Hair Transplants Demystified: A Conversation with Dr Mayank Singh, founder of CROWN

An interview with Dr Mayank Singh, Hair Transplant Expert, certified plastic surgeon and founder of CROWN

In the realm of hair restoration, Dr Mayank Singh has emerged as a leading expert, combining his skills as a certified plastic surgeon with a passion for helping individuals regain their confidence.

As the founder of CROWN, he has pioneered innovative techniques in hair transplantation. In this interview, we delve into Dr Singh’s journey, his approach to hair restoration, and the transformative impact of his work on countless lives.

What inspired you to specialize in hair transplant surgery, and how did you establish CROWN as a leading clinic in this field?

Dr Mayank Singh: As a child, I always aspired to become a doctor. However, once I entered medical college and began performing dissections and practical procedures, I quickly realized that my true passion lay in surgery.

During my general surgery training, I was determined to achieve the highest qualifications in the field at the earliest possible stage. This ambition led me to pursue an MCh (Magister Chirurgiae), the highest surgical degree attainable in India.

Following this, I sought international exposure through fellowships in the USA, Brazil, and other countries, where I trained under renowned experts in aesthetic surgery and hair transplantation.

One of the most transformative experiences was working with Dr. Michael Beehner, which solidified my interest in hair restoration.

I was particularly drawn to the field because, even in its early stages, I observed that hair transplant results could be remarkably effective.

Over time, I assembled and trained a dedicated team, refining techniques to deliver outstanding outcomes. I also recognized a significant gap in India’s hair restoration industry—there were few clinics or practitioners providing results that were not only medically sound but also aesthetically superior.

Additionally, the level of service and patient experience in this field did not match the standards of luxury and excellence that I envisioned.

With this in mind, I set out to establish a center that would redefine the hair transplant experience, ensuring that every aspect—from surgical expertise to patient care—was world-class.

My goal was not just to achieve exceptional surgical results but also to create an environment where patients feel they are receiving the highest level of care in a premium setting.

I firmly believe that focusing on a single specialty, dedicating oneself to it daily, and continuously striving for excellence leads to mastery. This philosophy has been the driving force behind my commitment to hair restoration.

What advancements in hair transplant technology have you found most exciting in recent years?

Dr Mayank Singh: The advancements in hair transplant technology can be better understood by looking at its evolution.

In the early 1900s, procedures like hair flaps and scalp reductions were used to cover bald areas, but they often resulted in unnatural aesthetics and scarring.

Later, macro punch grafting was introduced, where groups of 10–12 follicles were implanted, but the results appeared unnatural, resembling “doll’s hair.”

A major breakthrough came with Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), where a strip of scalp tissue was removed, divided into individual follicular units, and implanted in the recipient area.

This technique significantly improved the natural appearance of transplanted hair. Further advancements led to Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), where individual follicles were extracted using micro punches, leaving minimal scarring and enabling faster recovery.

Initially, FUE results were less refined than FUT, but improvements in extraction tools and harvesting techniques have since enhanced its effectiveness.

More recent innovations include improved precision tools that minimize damage to the donor area and instantaneous harvesting and implantation, which have increased follicle survival rates to 95–97%.

Robotic hair transplantation has also emerged, but it remains limited due to higher damage rates, restricted harvesting capabilities, and significantly higher costs.

While some international centers offer robotic procedures, they do not yet provide a clear advantage over manual techniques performed by skilled surgeons.

With continuous advancements, the focus remains on refining techniques, improving outcomes, and ensuring a seamless, natural, and aesthetically superior hair restoration experience.

What are some common misconceptions about hair transplant procedures that you encounter?

Dr Mayank Singh:  There are several misconceptions surrounding hair transplant procedures that we frequently encounter.

Some of the most common concerns include fears about the safety of the procedure, with misconceptions that it can be life-threatening or lead to severe complications.

Misbeliefs such as hair transplants causing infections, vision loss, scalp cancer, memory loss, or even sexual dysfunction in males are widely circulated but completely unfounded.

In reality, hair transplantation is a safe and well-established procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or a dermatologist trained in surgical techniques.

Dermatologists, by default, are not extensively trained in hair transplant surgery, so additional specialization in dermatosurgery or hair restoration is essential for optimal outcomes.

Another widespread myth is the belief that hair transplants are largely ineffective or only necessary for advanced baldness (grades 5–7).

Many corporate entities and businesses in the multi-billion-dollar hair industry promote misleading information, often suggesting that hair transplants do not work or that hair loss at early stages (grades 2–4) can be fully treated with medication alone.

However, this is inaccurate. While medications can help maintain existing hair, they cannot restore lost hairlines or regrow hair in completely bald areas.

Proper assessment is crucial for determining the best course of action. A qualified specialist must conduct an in-person scalp evaluation, including a trichoscopic analysis to assess hair follicle health, the progression of baldness, donor hair availability, and genetic predisposition.

Treatment recommendations should be based on these findings rather than generic online consultations or “customized solutions” offered remotely, which are often misleading and ineffective.

Another common misconception is that hair transplantation is not suitable for women, primarily due to concerns about shaving the head.

However, modern techniques allow for hair transplantation without shaving, making the procedure viable for female patients as well.

Advanced technologies and refined surgical methods have made hair restoration highly customizable, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Ultimately, the key to a successful hair transplant lies in seeking consultation from a qualified and experienced professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan based on scientific evaluation rather than misinformation.

How do you address concerns about the safety and effectiveness of hair transplant procedures?

Dr Mayank Singh: When discussing the safety and efficacy of hair transplant procedures, it is essential to consider both medical preparedness and the expertise of the surgeon.

