, who were previously denied of any treatment.

However, we would like to clarify here that body hair behaves differently from scalp hair and has a different growth cycle. One obvious question is whether body hair would grow long and thick when transplanted. Preliminary results available show that they do grow much longer than they do on the body, possible because of the influence of scalp skin. However, the technique is new and long term results of the technique are not yet known. Hence these facts need to be understood before undertaking this surgery. Also body hair transplantation is more expensive than conventional transplantation

Our International clientele: We are happy to announce that we have had many patients from USA and UK. This reflects our lower costs and excellent results.

Conference news:

Dr Venkataram is on the faculty for world congress in dermatology at Buenos Airies October 2007 ;he is also chairperson for a session.

July 2007: Dr Venkataram spoke as a guest speaker at IMCAS ASIA at Bangkok( International masters course on ageing skin) , on follicular unit transplantation and targeted phototherapy for leucoderma.

January 2007: Dr Venkataram was awarded the prestigious Glaxo oration at Dermacon 2007 at Chennai; the national dermatology of conference of Indian dermatology association, and spoke on hair restoration; changing trends

December 2006: Dr Venkatarm was invited to speak at the International congress of cosmetic dermatology, Melbourne to speak on Indian experience of hair transplantation

November 2006: DR Venkataram spoke at the annual conference of cutaneus surgeons association of India at Delhi on hair transplantation.

August 2007: Dr Venkataram was invited to speak at Cairoderma; Afrcian dermatology conference Cairo .

Dr. Venkataram attended the international conference of International society for hair restoration at Sydney in august 2005. This is the premier annual event in hair restoration. Dr. Venkataram gave a lecture on his experience in Indian patients, as a member of the Asian faculty.

Our publications and presentations:

Dr Venkataram has co-authored a book: Dermatological diseases; step by step approach for general practioners.

His book Fundamentals in Pathology of skin is being published as its third edition.

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