To ensure patient safety, we conduct a thorough clinical evaluation to confirm medical fitness for the procedure.

This includes assessing scalp health, conducting comprehensive blood investigations, and ensuring that all test results fall within normal ranges to prevent any complications.

Once these assessments are complete, the reports are reviewed by an independent physician, who provides a medical clearance certificate before proceeding with the surgery.

On the day of the procedure, we administer a test dose of the local anesthetic to rule out any allergic reactions. Throughout the surgery, an anesthetist remains on standby, and all necessary emergency protocols are in place.

Our facility is fully equipped with emergency medications, an anesthesia machine, intubation kits, defibrillators, and other critical life-saving equipment.

Additionally, we have a tie-up with a nearby hospital, ensuring rapid medical intervention if required. However, due to our stringent safety measures, we have never encountered a situation where a patient needed to be transferred for emergency care.

As plastic surgeons, we are well-versed in surgical procedures and potential complications, ensuring that all safety parameters are meticulously maintained.

The efficacy of a hair transplant largely depends on who performs the procedure. At our clinic, every step is carried out by the surgeon, minimizing the chances of suboptimal results.

Complications arise when procedures are delegated to unqualified technicians, a widespread issue in the industry today.

Alarmingly, over 90% of hair transplant surgeries in India are conducted entirely by technicians rather than qualified doctors.

Every day, we receive job applications from technicians who have previously worked in clinics where they performed the harvesting and implantation of follicles without any direct involvement from a surgeon.

This raises concerns about patient safety and the quality of results. Many clinics perform multiple surgeries in a single day, which is unrealistic if done correctly.

A well-executed transplant of 2,500 to 3,000 follicles takes approximately five to six hours, extending to eight hours with necessary breaks.

At CROWN, we prioritize quality over quantity, performing only one procedure per day to ensure optimal results.

Ultimately, when surgical tasks are delegated to unqualified staff, both safety and efficacy are compromised.

Patients must be vigilant when choosing a clinic, ensuring that their procedure is performed by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome.

What future developments do you foresee in the field of hair restoration?

Dr Mayank Singh: In the evolving landscape of hair restoration, two major areas of research are showing promising potential: stem cell therapy and hair cloning.

Significant advancements are being made in stem cell-based therapies, particularly in isolating and utilizing growth factors and stem cells in a targeted manner.

The goal is to develop non-surgical solutions where these isolated components can be injected into the scalp to regenerate hair follicles that are either dormant or on the verge of dying.

This could revolutionize hair restoration by offering effective, non-invasive alternatives for patients. Another exciting frontier is hair cloning.

Imagine a scenario where a patient has a limited donor area due to prior procedures or naturally scanty hair at the back of the scalp.

With cloning, we could extract as few as 40–50 hair follicles and multiply them in a lab setting to produce 15,000–20,000 follicles, which can then be implanted.

This would eliminate the challenge of donor area limitations, enabling us to treat patients who were previously considered ineligible for transplantation.

In my 15 years of clinical experience, I’ve had to turn away approximately 30–35 patients due to insufficient donor hair.

These future innovations could change that entirely—making hair restoration accessible and effective even for those with severe limitations in donor availability.

The possibilities these technologies offer are not just exciting—they’re transformative for the field and for the lives of patients seeking advanced hair restoration solutions.

What advice would you give to someone considering a hair transplant?

Dr Mayank Singh: For anyone considering a hair transplant, the most crucial factor to evaluate is the surgeon performing the procedure.

It is essential to verify their qualifications—ideally, they should be a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or a trained surgeon with extensive experience in hair restoration. While every expert starts somewhere, you do not want to be a test case for someone still learning.

Opting for a surgeon with a proven track record of successful procedures significantly increases the likelihood of a safe and effective outcome.

In today’s digital era, many clinics falsely claim results by showcasing images that are not their own. Patients should not rely solely on online testimonials or promotional materials.

Instead, ask for references—request contact details of previous patients who have undergone the procedure at that clinic.

Speaking with them directly via phone or video calls, or meeting them in person if possible, provides invaluable insight into their experience and results.

Examining the naturalness of their hairline and overall coverage is a reliable way to assess the quality of work performed.

While hair growth itself is a relatively straightforward biological process, achieving a natural-looking hairline and seamless integration of transplanted follicles requires exceptional skill.

Unfortunately, in more than 90% of clinics today, non-qualified technicians perform hair transplants, which is both unethical and illegal.

The true challenge lies in delivering an aesthetically pleasing outcome where the procedure is undetectable and the results blend naturally with the patient’s existing hair.

Transparency between the patient and the surgeon is vital. Beware of intermediaries, such as social media influencers or YouTubers, who promote clinics in exchange for commissions. This practice has led to widespread misinformation and misguidance within the industry.

In response, the Indian Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons has submitted guidelines to regulatory bodies, and legal reforms are expected to bring greater oversight to this currently unregulated field.

Ultimately, a reputable clinic should be led by a highly qualified surgeon who prioritizes ethical practices, provides realistic expectations rather than false promises, and avoids misleading package deals. Hair transplantation is a meticulous, skill-intensive procedure that requires expertise and precision.

By carefully selecting a qualified professional and thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the procedure, patients can ensure a safe, effective, and natural-looking outcome.

Dr Mayank Singh’s dedication to excellence in hair transplantation is evident in his innovative practices at CROWN.

His insights not only highlight the advancements in the field but also emphasize the emotional significance of hair restoration for many individuals.

As he continues to lead the way in this specialized area, Dr. Singh remains committed to enhancing the lives of his patients, proving that confidence can truly be restored.

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